Our Therapists
Matt Ballacchino, LMSW
Looking for a therapist who truly cares about your wellbeing? Look no further! As a provider of CBT, DBT, and Positive Psychology services, I pride myself on helping my clients identify their needs and create a plan to move forward. Whether you're looking for help with anxiety, depression or other mood disturbances, relational issues, attention and focus, work/life balance, maintaining boundaries, improving communication, distress tolerance, grief support, or navigating complex relationships, I'm here to offer compassionate and supportive guidance. Let's work together to achieve your goals and improve your mental and emotional health! I am available for in-person and virtual appointments. I am in network with the following insurances: Aetna Commercial Amerigroup BCBS WNY Medicaid Cigna Evernorth Fidelis MVP Univera Commercial and Medicaid I also accept Private Pay clients choosing not to use their insurance benefits and work with clients that have Out of Network Benefits, providing superbills for reimbursement.
Laurie Johnston, LMSW
Come, tell me everything and I will listen with an open heart. Sometimes our inner voice is not loving, and life is too short to have our inner voice not be our best friend. You deserve to have a beautiful life so together let’s figure out what’s holding you back. A favorite quote of mine by Heraclitus is: “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man.” An ancient phrase of wisdom that speaks incredible truth. It is my intention to affect those living and coping with often self-imposed restrictions or images of themselves. I will redirect, refocus and reframe negative feelings and internal dialogue that hold you back from uplifting mental health and helpful contributions to society. Our world is in a state of constant change and although ‘change is the only constant’, change is one of the hardest things to cope with. As a Counselor, my focus is to address those unconscious assumptions that hold you back from living fully so that you can live completely in the moments that go so quick. I have over 25 years of experience with individuals, couples, families, and college students. I hope to companion you on your journey as you discover awareness, clarity, meaning and improved mental health. My practice is about YOU, what your concerns are, how you wish your life to be different. I will meet you where you are, and together, we will build a trusting, transformative working relationship. You will walk me through your past and together, we will walk into the future. I am available for both in-person and virtual appointments. I am in network with the following insurances: Aetna Commercial Amerigroup BCBS WNY Medicaid Cigna Evernorth Fidelis MVP Univera Commercial and Medicaid I also accept Private Pay clients choosing not to use their insurance benefits and work with clients that have Out of Network Benefits, providing superbills for reimbursement.
Brianna Martin, LMSW
I prioritize compassion, empathy, transparency, and unconditional support in the therapeutic alliance. I facilitate therapy with the understanding that our past may impact our present and believe that each person can achieve a meaningful and fulfilling life with the right tools and support, meeting you exactly where you are in your healing journey. I use evidence-based practices working with adults, adolescents, children, and couples, administering a variety of interventions to nurture the effects of the presenting issues. Using a strengths-based approach to support your capacity to achieve desired and developmental milestones, together we can maximize to your fullest potential. You will have my full support while we work at reducing and reversing maladaptive behaviors, and alleviating symptoms and functional limitations. I am available for virtual appointments. I am in network with the following insurances: Aetna Commercial Amerigroup BCBS WNY Medicaid Cigna Evernorth Fidelis MVP Univera Commercial and Medicaid I also accept Private Pay clients choosing not to use their insurance benefits and work with clients that have Out of Network Benefits, providing superbills for reimbursement.
Vanessa Krnjaich, LMSW
I understand that tweens and teens face unique challenges as they navigate their formative years. I work with them to create a plan tailored to help them overcome behavioral problems, bullying, attention difficulties, and relational issues. By utilizing evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior (DBT), I empower the kiddos I work with to take control of their journey towards healing and growth. My goal is to support them in finding happiness and enjoying their youth while fostering emotional regulation and strengthening family relationships and friendships. I work with ages 12 and up and have years of experience providing support to families noticing difficulties managing the transitions and stressors that life tends to throw their way. I strive to create a trustworthy, non-judgmental, compassionate and safe space where my clients feel heard and understood.
