Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Amherst, MA

"I strive to help each client utilize their strengths to improve their quality of life through a queer, sober, neurodivergent-informed, compassionate yet direct approach."

I am a Resident Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 2 years of experience in inpatient psychiatry, outpatient therapy, and programs supporting gender expression and identity. I provide trauma-informed, inclusive care for individuals navigating anxiety, depression, identity exploration, and trauma. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where clients can engage in emotional growth, self-discovery, and evidence-based strategies for healing.

I hold a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University and have training in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing. My approach is humanistic and creative, helping clients build resilience, develop coping strategies, and achieve personal growth.

I am passionate about helping people reach their full potential in a non-judgmental, supportive environment. Clients can expect to feel challenged and encouraged to build self-esteem, recognize strengths, and move forward with confidence and genuine support.

"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 a woman of color and a mom myself, I understand the issues our different communities are presented with on a daily basis with varying perspectives."

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.

"As a Black Haitian-American woman, I understand what it means to be different, among many other things."

Judenie Dabel is a recent graduate student seeking her LMHC with unique experience and background. She is a Haitian-American born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. Her clinical training started on a Domestic Violence team for an outpatient non-profit. She continued her training at a Black and woman-founded telehealth counseling clinic. She has worked with clients from the ages of 18 to 40. Judenie enjoys working with teens transitioning to college, young adults, and adults. She specializes in working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, and other related challenges.

Judenie completed her master of arts in mental health and wellness counseling from NYU last year. Her passion for youth and community advocacy led her to pursue a career in counseling. She uses strength-based, narrative, person-centered, and mindfulness approaches to help her clients feel heard and seen as she teaches them to advocate for themselves.

Life can be hard. One way to address some of your hardships is by asking for support. Seeking support is the first step and you should be proud of yourself for doing so. Judenie hopes to collaborate with you to find ways to address your challenges. You are full of lived experiences and potential that will lead you on your journey to healing.

"As a bi-cultural Black woman, I am committed to providing intentional and culturally responsive work."

Herdine Cheridor is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 5 years of experience. She specializes in supporting survivors of trauma and community violence and also treats mood disorders, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions. Herdine meets clients where they are and creates a space to collaboratively prioritize well-being. This may mean learning new skills, reframing thoughts, and processing emotions and events. Herdine’s therapeutic approach is focused on men and women who often hear they are "too much" when they express themselves.

Herdine obtained her Master's in Social Work from Lesley University, specializing in Black and Brown communities and racial trauma. She provides relational and supportive therapy and incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive reprocessing, and psychoanalysis.

Herdine believes everyone can change and would be honored to walk alongside you. She invites you to put your needs first and heal and grow in a space where you feel heard and supported in your journey. Schedule your first appointment today!

"I firmly believe that everyone deserves to be heard, understood, and supported."

Tianyi Zhang is an MA-level clinician seeking her LMHC with 3 years of counseling experience in outpatient settings. She has worked with a diverse population, including adolescents, college students, young professionals, older adults, and couples. Tianyi has assisted individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, adjustment issues, cross-cultural adaptation, communication challenges, PTSD, and more. As a first-generation immigrant, Tianyi understands the challenges of culture shock and navigating confusion, loneliness, and lost connections in a new environment. She is fluent in both Mandarin Chinese and English.

Tianyi earned her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She uses evidence-based therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, solution-focused, and psychodynamic therapies. Fundamental to her approach is embracing clients for who they are and offering them unconditional acceptance.

Tianyi values an open and honest therapist-client relationship and recognizes the uniqueness and worth of each of her clients. Life can present various challenges, and it's important to know that you are not alone during these difficult times. Tianyi is dedicated to guiding and supporting you on your journey towards healing.

"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!