

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working in medical and interdisciplinary settings. In addition, I have also worked as a chaplain in hospital and nursing home settings. I hold a M.A. in Pastoral Theology from Boston College and a MSW from Salem State University. I provide the care my clients deserve, treating them with dignity, compassion, and respect.
I’m Amanda, and I became a therapist because I believe everyone deserves a place where they can show up exactly as they are. I bring warmth, authenticity, and even a bit of humor into the room when it feels right. I want you to feel genuinely seen—not judged—and supported in whatever you’re working through.
I’ve been in the counseling field for over 15 years and hold a PhD in Counselor Education from the University of Tennessee. My experience ranges from private practice and telehealth to correctional mental health, hospitals, and leadership roles in community programs. A. Simms Resume copy
I work with adults experiencing mood challenges, anxiety, identity concerns, life transitions, and LGBTQIA+ experiences, as well as individuals who are justice-involved or adjusting to major life changes. My approach integrates CBT, ACT, and Reality Therapy, giving us room to explore both deeper patterns and practical skills.
Clients describe me as encouraging, steady, and real—someone who helps them feel grounded and capable while taking meaningful steps toward a more balanced and authentic life.
Compassion Counseling provides a nurturing haven for counseling, empowering individuals, couples and families to embark on transformative journeys towards well-being. As a therapist at Compassion counseling, I believe in our mission to walk with people along their process of healing with compassion, encouragement and accountability.I specialize in depression, anxiety, and trauma informed treatment with a strength based lens. My compassionate care approach in supporting individuals in their healing, is informed by the many years of influencing maternal child health on a systematic level.
I see care as a partnership built on honesty, respect, and presence. My background as a psychiatric nurse practitioner who has worked with people across the lifespan allows me to approach each person with empathy and steadiness. Clients often tell me they feel both seen and supported in our work together—I value authenticity and believe healing begins when we can show up as our full selves.


Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.