Our therapists offer alcohol counseling in Amherst, MA

Sahar is a dedicated mental health counselor with 4 years of experience in the dynamic field of mental health. Her passion for making a positive impact has led her to specialize in working with diverse populations, including children facing mental health challenges and individuals with dual diagnoses—specifically those grappling with substance use disorders alongside various other mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma, and more. A firm believer in the inherent uniqueness of each individual, Sahar emphasizes the importance of tailoring her therapeutic interventions to meet the specific needs of her clients.

Sahar is a graduate of the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis with a Master's in Mental Health Counseling. Dedicated to inclusivity, Sahar uses a versatile approach that combines psychodynamic principles, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing. Her goal is to help clients lead fulfilling lives by addressing their unique challenges.

Life is a journey filled with challenges, and Sahar is deeply committed to providing empathetic support for those navigating its twists and turns. Driven by a strong motivation to assist her clients, Sahar endeavors to illuminate the roots of their challenges and guide them through the process of overcoming them.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Isabelle Scott is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with over 6 years of experience working in a psychiatric hospital, conducting short and long term individual psychotherapy, and working with the unhoused.

Isabelle completed her Master's degree of Social Work at Smith College. Through strength-based and supportive work, Isabelle can assist clients identify areas of growth together and create measurable goals to create a life worth living. She also has expertise in a variety of major mental illness and strives to provide trauma informed care.

Isabelle assists clients with a variety of life challenges, interpersonal relationship conflict, ongoing confusion about the future and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Isabelle meets her clients where they are at in life and helps to explore and build purpose in life. If you're ready, schedule your first session with her today.