Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Arlington, MA

Hello! I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with over 16 years of clinical experience working as a therapist, supervisor and leader in residential, outreach, community mental health and healthcare settings. Based in Massachusetts, I currently offer telehealth services to clients statewide. My specific areas of focus include young adults and adults, those in the LGBTQIA+ communities, as well as those experiencing difficulties or discomfort with change, anxiety, grief/loss, depression and feeling "stuck." If you're motivated to seek therapy and ready to do the work, then I'd love to work with you!

I am a seasoned clinician with over 20 years’ experience working with adults and older adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, family/relationship issues, grief, loss, career fatigue and other life stressors. I think of therapy as a partnership between client and therapist. I especially enjoy working with individuals and couples that feel “stuck,” are in crisis, or who are going through periods of difficult life transition. Through active listening and practical solution focused guidance, I lead clients on a path towards growth, change, and greater self-acceptance.

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'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Music Therapist (MT-BC), with over 20 years of formal music experience and 6 years of counseling experience, serving clients all over MA. I have worked with clients of all ages and diagnoses and specialize in treating adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse through a client-centered and trauma-informed lens.

I combine music therapy and counseling approaches, individually tailored, to help build resilience and make clients feel more in control of their own lives.

If you have ever held onto a secret out of fear, felt isolated in your pain, or put your own needs aside for the comfortability of others...please know you are not alone. Together, we can build on the strength within to create a life that doesn't need escape.

I graduated from Smith College School of Social Work in Northampton, MA, in 2002 and have been helping people with various mental health issues since that time. I have been trained in psychodynamic therapy, DBT, mindfulness, and Somatic Experiencing, among other modalities.

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.

As adults, we are responsible for changing things not because we are to blame for these things, but because we are the only ones who CAN change them. That can feel unfair, and it is. But it can also be empowering- YOU are the catalyst for personal change. You can always take a turn or step in a different direction. I am here to help you with this noble work.

I specialize in anxiety, depression, adult ADHD, relationship issues, self-esteem, health/wellness, career counseling, burnout & trauma.

I’m Sheela M. Palma, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science in Nursing from The Ohio State University. With 20 years of experience supporting diverse populations, including high-risk postpartum women and individuals navigating substance use disorders, I bring both clinical expertise and a compassionate, individualized approach to psychiatric care. I work with teens and adults experiencing a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, trauma, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and substance use concerns.

I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating a variety of mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism and OCD. Supporting young people and their families has always been at the heart of my work. I am committed to providing compassionate, collaborative, and culturally responsive mental health care. Having grown up and trained in Boston, I am proud to serve the community that is my home.