Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Lawrence, MA covered by Cigna

I am a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a strong background in both primary care and mental health. With experience in treating individuals across the lifespan, I focus on delivering compassionate, patient-centered care that addresses both physical and mental health needs.In addition to my primary care expertise, I specialize in addiction treatment, offering evidence-based strategies such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and behavioral therapy to help patients overcome substance use disorders. I am passionate about promoting recovery, reducing stigma, and supporting individuals in reclaiming their lives through a holistic, integrated approach to care.Committed to lifelong learning and professional development, I strive to provide comprehensive care that empowers patients to make informed decisions and achieve their health goals.

My name is Fernando Velázquez, MS, LADC I, CADC II, CCDP-I, and I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) addiction and mental health counselor with a passion for helping individuals and families achieve recovery, healing, and personal growth.

I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling. Throughout my career, I have worked in a variety of behavioral health settings, including residential treatment programs, outpatient services, community-based recovery programs, crisis intervention, and case management. I currently serve in a leadership role within a residential recovery program, where I provide clinical supervision, treatment planning, and direct support to individuals recovering from substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.

My professional experience includes working with adults from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds who are facing challenges related to addiction, mental health, trauma, homelessness, criminal justice involvement, chronic relapse, and life transitions. I have extensive experience supporting individuals recovering from opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, stimulant use disorder, gambling disorder, depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders.

As a bilingual clinician, I am particularly passionate about serving Hispanic and Latino communities, helping individuals overcome barriers to treatment while providing culturally responsive care. I understand the importance of family, culture, spirituality, and community in the recovery process and strive to incorporate these strengths into treatment whenever appropriate.

Recovery and healing are possible for everyone, and I am committed to helping clients identify their strengths, overcome obstacles, and build a life that reflects their values, goals, and potential.

Mental healthcare has been a lifelong passion of mine, and I am committed to helping others. My therapeutic style builds on my compassionate, empathetic, and attentive nature. In the past, I have worked well with clients with anxiety, complex trauma, PTSD, narcissistic abuse, personality and/or mood disorders. I genuinely care about the people who entrust me within my therapy practice and consider being a therapist one of the greatest privileges of my life.

*Former clients are welcome to reach out if they want to resume therapy, even if I do not have scheduled openings on Headway.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with experience in community mental health, crisis intervention, and counseling. I specialize in supporting individuals who have experienced trauma and adversity, and I approach therapy from a holistic perspective—seeing each client as a whole person within the context of their environment.

My work is rooted in being trauma-informed, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. I often integrate somatic therapy and mindfulness, recognizing that trauma is carried not only in the mind but also in the body. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients can explore their experiences, build resilience, and move toward healing.

Over the years, I have worked with folks of all ages and from all walks of life. What they all have in common is the desire to feel connected to others and feel that life is enriching, not depleting. If you are feeling depleted, for any number of reasons, I am here to support you and help you find what you need to be connected and enriched.

At The Curious Cat Therapy, I work with tweens, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, family challenges, and life transitions. I enjoy working with motivated clients who want to better understand themselves, build new skills, and create meaningful change. As a therapist, I offer a supportive approach that balances compassion with accountability. Together, we'll identify patterns, develop practical coping strategies, and work toward healthier ways of managing life's challenges. I bring authenticity, curiosity, and humor into therapy when appropriate, creating a space where growth feels both achievable and genuine.