Our counselors offer counseling for teens in West Springfield, MA

Jillian Lynch Lopes is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who specializes in working with a variety of age groups ranging from toddlers to adults. Jillian has over 4 years of direct clinical experience, from in-home therapy and outpatient therapy services in the public sector, to a residential special education school with teenage students who have severe medical/behavioral/emotional complex needs. She specializes in a substance use curriculum for teens/young adults which she utilizes in outpatient services as needed. Jillian has also worked at a camp that supported children on the ASD spectrum.

Jillian completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Salem State University. She is certified in the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA). Jillian loves engaging in family work to strengthen relationships, while also focusing on individual needs. She has also engaged in parent sessions to support caregivers in learning positive ways to support their children with varying needs. In outpatient settings, Jillian remains strengths-based and client-centered, supporting each client there they are.

Jillian seeks to build strong connections with all of her clients. She cares deeply for her clientele and strives to support them in becoming the very best version of themselves. She meets each client where they are and does not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Jillian wants her clients to advocate for what they want out of services and she will always be dedicated to meeting their needs. She believes in an eclectic approach utilizing numerous techniques and interventions to support all clients. She is task-centered and supports her clients in problem-solving around all their stressors. Jillian focuses on empowering clients to live their best lives.

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.

Afreen Nizami is a resident Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over 5 years experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping children, adolescents, young adults, and adults, and couples address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Afreen specializes in depression, anxiety, PSTD, grief, trauma, school stress, relationship problems, and life transitions.

Afreen completed her Master's degree of Counseling Psychology at Northeastern University. Afreen utilizes multiple approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and many more.

Afreen is confident that she would be able to support you in your journey to live a more fulfilled life by helping you gain new techniques, perspectives, and coping skills. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today.

My name is Autumn, and I was a peer support for 10 years before I became a clinician. I received my master's of social work from Salem State University, and I enjoy working with people who are creative and emotional. I have worked with people managing depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma/PTSD, bipolar, and schizoaffective disorder. I love to see my clients connecting to social supports, exploring their interests, and building relationships. 

My primary focus is on client empowerment. This includes helping to identify environmental factors oppressing your growth and healing, how to navigate imperfect systems to meet your needs, and community building—because healing is not individual work. Healing happens with other people, within communities and relationships. Modalities I use include CBT, DBT, ACT, solution-focused brief therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. 

I can't wait to find the spark of inspiration that lights you up and helps you feel confident to follow your heart. Even one session might help you begin making amazing changes.

Krystle Kellick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been using CBT to help her clients for the past 2 years. It’s helped dozens of clients challenge reoccurring thoughts and manage their anxiety. CBT to used to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other. She will then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns, which will help you lead a less anxious and stressed life. She is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and couples address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Krystle specializes in anxiety, trauma, and LGBTQ+ issues.

Krystle completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Illinois Chicago. Krystle utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT/RO-DBT), and cognitive processing therapy (CPT).

We all go through challenges in life. Krystle is confident that she would be able to support you on your journey to gain new perspectives and techniques that allow you to cope with whatever you may be struggling with. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today!