ADHD therapists and psychiatrists in Lawrence, MA

My name is Kristen Buckley. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) dedicated to supporting adults as they navigate life’s challenges and work toward meaningful, lasting change. My practice focuses on treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and substance use, using a compassionate, client-centered approach tailored to each individual’s unique experiences and goals.

Finding a provider can be challenging, overwhelming, and at times embarrassing. I have been in treatment for over 20 years, which prompted me to want to support other people like me. I am proficient in DBT as these skills have saved my life.

I am a woman in recovery, have been in psychiatric units, have a child with another woman, and attempted to end my life. I am healing everyday and you are part of that process.

I have worked with a variety of populations. I am passionate about working with other mental health professionals struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma. I am honored to work with first responders (fire fighters, police, paramedics, doctors, etc). You are not alone. I understand the complex dynamics associated with seeking help.

In a world where there is endless advice, online "experts" and seemingly easy fixes, it can be challenging to hit a roadblock and find that nothing feels quite right. Whether it is depression, anxiety, or just a general sense that something is “off”, it keeps you stuck. And you just can't figure out how to fix it. While I have no answers, I offer a place to pause, reflect, and talk about what’s been holding you back. And most importantly, what you want to happen next.

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. There are credentials I could list and ways for you to assess why I am the right clinician for you, and while those things matter, what I find most true is this: I care deeply about this work.

Finding the right therapist is hard, and on behalf of all therapists, I'm sorry this is true. I won't promise a "safe space" for the people I work with, but I can promise an accountable one. I am committed to learning alongside you, knowing that we will teach each other what comes next. I will create the container for our work, and together, I hope to build a foundation of trust that allows you to heal, grow, challenge, accept, and integrate all that has brought you here.

Many people who come to see me are living with depression, overwhelmed with anxiety, or are processing and healing from past trauma. You might be going through a major life transition or find your usual ways of coping are no longer working. You might feel stuck, uncertain, and disconnected from yourself. Investing in therapy can be difficult when there are so many other things that demand your attention. My role is to help you explore what is important to you, what is getting in the way, and make realistic, actionable steps towards your goals.

Disclaimer: My current role as an Access Clinician at Harvard University Health Services allows me to work with folx from all walks of life. I hold a small caseload in my private practice to focus on my clinical interests. Due to my role, I do not see any actively enrolled Harvard students in my private practice. However, this means you can see me at CAMHS for short-term counseling.

If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, depressed, stuck, or worn down by stress, trauma, relationships, or health concerns, therapy can help you find a clearer path forward. I’m a licensed psychologist who works with adolescents and adults, with clinical and academic experience at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. I trained in medicine at Tehran University of Medical Sciences before earning my PhD in clinical psychology at the University of Houston. My style is warm, practical, and evidence-based, while always tailored to you as a person.

It takes two to speak the truth: one to speak, and another to hear - Thoreau

I strive to help clients by being curious, kind, reliable, and insightful. This is how I believe therapy helps people to grow, and to ultimately feel better about themselves and their lives.

I primarily work through a psychodynamic lens, focusing on a client's emotional life, exploring connections between a client's past and present, and addressing internal conflicts. I also use ideas found in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy such as exploring thought patterns and negative core beliefs.

I earned my degree in psychology, and a gap year with Jesuit Volunteer Corps in a social justice setting led me to social work. I use a systems approach, meaning I look at the personal, family, and life factors affecting your well-being. My background in foster care, crisis work, community-based care, and therapy gives me a collaborative, well-rounded perspective.