Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Amherst, MA

"As one who has experienced personal trauma and loss, I have an authentic understanding of how we are impacted by painful life circumstances and how building of new life skills can empower us once again."

I am a Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 4 years of experience. I specialize in supporting adults and adolescents navigating mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and adjustment challenges. My goal is to help clients find relief from persistent symptoms, improve daily functioning, and build emotional resilience through compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to their unique needs and goals.

I earned my Master’s in Nursing from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where I focused on integrating evidence-based, patient-centered care with a strong therapeutic alliance. My approach blends medication management and psychoeducation to empower clients in understanding their mental health and making informed choices about their care.

I understand that seeking help can feel overwhelming, and I’m here to walk beside you every step of the way. My goal is to create a warm, respectful, and supportive environment where you feel heard and valued. If you’re ready to take the next step toward emotional well-being, I invite you to schedule an appointment so we can begin your journey to healing together.

"As a man of color who has lived in this country for more than 24 years, I can understand people through multiple perspectives. "

Dr. Sumio Shinohara is a Licensed Psychologist (LP) with more than 15 years of experience working with adults, adolescents, and couples seeking help with depression, anxiety, life transitions, men’s issues, trauma/PTSD, mood disorders, grief and loss, and relationship issues. 

Dr. Shinohara earned his Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Abilene Christian University and completed his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at William James College in MA. He also received his psychoanalytic training at the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis.

Dr. Shinohara's primary therapeutic approach is eclectic, including person-centered, cognitive behavioral (CBT), and psychodynamic approaches, and values each client's experience of feeling deeply and empathetically understood. Through the experience of feeling understood, clients will also be able to have opportunities to understand more about themselves, which usually brings multiple positive improvements in clients' life.

Dr. Shinohara believes in the power of empathy and acceptance clients can experience in a safe therapeutic relationship. He seeks to establish a caring, respectful, and compassionate relationship with clients who have difficulty accepting negative aspects of themselves. Dr. Shinohara will also encourage clients to focus on the root cause of the issues in addition to coping and managing their symptoms.

"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!

Ashley Kitchen-Sweet is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 8 years of specialized experience in guiding adults through depression, anxiety, and pivotal life transitions. Her journey with clients begins with a foundation of empathy and commitment, creating a welcoming and transformative environment from the outset. Ashley is adept at adapting her approach to cater to the needs and strengths of her clients, always with an eye toward cultural sensitivity and personal preferences. Her therapy is not just about addressing challenges; it's about crafting a tailored path that aligns with each client's values and life goals.

Ashley has a bachelor’s in Sociology from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. She uses an array of techniques, including collaborative, strengths-based, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness-based, and solutions-focused strategies, ensuring that therapy resonates with each client.

Ashley is committed to working collaboratively with clients to set and achieve goals, empowering them to build a fulfilling life. This commitment to building a meaningful therapist-client relationship is central to her approach, recognizing that a trusted partnership can significantly enhance the therapeutic experience and outcomes.

"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!

"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.