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!

"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!

"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 believe one of the most important things I can do as your therapist is to provide a safe and supportive environment that allows for trust and exploration."

Christopher Hawkins (AKA Topher) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). He has spent years honing his skills in different settings working with children, adolescents, adults, and their families struggling with the impact trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar, and other mental health disorders can have on the individual, family, and their behaviors.

This experience, combined with the Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling earned at Lesley University, has shown the importance of working collaboratively with the individual, family, and community resources to create a complete picture of the client’s needs. Using both evidence-based practices and expressive therapies, Christopher works with the client to strengthen the apparatus they may require for growth and change.

Christopher’s goal for every person and family that he works with is for both the individual and family dynamic to increase their ability to enhance communication, access coping skills, and gain a deeper understanding of self and their relationship to self and others to promote healing and become more self-reliant. If you are ready to begin this journey, schedule an appointment with him today.

"As a woman who has worked with both typical and atypical children for most of my life, I understand how to create a safe, fun, and productive therapeutic space for children."

Heather Sousa is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with nearly 3 years of professional experience working with children and teens. She specializes in treating children on the autism spectrum, or who are dealing with depression, anxiety, ADHD, family conflict, and are learning to regulate their emotions and build positive peer and familial relationships. 

What started as an interest in Early Childhood Education led Heather down the path of working with young children in a counseling setting. Heather earned her Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Becker College and uses a unique combination of talk, play, art, and movement therapy with the child to help them build self-awareness and learn to regulate their emotions. 

When Heather meets with a client, her goal is to create a warm, welcoming space for them to make themselves comfortable. She works to build a positive therapeutic rapport, as well as to guide the client toward accomplishing their collaborative treatment goals. 

"I understand the importance of meeting clients where they are, and I work to tailor treatment approaches to meet individual needs and goals."

Alyssa Quann is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist with 5 years of experience in mental health. She is committed to helping both individuals and couples navigate the world around them, equipping them with skills to excel in an ever-changing world. She is passionate about creating an authentic therapeutic space and encourages her clients to lean into the discomfort that comes with healing to make room for growth. Alyssa specializes in anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and women's issues. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Williams College and her master's degree in clinical psychology from UMASS Dartmouth.

Alyssa values creativity, reflection, and humor as pathways of collaboration and connection. She uses several treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and motivational interviewing.

Life is unpredictable and presents each individual with a unique set of challenges. If you are interested in building a therapeutic relationship based off of mutual respect and trust that will enable you reach your goals, book an appointment with her today!

"As a compassionate and dedicated therapist, I aim to empower individuals like you to overcome challenges and discover their true potential."

Toni Vegiard is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 6 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adolescents and adults address their unique challenges and live a more fulfilled life. Toni specializes in depression, anxiety, major life transitions, grief, and trauma work. Toni has a background working in intensive juvenile services, residential, and outpatient facilities.

Toni completed her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at William James College in Newton, Massachusetts. Toni utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and solution-focused therapy.

We all go through difficulties in our life. Toni is someone who can listen, support, and validate you as you cope with whatever you may be struggling with. If you are ready to reach out and schedule an appointment with her, she is ready to support you on your journey.