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Lesley Gustafson

Therapist profile

Lesley Gustafson, LMHC

Massachusetts

LMHC - Mood and anger concerns

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Key details

  • CredentialsLMHC
  • LicenseLMHC, Massachusetts / 876
  • NPI1093489692
  • Experience39 years
  • LanguagesEnglish
  • LocationMassachusetts

About

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Trauma and abuse
  • First responder issues

About Lesley

Lesley W. Gustafson is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) based in Massachusetts with 39 years of practice. She has long experience in inpatient psychiatric settings and has worked with disaster mental health through the Red Cross. Lesley offers both individual and group therapy and speaks English.

Lesley has supported people facing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma and abuse, and psychotic disorders. She also works with grief, addictions, anger, stress, and major life changes. Additional focus areas include first responder issues, multicultural concerns, paranoia, and prejudice and discrimination.

Her approach is straightforward and practical. Sessions include support, education, and guidance so people can learn ways to manage symptoms and day-to-day challenges. She draws on techniques that have evidence behind them to address reactions to trauma, mood fluctuations, and crisis-related stress.

Lesley’s background in inpatient care means she is familiar with acute psychiatric needs and stabilizing people during difficult periods. Her Red Cross work adds experience responding to disaster-related distress and helping people regain routine after disruption.

People who come to her can expect a direct, experienced clinician who combines individual work with group formats when appropriate. She is open to working with adults who want help handling intense emotions, coping after trauma, or managing long-term mental health conditions.

To begin, people are asked to complete a brief matching questionnaire and schedule a first session so treatment goals and practical next steps can be discussed.

How sessions work

Evidence-based techniques and online care

Lesley uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address mood and trauma-related concerns. One common approach helps people recognize patterns in their thoughts and behaviors and learn practical skills to change unhelpful reactions; this can reduce intense feelings like anger or anxiety. Another approach focuses on stabilizing mood and building routines to manage bipolar symptoms and depression, with concrete strategies for sleep, activity, and coping during low or high periods.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Lesley will collaborate with each person to identify which methods fit their goals, symptoms, and day-to-day life. She balances education and practical exercises so clients can try tools between sessions and adjust them over time.

The biography does not list specific online formats, so confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Licensed professionals can also offer group sessions or individual appointments depending on the clinician; discuss format preferences when you schedule the first session.

Areas of focus

Areas of expertise

Also works with

Additional focus areas

First responder issuesMulticultural concernsParanoiaPrejudice and discrimination

Experience

39+ years

Listed in

Massachusetts

Languages

English

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she help with?

She works with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma and abuse, grief, addictions, anger, stress, and life changes.

What is her general therapy style?

Her style is practical and direct, offering support, education, and guidance in individual and group sessions.

How long has she worked in mental health?

Lesley has 39 years of clinical experience, including inpatient psychiatric settings and disaster mental health work with the Red Cross.

What credential does she hold and where is she located?

She holds an M.A. and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in Massachusetts.

Does she provide sessions in other languages or to international clients?

Sessions are offered in English. She is not currently accepting international clients.

What session formats are offered?

The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.

How much do sessions cost?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I start working with her?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is unsafe, use the crisis numbers.

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Lesley Gustafson

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