LGBT therapists in Lowell, MA

I have been working with teens and young adults for over 20yrs, mostly in group homes. I specifically work with people who have experienced trauma and lived in foster care. I think it is important for you to have choice and control of your life, and that many systems and therapy have often not been helpful. I want to try something different.

I especially enjoy working with clients who are ready to take that first step toward change, even if they aren’t quite sure where to begin. You don’t need to have all the answers or know exactly what you want to work on to get started. What matters most is a willingness to show up, remain open to new perspectives, and explore the parts of yourself and your experiences that may be difficult to face. Therapy can involve digging deep, challenging familiar patterns, and sitting with uncomfortable feelings, but it can also lead to meaningful growth and a deeper understanding of yourself.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and developmental specialist with 15 years of experience supporting children, caregivers, and families. My background includes working as an in-home clinician in Early Intervention (EI), where I supported multicultural families in their homes and across a variety of settings, including shelters, daycares, and foster care. I worked with children with a wide range of developmental needs, including neurodivergent children, while supporting child development, family dynamics, and practical strategies to address everyday challenges.

I specialize in working with children through young adulthood (age 22).

This experience has strengthened my ability to meet each child and family where they are and provide individualized, culturally responsive support.. Today, I especially enjoy working with teenagers and young adults as they navigate identity, relationships, transitions, stress, and the growing responsibilities of adulthood. I speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and I strive to create a space where each client feels respected, understood, and comfortable being themselves.

I have been a practicing clinician for some thirty years and enjoy working with a diverse range of people.

Salem Black, who holds a Master’s degree in both Biomedical Anthropology and Social Work, has an extensive background in working with children and families. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, followed by a Master’s degree in Biomedical Anthropology from Binghamton University. This interdisciplinary approach provided him with a unique perspective on the intersection of behavioral patterns and public health.

My primary areas of experience are trauma and addiction, and I have a deep passion for helping people heal from experiences that have impacted the way they see themselves, their relationships, and their lives. I understand that coping strategies often develop for a reason. Rather than judging those behaviors, I want to help you understand what they have been trying to do for you, while working together to develop healthier ways of moving forward.

I don’t see you as a diagnosis, a collection of symptoms, or a list of things that need to be fixed. I see you as a whole person with a story. Your experiences matter, your feelings matter, and you deserve a space where they can be heard.

Therapy can be uncomfortable at times. Healing often asks us to look at things we’d rather avoid. But you shouldn’t have to do that while feeling judged, criticized, or alone. My goal is to create a therapeutic relationship where you can laugh, cry, be angry, feel confused, ask difficult questions, or simply sit with whatever you’re experiencing—and know that you are still accepted.

You don’t have to be “better” before you come to therapy. You don’t have to hide the messy parts. You can come exactly as you are.

If you’re looking for a therapist who will genuinely listen, meet you with compassion, and walk alongside you through the process of healing, I would be honored to take that journey with you.

I think this version captures something especially important about your philosophy: the relationship itself is part of the treatment. It also avoids making you sound like you’re promising to “fix” someone, while still conveying genuine passion for helping people heal.