Our therapists offer addiction counseling in Watertown, MA

Alicia Smith has dedicated 19 years to the field of social work, with 12 of those years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is committed to helping individuals navigate their most difficult challenges. Alicia’s focus is centered on trauma, particularly related to intimate partner violence and sexual assault. She has worked with a diverse range of clients experiencing mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. Additionally, her certification as a master addiction counselor has equipped her to provide specialized support to individuals struggling with substance abuse and alcohol dependence.

Alicia earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Tennessee. She draws from a variety of approaches, such as trauma-focused therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, person-centered therapy, and motivational interviewing. Her goal is to guide clients toward becoming healthier versions of themselves while addressing their specific challenges.

Alicia understands that seeking help can be a difficult step, especially when facing trauma, anxiety, or life’s overwhelming challenges. She creates a safe environment where clients can process their experiences and confidently move forward. If you're ready to take the next step in your journey toward healing, Alicia invites you to reach out.

Hannah Fishman is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). Hannah has been working in the mental health field for five years. Hannah is passionate about working with adults (18+) who are struggling with a wide variety of mental health issues and looking for guidance and support. Hannah specializes in anxiety, depression, personality disorders, stress, and anger issues, as well as those battling co-occurring disorders, including mental health diagnoses and substance abuse disorders.

Hannah holds a master's in social work from Our Lady of the Lake University. Hannah utilizes cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, client-centered therapy, and motivational interviewing to help her clients learn healthier ways to cope, grow, and work toward their personal goals.

Hannah believes that individuals are able to learn from difficult situations they have experienced or are dealing with by addressing debilitating thoughts and emotions. She is confident she can help you feel heard and accepted in a safe and therapeutic space. If you are ready to become the best version of you, book an appointment with her today!

Kelsey Quinn is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who has been working in the mental health field for 10 years collaborating with a diverse population of adults needing psychotherapeutic counseling and support. Kelsey has provided clinical assessments and therapeutic care to adults seeking assistance with depression/anxiety, substance use disorders, major mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, life transitions, and LGBTQIA difficulties. 

Kelsey completed her bachelor’s degree in Counseling with a minor in Psychology and her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lesley University. She utilizes collaborative, strengths-based, cognitive behavioral, motivational interviewing, solution focused, and emotionally focused approaches to therapy while always striving for individualized care in order to meet the needs for each specific and unique individual. 

Kelsey seeks to establish a warm caring relationship with you in order to assist in building your strengths, innate talents, learned skills, passions, and interests while assisting you in meeting your goals to build a more meaningful life that you value and desire. Kelsey possesses a refreshing energy as well as an impassioned yearning to truly help people. 

Meghan Kelley is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who has 5 years of experience in the mental health field. Meg has experience working with adults in both individual and group counseling. She treats a variety of issues, including anger management, stress management, reintegration from incarceration to society, anxiety, mood, trauma, personality, and substance use disorders. 

Meg completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology at Boston University and her Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Forensic and Correctional Counseling at William James College. Believing in each individual’s potential for growth, Meg’s approach is person-centered combined with solution-focused and cognitive behavioral concepts. She maintains the flexibility, creativity, and awareness necessary to best meet the needs of her clients. 

Meg believes the most important aspect of therapy is developing rapport and trust with her clients in order to help them build on their unique strengths and meet their treatment needs and goals. She recognizes the barriers to therapy and values the privilege it is to help clients improve their mental health and live a more fulfilling life. 

Eileen Garrigan is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). She has been practicing for the past 20 years and works with adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families. Eileen is familiar with working with clients who have experienced or are experiencing trauma, relationship difficulties, anxiety, stress, grief, chronic illness, depression, and life transitions. 

Eileen has a post-graduate certificate in Family Systems Solution Focused Therapy. When clients enter the therapeutic process, she is sensitive to their belief systems and current frame of mind. Therapy can provide clients with the tools to change perceptions, increase rational thinking, improve thought and communication patterns, and increase the level of healthy relationships. Her approach is to provide a safe, nonjudgemental space to explore the past, present, and future. Therapy gives clients the opportunity to be seen and heard in a safe, accepting environment. Sincerity, empathy, compassion, and authenticity are all important to the therapeutic relationship.  

