Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Amherst, MA

We all face challenges and difficulties in our lives. While we generally cope, there are times when emotional distress needs informed guidance. Depression, anxiety, and other behavioral issues are real illnesses. That's where a professional such as myself can step in to guide you through recovery to wellness. I graduated from Harvard Medical School and trained at the University of Pennsylvania. I work as your partner to explore your needs, wishes, fears, and pain, We will develop a plan of treatment and recovery. Together we will help you move to a better place.

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a background in pharmacy, giving me a well-rounded perspective on mental health care. I work primarily with children, adolescents, and young adults, while also supporting older adults. My practice is rooted in compassion, advocacy, and respect for each person’s unique journey.

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. There are credentials I could list and ways for you to assess why I am the right clinician for you, and while those things matter, what I find most true is this: I care deeply about this work.

Finding the right therapist is hard, and on behalf of all therapists, I'm sorry this is true. I won't promise a "safe space" for the people I work with, but I can promise an accountable one. I am committed to learning alongside you, knowing that we will teach each other what comes next. I will create the container for our work, and together, I hope to build a foundation of trust that allows you to heal, grow, challenge, accept, and integrate all that has brought you here.

Many people who come to see me are living with depression, overwhelmed with anxiety, or are processing and healing from past trauma. You might be going through a major life transition or find your usual ways of coping are no longer working. You might feel stuck, uncertain, and disconnected from yourself. Investing in therapy can be difficult when there are so many other things that demand your attention. My role is to help you explore what is important to you, what is getting in the way, and make realistic, actionable steps towards your goals.

Disclaimer: My current role as an Access Clinician at Harvard University Health Services allows me to work with folx from all walks of life. I hold a small caseload in my private practice to focus on my clinical interests. Due to my role, I do not see any actively enrolled Harvard students in my private practice. However, this means you can see me at CAMHS for short-term counseling.

Hello, and welcome! To start, I want you to know I provide a no-fee 15 minute initial consultation session for prospective clients, because I believe a good fit is essential to effective counseling. This first meeting should allow you to determine that. I am a seasoned therapist with experience across three decades of supporting individuals, families, and groups. The core of my success has always been my ability to help people to efficiently and effectively achieve their goals. I look forward to meeting you.

Hello! My name is Kristen. I've been helping teens and young adults feel more supported, confident, and understood for over fifteen years. Whether you are managing anxiety, trauma, or just life in general, I am looking forward to helping you grow.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Florida, New Jersey, Iowa, and Massachusetts, with several years of experience supporting individuals through trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I earned my Master’s in Social Work and have since worked in both residential and outpatient settings, helping adults navigate complex emotional experiences and build lasting resilience.

I’m trained in EMDR therapy and integrate evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, and mindfulness to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs and goals. My style is warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental, creating a space where you can safely explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

I’m passionate about helping people reconnect with themselves, heal from the past, and move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and self-compassion.

I am a compassionate provider who has worked as a psychiatric/mental health nurse for 15 years prior to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I strive to develop trust through therapeutic communication with my patients. My goal is to work together to plan and implement the best possible treatment plan based on individual needs.

Amy Penny is a passionate and dedicated therapist who believes that every person holds limitless potential and inner strength waiting to be discovered. Drawing from her own experiences of overcoming adversity and her clinical expertise, Amy creates a safe and supportive space where individuals feel empowered to connect with their inner resources and move toward growth and healing.