Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Amherst, MA

"I provide a safe and compassionate space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported, drawing from an authentic understanding of how life’s overwhelming challenges affect us and how building new skills can lead to healing and empowerment."

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 14 years of experience specializing in mental health. I work with adolescents and adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and stress. My clients are often seeking clarity, emotional balance, and tools to cope and thrive. I’m passionate about helping individuals feel empowered, supported, and equipped to lead more fulfilling lives.

I earned my Doctorate in Nursing from Frontier Nursing University. My approach is compassionate and client-centered, blending evidence-based practices with holistic care. I specialize in mood disorders, trauma, and stress-related challenges, helping clients build resilience, develop coping skills, and work toward lasting emotional well-being.

I understand how hard it can be to take the first step toward healing, and you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to walk alongside you with compassion and support. If you’re ready to begin your journey toward growth and balance, I invite you to take that next step because your well-being truly matters.

"I am so glad you've taken this brave step towards seeking support, and I am here to listen and work with you to navigate whatever challenge you are facing."

Katia Castro is a Licensed Mental Health Clinician with over 17 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and groups. She helps clients navigate challenges such as depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, and substance use with a collaborative and compassionate approach. Katia empowers clients to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while developing effective strategies for healing, growth, and lasting positive change.

Katia Castro earned her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Florida Atlantic University. She specializes in evidence-based care, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, trauma-focused approaches, and narrative therapy to address complex mental health needs and support recovery.

Katia provides a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for clients to share their experiences and begin healing. She offers flexible online therapy sessions, making care accessible and convenient for clients wherever they are in their journey toward emotional well-being. Schedule your first session today!

"As an African American male, I understand the unique challenges associated with engaging with a mental health professional. Through building trust in a safe environment, I will work to assist you to learn more about your strengths and how to use them to manage concerns in your life. "

Martin F. Hill, Sr., PhD, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who has over 25 years of clinical experience and 15 years of teaching experience at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Dr. Hill is experienced in addressing multicultural and LGBTQIA+ issues. He is flexible, encouraging, optimistic, and focused on improving overall wellbeing of each client.

Dr. Hill completed his Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology at Indiana University-Bloomington. He completed both his Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling and his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counseling Psychology at Michigan State University. Dr. Hill is a native of Detroit, MI. 

Dr. Hill is very engaging with clients in establishing a strong therapeutic relationship. He uses cognitive behavioral techniques centered on addressing emotional concerns, developing solutions using evidenced-backed techniques, and promoting client-centered approaches. 

"Talking has a curative quality. It allows us to gain access to thoughts and feelings we could have been previously unaware of."

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.

"Starting therapy is a courageous first step to making changes and feeling empowered."

Samantha is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with 6 years of experience in the mental health field. Her clinical experience has focused on helping adults 18+ to work through their fears and develop attainable goals. Her experience treating patients in community health centers, schools, and in-patient facilities has assisted in developing her understanding of how to help her clients work through milestone events. Samantha specializes in anxiety, depression, and substance use, as well as anger and stress management.

Samantha completed her Master of Social Work at Boston University School of Social Work. Samantha incorporates a variety of modalities including CBT, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based interventions for adults over the age of 18.

Changing perspective is what helps shift roadblocks into challenges that can be overcome. Schedule a session with Samantha to begin understanding your needs and how to create change in a meaningful and lasting way.

"I offer mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to deepen self-awareness as a means of healing. "

Ben Kamens is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Resident with 4 years of experience who specializes in treating anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, trauma, and grief. Ben consistently provides compassionate, insightful, holistic treatment to families and adults, and strives to help individuals lead their best lives. His ideal client is eager to learn and grow and is open to the therapeutic process and exploring new ways of being. Ben provides a warm and welcoming space and recognizes the courage it takes to seek treatment and the commitment necessary to grow from it.

Ben received his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University and also holds a Master’s in East-West Psychology. He integrates meditation guidance and self-awareness techniques with evidence-based therapeutic approaches to help clients grow in interpersonal efficacies, confidence, and self-determined goals.

The modern world can be overwhelming and alienating. Ben's approach aims to facilitate inner peace, psychological healing, and increased well-being in all he is fortunate to support. Don't let your challenges overwhelm you – there is a way forward!

"As an experienced therapist, I am passionate about helping people and focusing on achieving their goals, and I am excited to learn how I can best support you."

John Cleary is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 12 years of experience. He specializes in working with teens, adults, and seniors who have a range of concerns, including chronic illness, depression, anxiety, ADHD, stress, behavioral problems, and anger.

John earned a Master’s in Social Work from West Virginia University. He uses a variety of clinical approaches targeted to specific needs and challenges, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing.

John understands how important it is to find someone you can trust with your goals, and he would love to hear your story and explore how he can best help you. Reach out today to schedule an appointment with John!