TAKE ACTION NOW

DON'T WAIT ANY LONGER

Caitlin Violanti


Owner - Licensed Mental Health Counselor | Hamburg Location

I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma informed care; utilizing holistic and evidence based approaches to help you navigate the discovery of your best self. I have experience assisting individuals working through a number of barriers, including anxiety, depression, adjustment challenges, grief, substance use, and children/family members impacted by substance use. I have worked with a range of ages from children, adolescents, and adults in both individual and group settings. I am passionate about helping others work through personal obstacles and opening their awareness to their true potential. Select "Contact" or "Request Appointment" to see if my services might be a good fit for you.

Tori Leighbody


Licensed Mental Health Counselor | Hamburg Location

I am passionate about working with individuals to help them recognize their strengths, overcome challenges, and become the best version of themselves. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Informed Care. I have experience working with individuals with anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, substance use, and behavioral disorders. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in both community and office settings. I strive to meet clients at their level and ensure they feel safe and validated in the counseling relationship. Select "Contact" or "Request Appointment" to see if my services might be a good fit for you.

Joy Mercer


Licensed Mental Health Counselor | Amherst Location

Joy Mercer has a MS in Adolescent Education from D’Youville College and a Ms in Community Mental Health from Canisius College. Ms Mercer has experience working with all ages but specializes with adolescent and Adult clientele. Ms Mercer is a culturally competent provider who has worked with a diverse clientele. Ms Mercer is certified in the use of ACT, SFBT, and CBT for Anxiety and Anger Management and Mindfulness Stress Reduction techniques. Additionally, she is a Certified ADHD Professional (ADHD-CCSP) and a Certified Family Trauma Professional (CFTP). Ms. Mercer uses aspects of spirituality and religion to enhance a client’s understanding of their own strength, resilience and insight. Ms Mercer has worked in a family medical practice providing behavioral therapy for chronic disease self-management (CDSM) and mental health management. Ms Mercer has also worked in Addictions Medicine for a non-profit in/out patient facility and within her own private practice.

Megan Brautlacht


Licensed Mental Health Counselor | Amherst and Hamburg Locations

I am a person-centered counselor first, you know yourself best and I'm grateful for the opportunity to guide you in your healing journey. I have experience helping clients cope with stressors, mood disorders, and addiction. Grief, self-esteem, relationship issues, abuse, and spirituality are some of my speciality areas. My favorite evidence-based approaches are Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families ages 6 and older. Life brings us too much to do it alone - let me provide you with a safe and supportive place where we can work together on addressing your struggles and develop skills to move forward.

Patti Chancey


Licensed Mental Health Counselor | Primarily Telehealth | Amherst and Hamburg Locations

Hi! My name is Patti and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. It is my belief that everyone needs a little help sometimes, whether it is a listening ear from an outside neutral advocate, or someone to help guide them in the right direction. My heart and passion is to help those in need. I knew I wanted to be a counselor since I was 15 years old, as helping those around me made me feel like I was living out my life’s purpose. I truly believe and trust in the process of counseling. It is my goal to come alongside all of my clients using a person-centered approach and make them feel listened to, and validated for their feelings in a safe and non-judgmental environment regardless of what they may be going through. To my future clients: I am proud of you for taking this next step on your journey towards bettering your mental health. Knowing that you need help and actually doing something about it are two different things. It takes courage to reach out for help and that does not go unnoticed. I look forward to hearing your story soon!

Amanda Quinn


Licensed Mental Health Counselor | Primary Location Amherst

Hello my name is Amanda Quinn and I have been in the counseling field in some capacity for 15 years. In this time I have worked with children, adolescents and adults. My focus is on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Progressive Counting (PC) and I am working to become certified in Play Therapy. I have also worked with groups, as well as with individuals experiencing substance use concerns. I graduated from Medaille in 2012 and became licensed in 2016. When I am not being a counselor, I love spending time with my son, reading, doing art, or writing. I truly have a passion for the Mental Health Field, employing a client-centered approach, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment where you can feel heard and understood.

Kate Caldwell


Mental Health Counselor Candidate | Hamburg Location

Hi there, I’m Kate! With four years of experience as a school counselor in the public education system, I've decided to transition into private practice to provide support to those seeking personal growth and healing in a private setting. During my time as a school counselor, I honed my skills in understanding and addressing the unique needs of children, adolescents and families in today's society. I came to realize the profound impact that early intervention and empathetic support can have on an individual's mental and emotional development. As I am wrapping up my Clinical Mental Health schooling, I aim to offer support in a private setting, where one can feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. My therapeutic approach is rooted in person-centered care, integrating trauma-informed techniques, Cognitive Behavior Therapy as well as Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I have a deep passion for helping children, adolescents, and young adults navigate life's challenges, and I’m committed to walking alongside you on your journey to emotional well-being and personal growth, providing you with support to adapt and bloom in this ever-changing world.

Brandon Bryant


Licensed Mental Health Counselor | Primary Amherst Location

As a person-centered and trauma-informed therapist, I prioritize creating a safe and supportive space for individuals and families to navigate life’s challenges. I believe mental health is essential to overall well-being, allowing us to cope with life’s stressors, realize our abilities, learn effectively, work productively, and contribute to our communities. My approach is highly individualized, focusing on building an internal locus of control while addressing concerns. I integrate evidence-based strategies to promote self-care, seeking support when needed, and fostering open conversations about mental health. By empowering clients with practical tools and a strengths-based perspective, I help them cultivate resilience and a more balanced, fulfilling life Brandon specializes in working with children, teens, and adolescents out of our Amherst office, with limited Hamburg availability.

Joseph Vegas


Licensed Mental Health Counselor | Amherst Location

Joe Vegas, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor who offers personalized therapy services for individuals, couples, and families, including children. Unlike larger clinics with extensive caseloads, Joe maintains a focused practice to provide dedicated attention to each client. He believes in everyone’s innate desire for self-improvement. Joe is available for sessions Thursday through Saturday. At VMH, Joe works out of our Amherst space, with limited availability in Hamburg, and specializes in working with couples and families.