As a therapist, Eileen takes an active role in listening, empowering, and supporting her clients' subjective experiences. Together, you can examine the patterns that tend to influence dysfunctional belief systems. She combines techniques of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, Creative Arts Therapies, Brief Dynamic Therapy, Psychoanalysis, and Solution Focused Therapy. 

David is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 15 years of experience in mental health. He is passionate about helping individuals and couples work through their issues in a way that promotes hope. David specializes in anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, relationship issues, and major life transitions. David completed his Master of Mental Health Counseling at Cambridge College. Like many therapists, David found his passion for mental health through his own experiences and recovery from substance abuse, which, combined with his professional experience, allows him to have deep compassion and understanding for his clients.

His approach to treatment is multi-dimensional using a person-centered and strength-based approach, using techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and exposure therapy.

David takes an exclusive approach to each individual to meet them where they are and creates a journey that provides light for the path ahead from day one. If this sounds like a good fit for you schedule an appointment with David today!

Lee Walker is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), and a former member of a military Special Operations unit with 45 years of experience in mental health/addictions treatment. He is very concerned regarding the impact of trauma (frequently underrated) and the disease course of addictions (also frequently underrated). He is optimistic that significant life improvement is possible for his clients, and is committed to working with them to see that potential. Leon’s specialties are PTDS, trauma, and addictions.

Lee earned his Bachelor's in Abnormal Psychology at Clark University and Master's at Assumption University. His military background exposed him to a wide range of life circumstances and difficulties that impact people—many of whom have given up hope. Lee teaches his clients to use rational emotive therapy and reality therapy to manage symptoms on their own.

Lee believes that all clients have the potential to conduct self-therapy so they have clinical tools and interventions at all times.

Erin Mahoney is a Resident Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 2 years of experience supporting adolescents, adults, and veterans through life’s emotional challenges. A proud USAF veteran, she understands the strength it takes to seek help and the power of feeling seen and supported. Erin helps clients navigate depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and relationship struggles using a warm, collaborative approach focused on healing and connection.

Erin earned her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Cambridge College. She integrates emotional freedom techniques, tapping, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and holistic practices to help clients regulate emotions, build resilience, and improve relationships. Her approach is trauma-informed and tailored to each client’s needs.

Erin offers a nonjudgmental, empowering space where clients feel safe to explore their challenges and goals. She believes healing begins with connection and works alongside clients to deepen self-awareness, reclaim peace, and move forward with purpose. Whether it's your first step or your fiftieth, Erin welcomes you to begin the journey.

Liz Kariotis-Rice is a Clinical Social Worker trained with a psychodynamic focus at New York University. She has expanded beyond that lens to a more humanistic, strength-based, and solution-focused one, based upon her experience working with a very diverse range of clients in settings ranging from community health centers to major hospitals to outpatient addiction treatment centers to street outreach and drop-in centers for the homeless. Her passions include working with people who have challenges in any of the following areas: sexuality, gender, ADHD, addiction, HIV, fertility, adoption, and parenting, and my professional experience includes but is not limited to helping people struggling with grief/loss, anxiety, depression, and trauma.

When working with Liz, it is paramount that clients understand therapy is a process that requires work from both the client and the therapist, and the work is not limited to just within the session for the client. She encourages clients to take as much responsibility as they can when caring for their physical, emotional, and spiritual health because while the therapist can certainly provide wisdom, guidance, and redirection, ultimately the strength, courage, and power to heal are within each and every individual client.

Liz's personal approach is to see beyond diagnoses and problems, and her style is transparent and somewhat nontraditional. She hopes through her work with individuals to be able to bring out their strengths behind the struggles, to point out the achievements where they see shortcomings, and to instill hope, no matter how dire the straits and bleak the outlook may look. Her therapeutic superpower is her ability to engage, connect, and build rapport with a wide range of people.

"If you are looking for a therapist who has many years of personal and professional experience with LGBTQ+ issues, addiction recovery, ADHD, grief/loss, infertility, adoption, and parenting, feel free to reach out to me," says Liz. "When I am not spending time with my four young children, four dogs, and two cats, I'm cooking, gardening, cycling, doing carpentry and art projects, listening to music, playing and watching sports, or enjoying the comfort of friends and fellowship."

Angelo Conti is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who works with adults seeking help with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, men’s issues, and more. Angelo completed his Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology at Stonehill College and his Masters of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at William James College.

