Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in West Springfield, MA

"As a man of color from a diverse cultural background, I understand the need to provide culturally appropriate care for patients and treat them with dignity and respect."

Joseph Okrah is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 7 years of experience in the mental health field. He specializes in treating individuals ages 14 and up who are dealing with PTSD, major depression disorder, general anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use. Joseph’s goal is to provide culturally appropriate care for all patients and to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Joseph has a Doctorate in Nurse Practice from Walden University. His practice focuses on looking at the client as a whole, taking into consideration their educational, medical, spiritual, interpersonal, and basic needs. Joseph is experienced in crisis management and medication management.

Joseph believes identifying struggles allows us to move forward with a better understanding of who we can be. He provides a safe, comfortable environment to prevent barriers and encourage interaction that will aid clients in reaching their goals. If you are ready to begin, contact Joseph today!

"As a former member of a special operations military unit, I understand and can empathize with directly- and indirectly-related issues."

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.

"As an individual who has worked with a wide variety of individuals from all backgrounds, I have come to understand the importance of striving to understand each individual’s unique life story and how best to support him/her to achieve his/her goals."

Catherine Patten is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over 12 years of professional experience helping teens, adults, and seniors to work through their anxiety, depression, anger, borderline personality disorder (BPD), poor coping skills, anxiety, dysfunctional relationships, low self-esteem, and more. 

Her past experience includes working in a mental health outreach program with individuals who struggle with chronic mental health issues. Catherine has also provided short-term therapy to individuals while working in this capacity. Catherine understands the importance of striving to understand each individual’s unique life story and how best to support him/her to achieve his/her goals. She's found schema therapy to be effective in working with many individuals across many walks of life.

Catherine enjoys using a strengths-based view with many clients, in which they can separate who they are from the challenges they have been through in their lives. She also uses motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT) at times to elicit goals and self-discovery.

Catherine is here to help you work through the past trauma and any associated negative self-dialogue that is often the result and part of what can cause clients to feel stuck. She's am here to listen, learn, and truly understand where you have been, where you are, and where you would like to be. Catherine believes it is an honor to be able to share in someone’s story and be able to offer support.

Jeffrey White is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over thirty years of experience providing empathic listening and compassionate understanding to adults, couples, and families looking to increase their insight and understanding into how they function, and relate to themselves and others to improve their quality of life. Jeffrey utilizes a strengths based, here and now approach, to address issues associated with depression, anxiety, PTSD, C-PTSD, relationship betrayal, stress management, self -esteem, codependency, life transition, anger management and grief/loss. Jeffrey integrates the use of attachment theory, DBT, CBT, psychodynamic, relational, and mindfulness- based approaches to help his clients build their strengths and achieve their goals. Jeffrey graduated from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts with a Bachelor of Arts degree and Simmons College in Boston with a Masters in Social Work.

"I believe one of the most important things I can do as your therapist is to provide a safe and supportive environment that allows for trust and exploration."

Christopher Hawkins (AKA Topher) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). He has spent years honing his skills in different settings working with children, adolescents, adults, and their families struggling with the impact trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar, and other mental health disorders can have on the individual, family, and their behaviors.

This experience, combined with the Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling earned at Lesley University, has shown the importance of working collaboratively with the individual, family, and community resources to create a complete picture of the client’s needs. Using both evidence-based practices and expressive therapies, Christopher works with the client to strengthen the apparatus they may require for growth and change.

Christopher’s goal for every person and family that he works with is for both the individual and family dynamic to increase their ability to enhance communication, access coping skills, and gain a deeper understanding of self and their relationship to self and others to promote healing and become more self-reliant. If you are ready to begin this journey, schedule an appointment with him today.

"Having worked in the community, I understand the importance of meeting the client where they are. "

Randall Paige Braun (Randi) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who offers counseling services to individuals, children, and families seeking support for mental health needs including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia. Randi has 3 years of experience in the mental health field.

Randi completed her Master of Science (MS) in Mental Health Counseling at Southern Connecticut State University. 

Randi hopes to build a trusting and supportive relationship with you in order to increase your success in therapy and in everyday life. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients understand their thought processes and reframe thoughts to be solution-focused. She also attempts to meet each of her clients where they are in their therapy journey through being client-centered and inclusive. 

"As a compassionate and dedicated therapist, I aim to empower individuals like you to overcome challenges and discover their true potential."

Toni Vegiard is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 6 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adolescents and adults address their unique challenges and live a more fulfilled life. Toni specializes in depression, anxiety, major life transitions, grief, and trauma work. Toni has a background working in intensive juvenile services, residential, and outpatient facilities.

Toni completed her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at William James College in Newton, Massachusetts. Toni utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and solution-focused therapy.

We all go through difficulties in our life. Toni is someone who can listen, support, and validate you as you cope with whatever you may be struggling with. If you are ready to reach out and schedule an appointment with her, she is ready to support you on your journey.