Meet Our Team

Lauren is a  Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and has spent the past several years in private practice working with adults, teens, and couples. Prior to that, she served as both a clinician and clinical director in PHP/IOP programs treating individuals with substance use disorders. Lauren's professional roots are grounded in mental health and she began her career supporting individuals in the community with chronic mental health challenges and later worked for several years at Southcoast Behavioral Health on the adolescent, adult and geriatric units.

Lauren's strong community partnerships allow her to  support individuals in accessing higher levels of care when needed, including detox programs, sober living environments, halfway houses, day programming, and other community-based services.

Lauren is a collaborative and solution focused clinician who strives to provide clinical skill sets to the clients she works with, sharing their journey to overcoming challenges and utilizing strengths. 

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Makenzie received a Bachelors degree in Social Work and Bachelors degree in Psychology from Westfield State University. She spent 6 years in the social work field working with families, children, and adolescents prior to completing a Masters degree in Social Work from Regis College. Makenzie has a wealth of experiencing mentoring and providing therapeutic services for children, adolescents, adults, and families within school and outpatient settings. Makenzie enjoys empowering clients to cope through daily life stressors and achieve their goals utilizing a strengths based approach. Makenzie's predominant therapeutic techniques draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Person-Centered, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma Informed approach.

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*Makenzie has immediate openings for clients with Optum products  (including the MGB plan) as well as private pay clients*

Kristen Smith is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with 13 years of experience in the mental health field providing crisis intervention and individual therapy. She has worked with individuals of all ages, helping them navigate a wide range of emotional and mental health challenges. Kristen’s client-centered approach emphasizes empathy, respect, and collaboration, ensuring that each client feels heard and supported throughout their therapeutic journey. With a diverse background, Kristen has provided care in various settings, including community programs, schools, hospitals, and home visits. Her extensive experience allows her to meet clients where they are, helping them build resilience and achieve personal growth.

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*Kristen has limited virtual openings for clients with major insurances*

Chelsea graduated from Bridgewater State University with a Bachelors of Social Work, followed by serving two years with AmeriCorps in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She returned to Massachusetts and received her Masters of Social Work from Boston University. As an adoptee, Chelsea collaborated with Dr. Hope Haslam Straughan in publishing an article, Parental Understanding of Cultural Difference: A Study of Transracially Adopting Couples and will be presenting the research in the upcoming NASW Symposium 2024. Chelsea has worked with youth, adolescents and families in public schools, residential programs, post adoption services and emergency shelters. With a Strengths Based lens, Chelsea utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and person-centered approaches to support clients in developing an understanding of themselves as they navigate the world. Chelsea looks forward to meeting you!

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*Chelsea has limited daytime availability for new clients and a waitlist for children and adolescents*

Michelle received a Master of the Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from UMass Dartmouth and a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from the University of New England. Michelle has extensive leadership and clinical experience in multi-disciplinary settings including emergency mental health services, schools, and residential programs. She has worked with clients who have experienced significant trauma and life transitions, including clients with life experiences related to adoption and parenting.

Michelle appreciates collaboration between the client and therapist in the therapeutic relationship and she enjoys modifying treatment to fit each individual client’s needs. She believes that ongoing assessment of the efficacy of treatment is essential.

Michelle utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and person-centered approaches to help clients achieve their goals. She hopes to help her clients achieve balance in their lives while identifying their strengths and utilizing these strengths to become the best version of themselves. Michelle looks forward to meeting you!

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*Michelle is not taking new clients at this time as she is working to support the clinical team*

Erik completed a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling in 2008. He has decades of experience in residential and emergency mental health settings. Erik has worked with clients struggling with lifetime diagnoses including major depressive disorder and other mood disorders extensively. Erik provides a supportive environment in which clients can receive support around topics like achieving balance, reducing anxiety, and working through any challenges related to substance use. Erik finds the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Logotherapy techniques as impactful aspects of his work with clients. 

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*Erik has limited immediate openings for clients*

Danielle received her Masters of Social Work degree and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Bridgewater State University. She has clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and adults within school and outpatient clinic settings. Danielle enjoys working with clients to process through every day life stressors and changes while using a strengths based approach. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Person-Centered approaches to assist clients in reaching their individualized goals. 

Danielle provides a safe and compassionate environment where clients can be the most authentic version of themselves. Life is a journey and she looks forward to helping you along yours! 

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*Danielle has immediate limited openings for clients with Optum and Aetna products as well as private pay clients*

Stephanie earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from New England College. She completed her practicum and Internship at local community mental health agencies specializing in individual therapy, both in-person and telehealth. She enjoys working with all ages and has experience in helping clients with anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, anger management issues, ADHD, relationship issues, OCD and more. Maintaining a person-centered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focus, Stephanie integrates Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and other theories as appropriate, into her approach. Each session is catered to her client's specific needs and goals. Stephanie believes each of us has our own unique challenges and struggles, and that seeking professional services can help by detangling complex or chaotic thoughts while boosting your confidence. She looks forward to meeting you!

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*Stephanie is accepting new clients with most major insurances and daytime availability*

Julie holds a Master's degree in Education and is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the field of mental health. Julie has made a profound impact on the lives of individuals, families, and educators through 20 years of service as a school counselor and a decade of experience as a therapist.  Her clinical expertise includes working with individuals grappling with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, relationship issues, ADHD, executive function challenges, parenting/family stress, and the unique stressors contributing to teacher burnout.  Julie employs evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Her empathetic and solution-focused methods empower clients to develop coping strategies and build resilience while fostering a sense of safety and empowerment. Whether working with couples or individuals, Julie addresses relationship dynamics with compassion and skill, helping clients navigate communication challenges and build healthier connections. Julie is known for her warm, client-centered approach. Her therapeutic style is collaborative, drawing on a range of modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and solution-focused therapy. She tailors her interventions to meet the unique needs and goals of each client, promoting a supportive and empowering therapeutic alliance. Julie looks forward to accompanying you on your journey towards greater well-being.

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*Julie has a waitlist for new clients*