Clinicians Practicing in New Hampshire

Jackie Karas, LICSW (she/her/hers)

Psychotherapist/Owner

Hello! I am a BSW graduate of Plymouth State University and a MSW graduate of Simmons College. I am currently practicing in New Hampshire. With over 10 years of experience in the social work field, I have worked in various settings including community mental health, child development, healthcare, and crisis intervention. I have an eclectic therapeutic approach using a blend of best practice from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psycho-Education, Solution Focused Therapy and other evidenced based practices.
I believe in working in partnership with clients and in utilizing their strengths in order to overcome stressors and achieve goals. I also recognize how important it is to identify all aspects of an individual’s life that may impact their well-being including physical health, relationships/support systems, community and culture.
I am licensed in both MA and NH.

Tiffani Cardinale, LICSW (she/her/hers)

Psychotherapist

If you are wrestling with unhappiness in your life, struggling in your relationships, going through a transition or just need someone to talk to, you are not alone. I can offer a safe space to help you to identify and utilize your strengths to sort out challenges within your life and achieve your goals. I am committed to supporting you to feel like your best self!

I approach therapy from a place of respect in a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere where we can build a healing therapeutic relationship. I utilize a person-centered therapy approach, while understanding the impacts of all aspects of your life including your experiences, identities, relationships and community.

I am a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) with a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Vermont. My Master of Social Work (MSW) is from the University of New Hampshire. I have over seven years of experience in the social work field, and have worked with several populations including children, adults and families. I have worked in settings such as community mental health, inpatient mental health services, as well as inpatient substance use treatment.

When I’m not working, you can find me painting, eating a brownie sundae or spending time with my cat!

I am looking forward to working with you to meet your goals and feel more fulfilled in life. I offer safe and private Telehealth sessions during evening hours. Please reach out by email if working together feels like a good fit!

Jillian Peterson, LICSW (she/her/hers)

Psychotherapist

Hi I'm Jillian! Thank you for considering me as your therapist.

My passion is working with people across the lifespan to help achieve their goals and work towards a life they enjoy living. I strive to ensure my work with clients is a safe and comfortable environment, free for self exploration and expression.

I'm a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of New Hampshire. My Master of Social Work (MSW) is from the University of New Hampshire and I am currently working towards an additional license in Drug and Alcohol Counseling (MLADC). I have over 6 years of experience working in the field of social work. My experience ranges from community mental health, inpatient mental health, inpatient substance abuse, and in educational settings. I have worked with individuals, families and couples across the life span and with varying psychosocial aspects. My areas of focus range from CBT, DBT, trauma focused work, gender identities and sexual orientation and working within relationships to establish things like trust and open communication. I strive to provide culturally competent practices to my clients. I enjoy acting as a mirror to my clients; reflecting their thoughts and ideas back to them in a new perspective.

I offer flexible appointments during evening and weekend hours to accommodate busy schedules. When I'm not working, I love spending time with my pets, hiking, traveling to new places and catching up with a friend over coffee.

April Davis, LICSW (she/her/hers)

Psychotherapist

Life and relationships are challenging to navigate in the best of times. I can help guide you to utilize the tools you already have to build new skills to help you gain positive control over your life.

I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families and couples. I have over 15 years of experience in a variety of settings including inpatient hospital, emergency services, residential programs, schools, courts, developmental disabilities services and healthcare. Relationship and family issues, depression, anxiety are my current specialties. I am an LGBTQIA Ally and gender transition informed practitioner.

My approach is person centered, goal oriented and solution focused. I offer a brave space with judgement-free listening, compassion, humor and empathy to support and guide you on your personal journey of health and wellness. You deserve to live your best life and I would be honored to guide you on your journey to becoming your best self! I am currently practicing telehealth in NH with evening appointments only.

Amanda McDade, LICSW (she/her/hers)

Psychotherapist

I am a licensed therapist and have over fifteen years of experience within the mental health field.

I see treatment as a cooperative journey in which I seek to support and guide you through self-exploration of where you are now and how to get where you want to be. This approach is rooted in trust, honesty, and open communication.

I will provide a safe space in which you can explore your emotions and be empowered to identify and address issues that are important to you.

You have chosen to take this opportunity to pause, reflect and reorient yourself in working toward the life you want. It is a privilege to be invited to join you in this pursuit and I look forward to being a part of your journey.

Mike Nicholas, LICSW (he /him/his)

Psychotherapist

As a therapist and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Mike is passionate about working with individuals to overcome the barriers they have encountered in their lives; helping them realize their full potential and achieve their goals for life and their future. Prior to starting his career in mental health, Mike served in the Air Force, worked as an EMT while obtaining his undergraduate degree in Psychology from UNH then went on to complete his MSW at Boston University. Prior to joining Black Brook Counseling, he was the Lead Clinician for a mobile psychiatric services team, providing mental health crisis intervention, assessment, and treatment in the neighborhoods and hospitals of Boston. He worked as clinician for several residential programs supporting individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders, then went on to direct a multi-disciplinary team providing wraparound person-centered treatment for clients in the Boston area across a variety of settings.

In addition to providing mental health support in the community, Mike has extensive experience providing therapy to individuals and groups for a variety of concerns. Mike utilizes a combination of traditional psychotherapeutic techniques such as mindfulness exercises, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, insight-oriented talk-therapy,and also incorporating more holistic interventions such as Reiki, massage-therapy, and yoga. His specialties include working with people experiencing intrusive problematic thoughts or beliefs, depression, anxiety, social difficulties, and helping individuals build meaningful purpose-driven lives.

In his free time, Mike enjoys hiking the trails of New Hampshire with his dog Dexter who is also a trained therapy animal. You may see him wander into the background of one of your virtual sessions! Mike also enjoys tabletop gaming, Stephen King novels, taking long rides on the Kancamagus, and natural landscape photography. With a wide range of life and clinical experience, I think I can help you tackle whatever barriers might be in your life right now.

Marina Pena, LICSW (she, her, hers)

Psychotherapist

I believe that one of the most important factors in any meaningful relationship is feeling understood. Unfortunately, this simple feeling can be evasive in many of our relationships and is often the source of many of the conflicts we face in our lives. I’m here to listen to you free from judgment and ultimately, to understand. I believe everyone deserves to have a caring and supportive person in their life to help them through life’s challenges.

I am a licensed clinical social worker who has been in the field of mental health for over 8 years. I graduated with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Social Work from Anna Maria College. I utilize a range of therapeutic tools including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectal behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and motivational interviewing.

I have experience working with a wide range of ages and demographics. I have worked in a variety of settings including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, crisis stabilization units, emergency rooms, and community mental health. Additionally, I have previously provided in-home therapy to children and families. I have experience providing outpatient individual therapy, completing crisis assessments, and facilitating group therapy.

I offer flexible evening telehealth appointments to help accommodate around work and school schedules. I enjoy reading, baking, and spending time with my family and friends.

Katie O'Donnell, LICSW (she, her, hers)

Psychotherapist

I believe in meeting my clients where they are in order to build a strong therapeutic bond that
implements change and growth. I seek to offer a nonjudgmental and empathetic approach that engages
in the process of healing in a manner that is both restorative and informative.
Therapy is an intimate and collaborative process. My goal is to create space for clients to feel
comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings, and emotions. I'm trained in both Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I know that no two persons are alike and therefore my
approach uses a person-centered focus.
My sessions are tailored to the needs of the client; therapy is not a one size fits all approach. In working
with me, you will get a supportive psychotherapist, an educator and a goal-focused, direct, and
empathetic coach to help you navigate the most challenging aspects of your life and champion your
successes.