Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Amherst, MA

Hello, I’m Jose — a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. My background includes years of experience as a bedside nurse in inpatient medical-surgical and behavioral health settings, caring for pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. Through my training and practice, I’ve learned that every path to wellness is deeply personal. I’m passionate about collaborating with clients to understand their needs, build on their strengths, and take a motivational, compassionate approach to care.

I also recognize how difficult it can be to find LGBTQIA-affirming mental health support. My work is grounded in helping individuals release shame, embrace authenticity, and find balance through life’s challenges. Whether you’re navigating addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, or seeking affirming, identity-centered care, my goal is to support you in thriving and becoming your fullest self.

I enjoy working with individuals, couples and families I specialize in treating anxiety and depression. I have experience working with LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. I also enjoy working with teenage and younger clients. I see many people who are going through life transitions. When one is going through grief and loss, education challenges, relationship difficulties, a new family member, pain or illness, it can be particularly difficult to cope and particularly beneficial to be in therapy to work through these issues with an unbiased ear. I also specialize in working with individuals who have struggles with chronic pain. I completed my training at Simmons Graduate School of Social Work in Boston.

When a child has been through more than they should, or when a family is navigating trauma, foster care, or adoption, the right support changes everything. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families dealing with PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, and the weight of whatever life has handed them, including the complex emotions that come with foster care and adoption experiences.

With more than a 10 years in mental health, I believe you are the expert on your own life. My role is to walk beside you as a guide and support as you build on your strengths and work toward the future you envision.

I have experience working in community-based mental health and primary school settings. I've been a clinician since 2023 and have experience working with individuals of all ages. I am especially interested in working with those with chronic health conditions, mood disorders and trauma.

I have a unique professional background that includes working extensively with refugee and immigrant populations in a variety of settings, community based work serving youth, and crisis response. I grew up outside of San Francisco and moved around from state to state until I ended up in Boston. The diversity of my experiences and environments have shown me as much about the complexity of people as it has the beautiful simplicity that everyone shares a need (and deserves!) to be listened to, believed in, and safe to express how they feel.

Taking the first step toward change can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. With more than 30 years of experience in behavioral health, I have had the privilege of working with individuals of diverse backgrounds, and I've helped adults and adolescents navigate emotional challenges, addiction, behavioral concerns, and co-occurring disorders. I believe everyone has the capacity for growth and lasting change. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and goal-focused, helping you build on your strengths, identify meaningful goals, and develop practical strategies to create a healthier, more fulfilling life.

I specialize in working with adults and adolescents (ages 16 and older) experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, addiction, emotional challenges, and dual diagnoses. I also have extensive experience helping older teens and young adults navigate adjustment difficulties, emotional concerns, and behavioral challenges.