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

Framingham State University- BS (Bachelor of Science)

Springfield College- MSW (Masters of Social Work)

LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Work)

Hello my name is Valerie Cotto I am a license mental health counselor. I have a master's degree from Springfield College. Currently my heart is set on supporting women during their pregnancy journey and beyond. Maternal mental health is very important and sometimes overlooked. I want to change that. My experience also includes substance abuse treatment, depression, anxiety and women's overall health.

With many years of clinical experience, I have worked with individuals navigating a broad range of mental health and life challenges, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, anger management, and emotional regulation difficulties. I strive to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, understood, and accepted. I believe everyone has unique strengths and the capacity for growth, even during difficult times. My goal is to help clients build resilience, overcome obstacles, and recognize their potential to create meaningful, lasting change. You don't have to navigate life's challenges alone.

As a licensed substance use and addiction counselor, I believe that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all journey—it’s a deeply personal process that deserves compassion, respect, and hope. Every individual’s story is unique, and so are the reasons behind their struggles with substance use. My approach is rooted in the belief that healing happens when people feel truly seen, heard, and supported without judgment. I view my role not as someone who tells clients what recovery “should” look like, but as a guide who helps them discover what recovery means for them.

My therapeutic method is tailored to fit your temperament and individual experience. You may be facing a combination of personal, social, and institutional adversity. Discomfort may be unavoidable, but you are not alone; I can help you transform hardship or tragedy into resilience. My process is effective; it evolves as you do. If you experience negative feelings like inadequacy, grief, or shame, I can help you understand the origin of the discomfort and make changes toward ease. Sometimes, worry can be helpful; other times, anxiety and depression lie to us. Having worked in both economically-strained and prosperous communities, I have seen the impact of trauma and neglect on various people. I also understand being a white male can insulate me against the prejudice and discrimination commonly experienced by people of color, women, and the LGBTQ community; I trust my client’s experiences and take responsibility for my blind spots.

Seeking help can feel overwhelming, and finding the right provider matters. I provide a warm, welcoming space where clients can feel heard, respected, and supported. I worked in community health for several years as a bilingual nurse practitioner and place great value in providing culturally competent care.

I believe therapy works best when it feels both safe and grounded in real understanding. My background in neurobiology research and medical social work shapes how I see healing — as something that involves your brain, your body, your relationships, and your story. I specialize in grief, medical trauma, caregiving stress, chronic illness, ADHD, and attachment wounds. I also work closely with clinicians and first responders, people who are often the helpers in everyone else’s lives.

Work demands don't pause when life gets hard. If you are navigating a transition, workplace stress, or the lasting weight of grief or trauma while still showing up for work and family, you already know how exhausting this is.

I am interested in helping you navigate these life transitions. I run a small, focused practice with evening and weekend availability, designed for working professionals and academic students. My background spans community health, trauma-informed care, and research.