Angelo uses an eclectic approach from his years studying under those of different psychoeducational backgrounds. He focuses on cognitive behavioral, mindfulness and meditation, and client-centered approaches to allow clients to explore what is going on in a way that feels most comfortable and appropriate for them.

Angelo looks to create a strong and empathic relationship with you in order to be beneficial with exploring issues as well as solutions, whether that be through setting goals or gaining clarity on different topics.

Russ MacKay is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, where he has worked with teens, families, couples, and individuals in a variety of settings. He loves to connect with others to help them overcome their current challenges, heal from what they have been through, and learn to thrive in the present and future. Russ specializes in working with obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment, and personality disorders, as well as working with relationship issues in couples and families.

Russ earned his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix. The main therapeutic modalities that Russ uses in therapy include dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, structured family therapy, internal family systems, eye movement desensitization reprocessing, and mindfulness-based therapies.

Russ truly values each person, sees them as an individual with incalculable worth, and works with them to help them find the path they are looking for in life. If you are ready to walk that path, then feel free to reach out today and set an appointment!

Danielle Simon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Massachusetts with 15 years of professional work treating various behavioral health disorders. Together, you will identify your behavioral health needs and learn strategies that work best to improve your mental health. She has a wide range of experience with disorders, including bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, PTSD, mood disorders, and substance use disorders. Danielle earned a Master of Social Work in Mental Health from Boston College. She believes in treating everyone with respect and empathy.

Danielle has a person-centered approach focused on care, support, and treatment elements that matter most to you. She uses various treatment modalities: CBT, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, strength-based therapy, and couples therapy.

Identifying the root causes of behavioral health issues can be challenging, so Danielle will stick with clients through the journey to help them find those causes. If you are ready to take this journey with Danielle, schedule an appointment today.

Douglas Gorman is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. Douglas has worked in child stabilization, residential substance abuse counseling, leadership in homeless and adult stabilization services, and individual therapy. He helps clients facing trauma, addiction, anxiety, family conflict, and life transitions who are ready to make meaningful changes in their lives.

Douglas earned a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University. He uses a trauma-informed, client-centered approach that supports clients in making informed decisions and building lives they value. He creates a safe, nonjudgmental space for clients to explore their emotions and patterns with care and clarity.

Douglas understands how hard it can be to reach out. His warm, supportive style helps clients feel safe, seen, and heard. He meets each person where they are as they move toward greater emotional wellness, stability, and self-understanding. Douglas welcomes you to take that first step toward healing.

Beth Curran is a Resident Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 1 year of experience working with families, adolescents, and adults of all ages on issues ranging from depression and anxiety and grief and loss to substance use, relationship dynamics, and life transitions. Grounded in a person-centered approach, she aids clients in solving problems, strengthening relationships, building insight, and coping more effectively with life stressors.

Beth received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. She utilizes a range of interventions including dialectical behavior therapy, family systems therapy, solution-focused therapy, and existential psychotherapy.

With humor, curiosity, and a strength-based, insight-oriented, relational approach to therapy, Beth supports her clients' personal growth. If you are ready to build self-awareness and self-esteem and create meaningful change, schedule with Beth today!

Christian Hanson is a Resident Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 2 years of experience working closely with the substance use population as well as the 18-35 age group. He specializes in issues surrounding sobriety, college life, family issues, interpersonal communication, relationships, work-related stress, and motivation, among others. He is well versed in helping clients experiencing crises, as well as those who are dealing with more common life experiences such as anxiety and depression. Christian believes clients can find ways to measurably increase their quality of life, no matter their struggles.

Christian received his Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Massachusetts Boston. He utilizes a deep understanding of the intricacies of both dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients understand, in simple terms, how to regain agency in their lives.

Christian has helped many clients discover what their ideal life looks like, and identify the steps needed to get there. If you feel you are lost in your mental health journey, he may be able to help you as well. Reach out to schedule an initial appointment with Christian today.

Baran Kamyab is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over 6 years of experience. She specializes in treating women's issues, stress, depression, anxiety, family issues, work-life balance issues, grief, addiction, behavioral issues, and much more.

Baran completed her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis and has since continued into the PsyD program. The treatment modalities that Baran practices are psychoanalytic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis.

Baran has found that the therapeutic relationship can be helpful if characterized by warmth, flexibility, openness, active engagement, and sensitivity. She looks forward to meeting you and beginning the journey to help you get started on the rest of your life. Schedule today.

