Johnny Ciulla, LCSW

L​i​c​e​n​s​e​d​ ​C​e​r​t​i​f​i​e​d​ ​S​o​c​i​a​l​ ​W​o​r​k​e​r | he/him

Professional Statement

I am a clinical social worker practicing at Hope Ave Therapy in Waltham, MA. The foundation of my therapeutic work is based on a strengths-based and relational approach, while also incorporating humor, creative arts, activity-based, person-centered, family systems and solution-focused therapy.

I have both individual and group work experience that focuses on adolescents and young adults facing obstacles pertaining to social/school anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, depression, suicidality, self-injurious behaviors, mood disorders and overall identity. I also have had the opportunity to support parents and/or caregivers who are not sure of what to do or how to help their child through this often-difficult life stage. I am an LGBTQ-identified clinician who has had the honor to work with many LGBTQIA+ teens and families facing not only the everyday struggles surrounding inclusion, self-discovery, and solidification of healthy outlets, but also, the difficulty of finding a therapist that can relate, understand, and empathize.

I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in Health and Counseling from Emmanuel College and my Master of Social Work from Wheelock College. I completed an internship at the Joseph Lee Elementary School (a Boston Public School located in Dorchester, MA) as well as a clinical internship at the Waltham House (a residential group home in Waltham, MA) designed specifically for LGBTQIA+ youth in New England who experience difficulties – at home or in placement – due to their gender expressions and identity.

Throughout undergraduate and graduate school, I was a member of McLean Hospital, Unit-1 (located at Franciscan Children’s Hospital) multidisciplinary team. The focus of treatment involved restoration of safety, targeting high-risk behaviors, and most frequently, reduction of suicidal behaviors. After graduating with my MSW, I worked for Big Brother Big Sister of Mass Bay conducting volunteer and youth interviews in hopes of creating life-long mentorships. There I worked alongside children and families to promote confidence, character, connection, care, competency, and curiosity. Currently, I work as a clinician at the Walker Beacon School, a coeducational therapeutic middle and high school program for students with mental health, social, and emotional challenges. Here I offer clinical support through individual and group therapy, family collaboration, and advocacy in creating and implementing appropriate individualized education plans (IEP’s).

Outside of work, I love spending time with family and friends. I also play a variety of recreational sports (flag football, ice hockey, softball, kickball), spoil my French Bulldog, and travel!

Treatment Approaches

• Strengths-based

• Relational

• Person-centered

• Family systems

• Solution-focused

Insurance/Billing

I am not in-network with any insurances. I can provide you with paperwork for your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement.

→ Read about the benefits of seeing an out-of-network provider here.

→ More information on utilizing out-of-network benefits here.

Johnny Ciulla, LCSW | Johnny@HopeAveTherapy.com