Motivational Interviewing (MI) therapists in Amherst, NY
Browse Motivational Interviewing (MI) therapists in Amherst, New York. Compare credentials, specialties and therapeutic approach. Contact a therapist to learn more.
MI
Yuanfei Zhang
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
I became a therapist because I know what it means to be between worlds.
As someone who has navigated different cultures, languages, and identities, I understand the particular kind of loneliness that comes when your inner life doesn't quite have words yet — or when the words you have don't translate. That experience lives at the heart of everything I do.
I work primarily with women and individuals in the perinatal space — pregnancy, postpartum, fertility, and loss — as well as college students and immigrants standing at crossroads moments in their lives. These are the seasons when we most need someone who can hold complexity without rushing to fix it.
My training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) gives me a framework, but honestly, what guides me most is curiosity. I want to know what your life actually feels like from the inside — what you carry, what you've adapted to, what you've quietly set aside. I want to know how your culture shaped the way you love, grieve, and ask for help. And I want to sit with you in all of it, without judgment, without a predetermined destination.
Clients tell me our sessions feel like finally exhaling. My hope is that over time, that feeling stops being something you only find in a therapy room — and starts becoming something you carry with you.
4 Years Experience
Online in Amherst, NY (Online Only)
MI
Lenny Gallo
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW
Living with intrusive thoughts, constant mental noise, compulsive behaviors, or unresolved pain can make it feel like you’re trapped in patterns you can’t escape. If you’re ready to do meaningful work and want a therapist who is direct, genuine, and grounded, I’m here for that. My approach is straightforward but deeply compassionate—we’ll take an honest look at what’s keeping you stuck and develop practical tools that support lasting change.
I work extensively with OCD, anxiety, panic, trauma, men’s issues, body dysmorphia, LGBTQIA+ concerns, and the unique pressures faced by those in creative and entertainment fields.
13 Years Experience
Online in Amherst, NY (Online Only)
MI
Chrissie Chua- Ly van manh
Counselor/Therapist, LMHC-D, LPC
I’m a therapist with over 10 years of experience helping people work through anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and life challenges across many different settings and stages of life. I bring a warm, kind, and grounded approach to my work, and I use humor when it helps create ease and connection in the room.
I believe therapy should feel both safe and effective. My priority is building a strong, trusting relationship where you feel comfortable being yourself and talking about what’s really going on beneath the surface. I also value collaboration, and I welcome feedback from clients so we can shape the work together in a way that feels most helpful for you.
Together, we can explore the deeper history and past experiences you may still be carrying- especially the ones that continue to impact your stress, mood, relationships, and sense of self today. At the same time, I bring structure to our work so sessions feel focused, intentional, and productive, making sure your time is used in a meaningful and thoughtful way.
My goal is for you to feel more understood, supported, and connected to yourself as you move toward real and lasting change.
10 Years Experience
Online in Amherst, NY (Online Only)
MI
Pleasant Valley Mental Health Counseling
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
PVMHC has several highly trained clinicians who treat many clients including those with; anxiety, depression (including postpartum), trauma, gender dysphoria/LGBTQ, learning disabilities, ADHD, & more. We aim to create long-term relationships, offer fast and flexible scheduling, and ensure we make each session as beneficial as possible.
We work with adolescents and adults who are looking to better understand their symptoms, manage their emotions/stressors, and create a path to an enjoyable future. We offer a safe virtual space for you to set goals and incorporate coping skills into your everyday life.
6 Years Experience
Online in Amherst, NY (Online Only)
MI
Colette Pauta
Counselor/Therapist
If you're looking for someone who will truly listen and help you feel heard and seen, my goal is to offer a space where you don't have to filter or perform. I take a warm, relational, and collaborative approach to therapy, meeting you where you're at with curiosity and care. I believe that humor has a place in healing, and when used thoughtfully, it can make difficult conversations feel less intimidating and more human. My work is trauma-informed and grounded in understanding how your experiences, relationships, and environment shape the challenging you're facing. Together, we'll explore patterns, build insight, and develop practical tools that feel relevant to your everyday life. Therapy with me is not about having all the answers, it's about creating space to slow down, reflect, and move forward with greater clarity and self-trust. Whether you're thinking about therapy for the first time, or have been in the counseling space before, I welcome the opportunity to get to know who you are at your core.
1 Years Experience
Online in Amherst, NY (Online Only)
Amherst is a suburban town of Buffalo and home to the North Campus of the University at Buffalo, one of the largest universities in the State University of New York system, bringing a substantial student population and the mental health demands that come with a large public research university. The town's generally affluent suburban character contrasts with the significant challenges faced by neighboring Buffalo, and many residents access mental health services in the broader Buffalo metro area alongside local providers. UB's counseling services are a primary resource for students, and a private therapy sector serves Amherst's established families and professional residents. Common therapy concerns include student mental health, academic and identity development stress at a large research university, anxiety, family and relationship issues, and the transitional challenges of navigating life in a prosperous suburb adjacent to a struggling urban center.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) therapists in Amherst, NY Statistics
Motivational Interviewing (MI) therapists in Amherst, NY average 10 years of experience and charge around $187 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The most commonly treated issues are Anxiety or Fears (86%), Depression (76%), and Trauma and PTSD (71%).
Average years in practice
10 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$187
Accept insurance
60%
Offer sliding scale
62%
Gender ID
| 58% |
Female |
|
| 30% |
Male |
|
| 8% |
Non-Binary |
|
| 4% |
Gender Fluid |
|
Session Type
| 64% |
Online Only |
|
| 36% |
In Person and Online |
|
Top Specialties
| 86% | Anxiety or Fears |
| 76% | Depression |
| 71% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 67% | Stress |
| 60% | Loss or Grief |
| 60% | Social Anxiety |
| 57% | Women's Issues |
Ages Served
| 98% | Adult |
| 90% | Young Adult |
| 48% | Senior |
| 45% | Teen |
| 29% | Children |
Client Focus
| 69% | Women |
| 64% | LGBTQ+ |
| 57% | Men |
| 36% | Hispanic / Latino |
| 33% | Black / African American |