Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Wellesley, MA

Hello, my name is Elizabeth Barbera. I have my license in Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) and am a registered Dance Movement Therapist (R-DMT). I specialize in creative therapy and nervous system regulation. I work with all ages and a variety of diagnosis. I view therapy as a collaborative practice.

Greetings, I am an eleven-year Marine Corps veteran (2003 to 2014), experienced in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use disorders. My main approach is person centered with a spattering of CBT, ACT, and REBT. Feel free to chat with me a bit and see if we work well together. I am unable to hold in person sessions at this time as I am living in Georgia, but I do miss Boston and lived there from 2018 to 2024. I completed my master's in mental health counseling at Cambridge College in 2022, worked in a psychiatric hospital in a dual diagnosis role from 2022 to 2023, and moved on to community mental health where I worked as an outpatient clinician from 2023 to 2024, earning my licensure in December of that year. I took some time off from conducting therapeutic sessions due to a personal need. During that time, I worked with the Department of Social Services in South Carolina as a foster care case manager and later with a residential substance abuse treatment center at Johnson State Prison, Georgia. I am now back on the plate and ready to get back into hosting mental health therapy sessions remotely. Perhaps I will return to Massachusetts in the future.

I believe that meaningful change begins with feeling heard, supported, and empowered. I work collaboratively with clients to identify practical solutions, build on their strengths, and develop the tools needed to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence.

I enjoy working with clients who are ready to challenge themselves, explore new perspectives, and actively engage in the therapeutic process. Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, life transitions, or other personal struggles, I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where lasting growth and healing can take place.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts with over 30 years of clinical experience across some of the most demanding settings in the field, including inpatient and crisis care, women's addiction treatment, school counseling, and long-term individual therapy. I am also a certified Christian counselor, which means I welcome clients who want faith to be part of their healing without it feeling forced or out of place. My work has taken me from evaluating and triaging crisis intervention, individual and group long term therapy, directing a residential substance use program and supporting students with learning, developmental and adjustment challenges. Through it all, one thing has stayed the same: I genuinely care about the people sitting across from me. I bring an authentic, compassionate, and patient presence to every session. I am passionate about my helping others and I am not the kind of therapist who watches the clock.

Taking the first step toward change can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. With more than 30 years of experience in behavioral health, I have had the privilege of working with individuals of diverse backgrounds, and I've helped adults and adolescents navigate emotional challenges, addiction, behavioral concerns, and co-occurring disorders. I believe everyone has the capacity for growth and lasting change. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and goal-focused, helping you build on your strengths, identify meaningful goals, and develop practical strategies to create a healthier, more fulfilling life.

I specialize in working with adults and adolescents (ages 16 and older) experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, addiction, emotional challenges, and dual diagnoses. I also have extensive experience helping older teens and young adults navigate adjustment difficulties, emotional concerns, and behavioral challenges.

I cannot move mountains for you, but I can help you climb. Facing fears, healing from loss, finding meaning and joy - these are the inevitable tasks of life. Therapy may be your first step or your last resort. Often people avoid it all together because they believe their pain is too great, worry they will be judged or that their situation is too complicated. Some people believe they should solve problems on their own or only with family and friends. However, while family and friends may want the best for us, they often come with opinions or past hurts. Sometimes it helps to have a safe space outside your daily experience.

I am a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor who has been in the field for over 17 years. My education includes a Masters Degree in Counseling and Guidance as well as continuing education in Internal Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, Addiction Counseling. My experience has included many years of working with co-occurring disorders, including depression, anxiety, parenting issues, grief and trauma. I take a person-centered approach to meet each individual where they are at, determining the best approach for you.