Brittany Orlando is a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Massachusetts who has over 4 years of experience providing counseling to teens, adults, and seniors who are seeking help in coping with anxiety, depression, and difficult life transitions.

Brittany completed her Bachelor of Social Work in 2018 from Wheelock College in Boston, MA, and received her Master of Social Work in 2020 from Salem State University in Salem, MA. She understands that every client has different needs—that's why Brittany maintains flexibility in the approaches she implements to best fit clients' needs. She utilizes person-centered, strengths-based, and cognitive behavioral (CBT) approaches.

Individuals are the expert in their own lives, and her role is to help guide clients to meet their goals using their strengths. It is not easy for individuals to seek and engage in counseling— that's why Brittany takes great care to create an inclusive, safe space for everyone. She's looking forward to establishing a trusting, working relationship with you.

Mahendran Radhakrishnan is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. He is passionate about working with children, adolescents, families, and adults. Mahendran specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, parenting skills, coparenting skills development, and major life transitions.

Mahendran completed his Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) at Simmons University School of Social Work. Mahendran is a first-generation child of immigrants. He understands the complexities of developing the self that exists in both worlds. As a BIPOC, Mahendran has been trained in and understands the importance of culturally sensitive interventions that will improve client functioning.

Mahendran is confident that he can build an alliance with you to help develop perspective and techniques that will overcome any difficulties that present themselves while you are working together. Schedule with him today.

Sue Gillis is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 40 years of experience supporting adults and seniors. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, addiction, and family or parenting challenges. Sue has worked in hospitals, outpatient clinics, residential care, and community health settings. Her clinical background includes service with the U.S. Army and the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Brockton, MA. Her approach is grounded in compassion, trust, and collaboration.

Sue holds 2 Master’s degrees in Public Health and Guidance and Counseling from Boston University. She uses evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and acceptance and commitment therapy to meet clients where they are.

Sue values the therapeutic relationship and considers walking alongside her clients an honor. She focuses on building trust and helping individuals enhance their quality of life. Sue believes counseling can support both large and small goals, empowering clients through each step of the healing process.

Vanessa Persaud is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. She also has her certification in alcohol and substance abuse counseling, trauma counseling, and grief counseling. She is a multicultural counselor who seeks to create positive relationships for individuals struggling with life stressors, adjustment disorders, depression, anxiety, grief, eating disorders, and trauma. Vanessa aids individuals struggling with burnout, self-care, and wellness-related issues. She also assists adults in dealing with addictive behaviors by teaching them how to avoid triggers and prevent relapse.

As a clinician, Vanessa's goal is to support her clients in reaching sobriety and in meeting their full potential while under her care. She works primarily with adults (18 years and older) helping them cope with stressful events in their lives. In therapy, she will work with clients to explore their thought processes and emotional patterns by using a series of techniques from various approaches. This can include cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, and/or motivational interviewing approaches. Vanessa will create a safe atmosphere where clients will feel cared for and obtain the highest quality of care. This includes being respectful, sincere, and compassionate in each client's struggles to achieve emotional independence.

Vanessa believes that everyone`s story and experience are unique. She wants to allow her clients to openly share their stressors, gain awareness, and assist them in building the confidence to find the solutions to their struggles. She will create a secure atmosphere where clients will feel appreciated and will obtain the highest quality of care while working towards achieving emotional independence.

Cheryl Boissy is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with over 35 years of experience. She works with a range of clients who are beset by trauma, conflict, relationship issues, anxiety, adjustment disorders, stress, substance use, marital issues, life problems, women's issues, trauma, and more. Cheryl has a solid background as a hospital-based clinician for treatment settings involving medical, addiction, and psychiatric recovery.

Cheryl earned Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Lowell, and her Master's degree in Social Work from Boston College. She works together with clients to improve their outlook, set realistic health goals, and improve their satisfaction, daily functioning, and self-esteem.

Cheryl is confident that her client-centered approach will appeal to you. Your decision to seek therapy is an important first step--she's here to engage you in treatment that will support your decision. Together you will move forward to establish a treatment plan that works for you.

Karen Lenahan is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 10 years of experience. She specializes in helping those struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, multicultural awareness, and crisis. Karen has always been enthralled by the enigmatic intricacies of the human mind and the emotions that define our experiences. Her unwavering aspiration to compassionately guide and support others is what set her on the path toward a career in therapy. Karen empowers clients to cultivate resilience, self-awareness, and hope on their path to healing by bringing a relaxed sense of compassion, empathy, and humor to the therapy session.

