Schmika Risher, LMSW (she/her/hers)
Therapist

College can be an exciting time of growth and independence, but it can also bring stress, relationship challenges, and moments where you may feel overwhelmed by everything you’re balancing. My goal in therapy is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can talk openly about what you’re experiencing and develop tools that help you navigate this stage of life with confidence and clarity.

Through Amira the Healing Space, I provide counseling services to SUNY Oneonta students who may be navigating anxiety, depression, academic stress, relationship conflicts, or life transitions. Therapy can offer a place to slow down, reflect on your experiences, and develop strategies that support your emotional well-being and personal growth.

Students often seek support with:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Academic stress and school-related pressure
• Relationship conflicts and family dynamics
• Trauma and past experiences
• Life transitions and personal challenges

I was born and raised in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, and my upbringing was strongly influenced by my parents’ Southern roots in South Carolina. Growing up between these cultural influences shaped my deep appreciation for family, community, loyalty, and unity, values that continue to guide the way I support clients today.

I identify as an African American woman with a Christian background, and my personal experiences growing up in communities impacted by limited resources, crime, and systemic barriers help me bring relatability and understanding to my work with clients.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a minor in Psychology from Columbia College and my Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina. I bring more than 25 years of professional experience in social services, mental health, child welfare, and juvenile justice.

Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals across many stages of life and have held several leadership roles within nonprofit and government agencies in New York City. I have also served as an adjunct professor teaching graduate-level social work courses, helping to prepare the next generation of social workers.

My clinical approach is trauma-informed, supportive, and solution-focused. I integrate evidence-based approaches such as:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills
• Motivational Interviewing
• Trauma-informed care

I believe therapy should be a collaborative process where you feel safe, respected, and supported. I meet clients where they are and work with them to build practical strategies that help them manage challenges, strengthen resilience, and move toward their goals.

Clients often describe me as empathetic, compassionate, and relatable. Many share that they feel seen, understood, and accepted in our work together, which helps them feel comfortable opening up and working through difficult experiences.

Outside of therapy, I enjoy singing, dancing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. These activities help me stay grounded and connected to the things that bring joy and balance to life.

If you are navigating stress, relationship challenges, academic pressure, or past experiences that continue to affect you, therapy can provide a supportive space to work toward healing and growth.

Schedule with me here:
AmiraTheHealingSpace.as.me