Mark Farrell O'Brien, MS, LCPC, CADC

I specialize in helping young men in their late teens, 20s, and 30s who are navigating substance use, stress, and life transitions. You might be facing challenges with school, work, relationships, or independence, and noticing anxiety, low motivation, self-doubt, or loneliness getting in the way. Therapy can be a place to pause, sort through what’s going on, gain clarity about your direction, and start making changes that move your life forward in a way that feels manageable and meaningful. Many young men I work with are at different points in their journey. Some are doing well on the surface but feel unsure about their purpose or how to turn potential into action. Others feel stuck or behind, knowing they’re capable but struggling to gain momentum, follow through, or take the next steps. If you feel capable but overwhelmed, or know you want something to change but aren’t sure how, therapy can help you get unstuck and start moving forward. Stress often shows up in ways that feel helpful in the moment but create problems over time. This might include drinking, using cannabis or other substances, overworking, excessive gaming or social media, pornography, or pulling away from people emotionally. These patterns aren’t failures. They’re signals that things need attention. Together, we’ll explore what’s driving these habits and build healthier ways to manage stress, anxiety, and mood so you can move forward in a way that works for you. My approach is collaborative, practical, and focused on results you can feel in daily life. We’ll work on skills to manage stress, improve mood, reduce avoidance, and build confidence and follow-through. You’ll gain clarity on your direction, define your values, and map out realistic next steps that help you move forward without pressure or judgment. Therapy isn’t about “fixing you.” It’s about helping you understand what’s holding you back and taking steps forward that fit your life. If you’re ready to dig into what’s underneath your stress, uncertainty, or dissatisfaction, and want help creating a life that feels purposeful and in motion, reach out for a consultation. We’ll talk about what you’re looking for, see if we’re a good fit, and decide together how therapy can help you.