Karen has a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Lesley University. She tailors treatment to meet individual needs and concerns and uses approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, reality therapy, positive psychology, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based techniques.

Karen understands the importance of mental health and is committed to providing a safe and supportive space for her clients. She believes in the power of open communication and is here to help you on your journey towards mental well-being.

Samantha Rockwell is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with experience in multiple areas including outpatient, inpatient, day programs, community-based programs, correctional facilities, SOAP (structured outpatient addictions program), and PHP (partial hospitalization program). She has acquired skills that are necessary to provide an enhanced, safe, and well-educated therapeutic environment. Samantha has a Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling from Cambridge College

Samantha’s experience with dual diagnosis, mental health, and substance use has allowed her practice to grow and provide support with therapeutic interventions including CBT, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing. She enjoys meeting people where they are and accepting one and all.

Samantha’s support is empathetic and person-centered, and she is ready to reinforce individuals who are ready to either set or work toward established goals.

Monica White is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with 14 years of experience supporting individuals through life transitions, personal growth, and healing. As a trained yoga teacher, golfer, and founder of an active tennis group, she brings warmth and energy into her work. Monica developed a foundational mindset skills framework focused on core strengths, mindfulness, self-esteem, boundaries, career development, and healthy relationships across all ages.

Monica earned her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Arkansas. She uses interactive whiteboard “mind-mapping” and creative visuals to help clients explore mindset, motivation, identity, and emotional clarity. Her approach encourages self-awareness, goal-setting, and lifelong development from childhood to older age.

Monica helps clients increase clarity and life satisfaction by supporting daily self-care habits, navigating academic and relationship dynamics, and building personalized life plans. She invites clients to explore their voice, create meaningful change, and activate their strengths for lasting personal and professional growth.

Christina Chen is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 4 years experience in the mental health field, and 2 years in a college setting. She is passionate about assisting and supporting young to older adults in their experiences and challenges, with empathy and a hollistic view. Christina specializes in anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma.

Christina completed her Master's in Counseling Psychology at Regis College. She has a background working in the college setting, which provides experience in supporting individuals during a pivotal time in life. This, coupled with her experience in community mental health, enables her to provide a holistic approach that can pull from a clinical and case management perspective. Christina utilizes treatment approaches that include person-centered therapy (PCT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, solutions-focused therapy (SFT), and motivational interviewing (MI).

She can support you in gaining new insights and skills that allow you to see yourself as the amazing human you are with the ability to handle whatever life throws at you. Schedule an appointment with Christina today and take the next step in your journey toward wellness.

Meridith Nicholaev is a dedicated Mental Health Counselor seeking her licensure. She has 2 years of experience working with clients of diverse backgrounds and diagnoses at inpatient units and community-based programs. Her passion is to provide therapeutic care to adults seeking relief from anxiety, addiction, adjustment disorders, stress, and communication challenges. She believes building trust and rapport must be the cornerstone of any good therapeutic relationship to foster a supportive and safe environment. Anything can be said freely and without judgment and be met with warmth and empathy.

Meridith is a graduate of the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis with a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. Believing that every person is unique and has individual needs, Meridith incorporates a psychodynamic method, utilizing motivational interviewing with a humanistic, person-centered approach.

People deserve to feel seen and heard, and it's a privilege to be the one who listens and bears witness. It takes courage to seek treatment. If you are ready to take the next step, schedule an appointment with Meridith today.

Tia Burr is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with a unique understanding and passion for helping individuals and couples address their unique challenges and find healthy perceptions of themselves. Tia does this by realizing and capitalizing on her clients' personal strengths, to increase healthy coping skills and overall life fulfillment. She has 4 years of experience and specializes in substance use, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and major life transitions.

Tia completed her Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling Psychology at Framingham State University. She knows that no singular approach is appropriate for every individual, so she has been trained in a range of modalities including Rogerian, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), positive, and strength-based therapies.

Life is full of changes and challenges, and no one needs to go through these transitions alone. Tia is confident that she can provide support in these times by presenting new perspectives and strategies which will allow you to cope with whatever struggles you might be facing. If you are ready to create positive and lasting life changes, schedule an appointment with her today.