“We are all stars in this galaxy. All of us. No one's greater than the other.”

-Benjamin Sherman "Scatman" Crothers

What does it mean to be “neuroaffirming”?

I know that, as a community, our strength is in our neurodiversity. To quote Sonny Jane Wise’s latest book: “We’re all neurodiverse.”

Whether you’re autistic or experience attention differences/hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, or any other form of neurodivergence, I believe that your brain can do wonderful things. I’d like to work with you to help figure out what those things are.

a photo of the Memorial Bridge, Springfield MA. The sky is hazy blue and cloudless and the bridge is reflected in the Connecticut River.

Who am I?

I’m a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), based in Western Massachusetts, providing outpatient therapy both in person and via telehealth. I specialize in working with autistic, ADHD, and/or anxious teens and adults and I especially enjoy working with neurodivergent queer, transgender, or otherwise marginalized people. I can help with difficulties related to executive functioning, anxiety, mood, and living in a world that does not appreciate diversity as much as we need it to. I use a strengths-based and client-centered approach, while also offering tools and techniques from many different therapeutic modalities.

I use the term “neuroqueer”, defined here by Dr. Nick Walker, to describe both who I am and what I do. More specifically, I’m a queer autistic ADH parent who’s experienced both anxiety and depression. I offer my perspective and support as both a licensed clinician and as a person with lived experience. I’m also a middle class, cisgender, white women who has been able to access and afford higher education. I strive to practice awareness and cultural humility regarding my privilege.

Fun facts:

  • I’ve had previous careers in professional theater (behind the scenes) and education.

  • Aside from about 6 years in NYC, I’ve lived in Western Mass for most of my life.

  • My wife and I are parents to an incredible young adult.

  • When I’m not working, I enjoy watching TV, movies, plays, and musicals; playing board games; traveling; and making and appreciating art.

a headshot of Nicole Baker. She is a white woman with short brown hair and brown tinted glasses, standing outside.

Contact Me

Interested in finding out more?

  • Free 15 minute consults for prospective clients available upon request.

  • Free consultations available to autistic therapists on starting a private practice or for clinical questions.

  • Consultation also available for businesses and organizations that are seeking to develop a more neuroaffirming practice or environment.

Fees

I am currently contracted with Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim, Health New England, Medicare, Optum (UnitedHealthcare), Tufts, and Wellsense.

Private pay rates are $200 for intake assessments and $175 for ongoing 1 hour sessions. A limited number of sliding-scale slots are available for people who don’t have insurance or can’t use their insurance for safety reasons.

Rates for professional consultation available upon request.

Note: reCAPTCHA is enabled in order to make this site more secure, but if you’re not willing/able to submit a contact request using that feature, please feel free to email me directly at nicole@neuroaffirminglmhc.com