Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Amherst, MA

"As a man of color from a diverse cultural background, I understand the need to provide culturally appropriate care for patients and treat them with dignity and respect."

Joseph Okrah is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 7 years of experience in the mental health field. He specializes in treating individuals ages 14 and up who are dealing with PTSD, major depression disorder, general anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use. Joseph’s goal is to provide culturally appropriate care for all patients and to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Joseph has a Doctorate in Nurse Practice from Walden University. His practice focuses on looking at the client as a whole, taking into consideration their educational, medical, spiritual, interpersonal, and basic needs. Joseph is experienced in crisis management and medication management.

Joseph believes identifying struggles allows us to move forward with a better understanding of who we can be. He provides a safe, comfortable environment to prevent barriers and encourage interaction that will aid clients in reaching their goals. If you are ready to begin, contact Joseph today!

"I take a person-centered approach to therapy and work with clients to resolve life issues, cope with stressors, meet their goals, and/or maximize their full potential through building a great therapeutic relationship built on trust, empathy, and safety."

Matthew Waite is a Mental Health Counselor with 7 years of experience working in the mental health field and 2 years or experience in practice. He has experience treating a range of populations, including individuals with depression, anxiety, dual-diagnosis, anger, grief, life transitions and PTSD. Matthew obtained his Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Massachusetts - Boston. The program taught him to take a multicultural and social justice approach to counseling while using many modalities based on what the client’s presenting problem may be.

Matthew leans heavily on the modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) while taking a holistic approach that focuses on the whole person.

Life can throw us all some curveballs at times. Being able to process events in safety and without judgment is necessary to move forward. Matthew can help you to explore your thoughts and feelings, find effective ways of coping, and provide support in managing issues life can throw at you. If you are in need of any support through counseling, please reach out and schedule your appointment.

"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. 

"As a former member of a special operations military unit, I understand and can empathize with directly- and indirectly-related issues."

Lee Walker is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), and a former member of a military Special Operations unit with 45 years of experience in mental health/addictions treatment. He is very concerned regarding the impact of trauma (frequently underrated) and the disease course of addictions (also frequently underrated). He is optimistic that significant life improvement is possible for his clients, and is committed to working with them to see that potential. Leon’s specialties are PTDS, trauma, and addictions.

Lee earned his Bachelor's in Abnormal Psychology at Clark University and Master's at Assumption University. His military background exposed him to a wide range of life circumstances and difficulties that impact people—many of whom have given up hope. Lee teaches his clients to use rational emotive therapy and reality therapy to manage symptoms on their own.

Lee believes that all clients have the potential to conduct self-therapy so they have clinical tools and interventions at all times.

"As a dedicated Clinician, I am here to help overwhelming feelings not to detour us from our true authentic selves. "

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. 

"As a therapist with over 17 years of experience in helping people who are struggling with a wide range issues, I work to create an accepting and supportive environment where clients can feel comfortable in sharing about their personal issues and struggles."

Richard O’Garr is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 15 years of experience in helping people who are struggling with a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, stress, conflicts in relationships, and addiction. 

Richard has a Master's in Counseling Psychology from Assumption College. He works to create an accepting and supportive environment where clients can feel comfortable sharing their personal issues and struggles. With his experience in using a variety of counseling approaches, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), he is able to work collaboratively with clients and tailor his approach to meet their individual needs.

Whether you are looking for help in coping with a serious mental health disorder, seeking self-improvement, or a combination of both, Richard will work with you to not only ease your suffering but also help you reach your personal goals, grow in your capabilities, and thrive.

"As a social worker, I understand how challenging life stressors can be and the impact it can have on overall happiness, I want to support clients in living their life with fullness and meaning. "

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.