Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Amherst, MA

"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.

"Having spent over a decade in the U.S. as an immigrant from China, I understand the unique challenges faced by those with multicultural backgrounds. I am here to support you in navigating your journey with empathy and insight."

Zhiran (Jack) Li is a Resident Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 2 years of experience. He specializes in assisting individuals dealing with stress, depression, anger issues, relationship issues, and parenting challenges. As an international student and immigrant, Zhiran has faced challenges that have helped him to develop empathy and understanding of a client’s unique struggles.

Zhiran received his Master’s in School Counseling from the University of Scranton. He utilizes a variety of clinical approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy.

Everyone faces hurdles in life, and it takes courage to seek support. Whether you are looking for guidance or a listening ear, Zhiran encourages you to reach out. A conversation could be the first step toward finding clarity and a path forward. Your journey matters, and Zhiran is ready to walk alongside you.

"As someone who views mental health as essential to well-being and self-care, I understand the challenges of navigating through this journey and I am here to offer my support."

Lindsay Schiavone is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 4 years of experience providing care to adults and seniors with concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions. She has worked in settings including inpatient facilities and outpatient therapy. Lindsay has worked with people with disabilities and has researched the importance of resources for groups such as young adults, women, and LGBTQ+ members. She believes in the innate power of her clients and uses a person-centered approach to highlight inner strengths. Compassionate and affirming, Liindsay ensures she meets clients where they are without judgment.

Lindsay received her Master of Social Work from Boston University. She utilizes modalities specifically tailored to client needs including motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy.

Everyone has a unique story and mental health path, and Lindsay understands the importance of providing a safe space to allow the opportunity to discover strengths and navigate emotions. If and when you are ready to explore your thoughts and feelings together, she warmly invites you to reach out and take that first step toward healing.

"I am dedicated to helping adults and adolescents navigate life's challenges and achieve personal growth through compassionate and evidence-based therapy."

Caryn Alberini is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Clinician with 18 years of experience. She specializes in trauma, substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, OCD, self-esteem, body dysmorphia, anger management, ADHD, bipolar, and personality disorders. Caryn has a background in forensic psychology and employment in corrections and juvenile detention and has directed inpatient and outpatient programs. Caryn uses a trauma-based lens to assess clients and discover where their thoughts and behaviors originated. She assists clients in learning new ways of thinking to replace maladaptive coping skills.

Caryn received her Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Boston College. She utilizes evidence-based modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, positive psychology, and motivational interviewing.

Caryn offers a safe space for individuals to explore their struggles without judgment and guides them to find new connections and skills to achieve changes and growth. If you are struggling with past trauma or current stressors that are impacting your daily functioning, please reach out today.

"I believe in working collaboratively with my clients, meeting them where they are and utilizing strengths to explore solutions."

Sarah Murphy is a Resident Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 2 years of experience working in community mental health and partial hospitalization programs. She focuses on collaborative work with children and their caretakers. Sarah enjoys working with young adults with anxiety, depression, and neurodivergence. She also enjoys utilizing the arts in the therapeutic space, especially visual art.

Sarah received her Master's in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Art Therapy at Lesley University. She uses multiple approaches to help clients and tailors approaches to fit client needs, including but not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy, expressive arts therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques.

Sarah believes in the potential of each individual and promises to meet them where they are and collaborate to help them find their strengths. If you are interested in learning more, schedule an appointment with Sarah 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 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 young woman, I understand the challenges that academic, work, and family stress can present."

Alyson Burchfield is a Resident-in Counseling (RIC) with over two years of internship experience in the mental health field. She provides therapeutic care to adults and couples who are seeking help with depression, anxiety, stress management, difficult life transitions, adjustment disorder, LGBTQ issues, mindfulness, and meditation. Alyson is a strong and empathetic ally who regards individuals as the experts of their own experience. 

Alyson completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Franklin Pierce University and received her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. She utilizes an eclectic and collaborative strengths-based, narrative-based, mindfulness-based, solutions-focused, and person-centered approach to therapeutic care. Alyson is always fostering a therapeutic alliance that allows for individuals and clients to grow at their own pace while providing a safe and welcoming environment.

Alyson seeks to establish a compassionate and warm relationship with you to assist in building upon your strengths, and to collaborate with you on meeting your goals, processing challenges, and developing tools and techniques to help you grow even outside of counseling.