Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Springfield, MA

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.

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.

Everyone has times in their lives when they feel confused, conflicted, overwhelmed, or just plain stuck. Finding the right person to help you sort through it can feel overwhelming too—which is thankfully where I come in.

I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 10 years of experience working with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, pre- and postpartum challenges, relationship issues, self-esteem, and major life transitions. Over the years, my practice has evolved to focus primarily on adults who want to better understand what is getting in the way of their happiness, relationships, success, or overall well-being.

I’m warm, open-minded, down-to-earth, and believe humor absolutely has a place in therapy. I’m also serious about boundaries and helping people find their voice. You don’t have to become a different person to feel better. Often, our work is about understanding yourself more clearly, recognizing what is no longer working for you, and becoming more comfortable making choices based on what you actually need—not just what keeps everyone else happy.

**Currently accepting new clients in MA (virtual) and NH (virtual and in person at our Londonderry office)**

Hello and welcome!

I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience in outpatient psychiatry and community mental health. I enjoy working with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other mental health conditions. I have a special interest in women's mental health, including pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. My goal is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care in a welcoming and supportive environment where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to take an active role in your mental health journey.