Keri Armbrust, LMSW
I work with adult women who have anxiety, panic disorders, or who struggle with negative self-talk and low self-esteem. Do you feel anxious all day and you are not sure why? Do you have negative thoughts about yourself that get in the way of work, keeping relationships, and making you second guess all of your decisions? Are you not going out in public or avoiding situations because you’re scared you will have a panic attack? Anxiety can hijack our brain and make us feel alone, scared, and misunderstood. I am a skill based therapist who likes to use casual rapport building, humor, and empathy in my approach to enrich and heal the lives of clients. I use evidence-based modalities of EMDR, DBT, CBT, ACT, and mindfulness tools to work with my clients towards healing and living life with an empowerment that enables you to feel strong, connected, healthy, and at peace. I am available for telehealth appointments Tuesday-Friday from 9:30am-2pm.
Destiny Rust, LMSW
Welcome to your journey toward a healthier and happier you! Together, we will focus on your strengths while building your resilience. Your goals are my goals for you, and by working to gain a holistic view of you as an individual, I will create an environment where you can begin to thrive. I tend to use a blend of evidence-based therapies such as CBT, EMDR, Psychodynamic, Solution-focused, and Positive Psychology. My goal is to help you feel empowered so that you can take control of your own personal growth at a pace that you feel comfortable with. We can address things like life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, or grief and loss. I will hold space and support you in any way that I can while allowing you to explore your past, accept the present, and visualize your future. I am available for in-person and virtual appointments.
Nina Szarafin, LCSW
My approach to therapy includes utilizing a variety of evidence-based modalities such as Psychodynamic therapy, EMDR, DBT, CBT, and Schema Therapy to suit the unique needs of my clients. Whether you are struggling with trauma, adjusting to a major life change, or dealing with anxiety or depression, I am here to support you in your journey toward wellness. My focus is on creating a safe and trusting environment where you can explore, learn, and grow at your own pace. I currently have a short waitlist for in-person and virtual appointments. Aetna Commercial Amerigroup BCBS Commercial BCBS WNY Medicaid Cigna Evernorth Fidelis Highmark Commercial Independent Health MVP United/Optum Univera Commercial and Medicaid I also accept Private Pay clients choosing not to use their insurance benefits and work with clients that have Out of Network Benefits, providing superbills for reimbursement.
Kayla Napierala, LCSW
Emotions come in all sizes. Sometimes it is hard to even name the emotions we are feeling. Whatever it is that brings you here today, I want to normalize how you are feeling. It is my goal to help you name and process those emotions, together in a therapeutic way. I strive to create a safe, non judgemental space to heal and grow into the 'you' you want to be. I understand that reaching out can be frightening, and making the decision to enter therapy shows a lot of strength. I would like to help make this transition as smooth as possible. It is my goal to help you reach your goals at your own pace by providing support, validation, guidance and a listening ear. If and when you are ready, I am here to help. I currently have a short waitlist for both in-person and virtual appointments. Aetna Commercial Amerigroup BCBS WNY Medicaid Cigna Evernorth Fidelis MVP Univera Commercial and Medicaid I also accept Private Pay clients choosing not to use their insurance benefits and work with clients that have Out of Network Benefits, providing superbills for reimbursement.
Jane Moeller, LMHC
I believe in the courage it takes to embark on the journey of therapy. My primary goal is to provide a safe and inclusive space for individuals seeking to make positive changes in their lives. I understand that personal growth is intertwined with an awareness of how past experiences shape our present functioning. Using trauma-informed and person-centered methods, I draw from various modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). Together, we will identify your unique needs while fostering empowerment and resilience to navigate life's challenges. Regardless of your stage in life, I aim to establish a supportive and collaborative therapeutic relationship that will build upon your strengths. I currently have a short waitlist for in-person and virtual appointments. Aetna Commercial Amerigroup BCBS Commercial BCBS WNY Medicaid Cigna Evernorth Fidelis Highmark Commercial Independent Health MVP United/Optum Univera Commercial and Medicaid I also accept Private Pay clients choosing not to use their insurance benefits and work with clients that have Out of Network Benefits, providing superbills for reimbursement.