Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in West Springfield, 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.

"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!

"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.

"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 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 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 psychoanalyst, I use a client-centered, holistic approach that prioritizes the human being beyond the diagnosis, and connects patterns of thinking to correct patterns of behavior."

Melissa Hinds is a Resident Licensed Mental Health Clinician with 3 years of experience and a concentration in psychodynamic approaches. She works with adults and seniors who are experiencing concerns involving depression, anxiety, family and couples counseling, behavioral problems, anger management, as well as mood and personality disorders. As a queer-identified Afro-Caribbean woman of color, Melissa understands the importance of cultural competency. She has expertise in working with populations diverse in race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, spiritual practices, sexual orientation, gender identity, and political affiliations.

Melissa has a Master of Arts in Psychoanalysis from the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis. She practices modern psychoanalysis, a form of talk therapy that aims to uncover and resolve unconscious forces and childhood experiences that have lasting effects on adult behavior and mental states.

Melissa helps patients explore their patterns, motivations, and defenses to develop healthier coping mechanisms. She believes the greatest therapeutic successes result from a co-creative process and tailors treatment to the individual. Schedule an appointment with her today!