Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Hanover, MA

I'm Mike Smukler, a licensed mental health counselor with nearly 20 years of experience working with adults across Massachusetts. Before this work, I was on track to become a documentary filmmaker, and in 2004 I spent a year on a suicide hotline that changed the direction of my life. Both taught me the same thing: pay close attention, don’t rush people, and trust that people usually know more about themselves than they let on.

Since then I’ve worked across private practice, outpatient care, and community mental health, and I’ve also held clinical supervision and leadership roles supporting other clinicians.

Today, I work with adults of all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ clients, and I bring a depth-oriented approach that draws from psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, and ACT - practiced without rigidity. rigidity. I've trained with the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy and the Mindfulness Center of Maine. Sessions are available via telehealth on Saturday mornings/afternoon (soon to be Tuesday through Saturday morning/afternoon) across Massachusetts.

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.

Now accepting patients in Massachusetts! Offering in office visits on the fourth Monday of each month in Westford, MA from 8:00 until 11:30 and virtual visits throughout the week.

I have been in healthcare for over 20 years and enjoy partnering with patients . As a gay man, I understand the comfort that comes with working with someone from the community.

The foundation of my practice is based on the respect I have for my clients, and my therapeutic approach is collaborative and tailored to your needs. As a trained and experienced therapist, I am not only technically objective, but also provide you with emotional nourishment and assistance as you work through problem areas in your life. Psychotherapy is about growth and transformation and equips you to overcome challenges impacting your family, job or relationships. My areas of expertise include addiction, relationship or job-related issues, depression, anxiety and stress. I employ solution focused therapy based on psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness approaches. I am also a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) to evaluate employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up, testing, and aftercare.

We all face challenges and joys and I am no stranger to either. My road to therapy began about 15 years ago after experiencing my own trauma and grief. I was left feeling stuck on repeat and I needed to take back my power. Finding my way to the other side my best side was to learn and develop the tools to support others. I lean into supporting mothers and caregivers as it isn't always easy or predictable. My special education background lends me to advocate for children and families in the home and in the community. I love to support and make a plan for blended families. And my desire is to help couples and intimate partners find fulfillment and connection.

I bring more than clinical training to this work—drawing on two decades in supporting individuals to self-actualize through education, design, and community building. My approach is integrative, warm, and forward-looking. It’s practical and rooted in evidence-based practices like Internal Family Systems, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), expanded by a adaptive and existential frameworks, and grounded in the belief that safety and transformation begin from within.