Meet Our Staff

Richard Blackford, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Richard Blackford, PhD
Richard Blackford, PhD, received his doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Fuller Graduate School of Psychology (1989), an American Psychological Association (APA)-approved program. He also completed two APA-approved internships, including one as chief intern at the West Los Angeles VA/UCLA Medical Center—the largest psychiatric facility in the world. He also received training and research experience at USC Medical Center. He is licensed in California and Pennsylvania, and began his practice in 1989.
Clients of Dr. Blackford appreciate his approach to therapy, where his unique insights on depression, anxiety, panic, and relational issues have often been described as “life changing.” Clients often return to share how their therapy experiences have affected them. Others return periodically to refresh what they learned to prepare for the next level of mental and emotional growth.
Dr. Blackford also has expertise in medication management, helping clients resolve issues arising from medications. He will work with you and your physician to address undesirable medication side effects and interactions, or may recommend an alternative medication.
Dr. Blackford also holds a seminary degree and enjoys helping his clients on their path to spiritual development and discovery. He has published and presented in numerous professional settings.

Mary Blackford, PhD, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Mary Blackford, LSW
Mary Blackford, PhD LCSW, spent many years working in publishing helping individuals to write, edit, and rewrite their stories. Today, she brings that same passion to her work as a licensed social worker. Mary firmly believes that most people are doing the best they can with the resources they have, but that everyone needs a little help now and then.
Her approach to therapy is designed to help you discover and establish personal goals, and to equip you with the strength and skills needed to attain those goals and improve your life. Mary especially enjoys helping women who struggle with Adult ADHD, by providing the creative solutions necessary to manage daily life and its challenges.
Mary received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Women’s Studies from Edinboro University and her master’s in Social Work from Simmons College in Boston. Trained in EMDR, Mary also seeks to assist those struggling with traumatic or distressing memories. (Learn more about EMDR by clicking here.)
Mary’s specialties include:
- Adult ADHD
- Grief and loss
- Caregiver fatigue
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship issues
- Sexual dysfunction

Amy Boxer, NCC
National Certified Counselor
Amy Boxer, NCC
Amy Boxer is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) who specializes working with individuals who experience trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, personality disorders and other mental health concerns.
In 2019, Amy received her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Edinboro University. She completed her internship in short term residential treatment (CRU) and diversion services (CSANDS) through UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor. With her experience in crisis intervention and trauma, Amy utilizes a client-centered approach with a self-paced style in her work to help individuals through solution focused and strength based treatment.
Currently accepting private pay ($40/session)
Immediate openings available

Mallory McNeil
Office Manager
Mallory Dougan
Mallory joined Affiliated Counseling Services in 2018. Prior to becoming the office manager, Mallory worked at a regional financial institution. Clients will appreciate Mallory’s kind personality and how she makes them feel welcomed and at-ease. “I’m usually the first staff person a client will meet,” Mallory said, “so it’s very important to me that each person feels our team’s commitment to them from the time they arrive.”

Nicole Banister
Administrative Assistant
Nicole Banister
Nicole joined our team in 2020. She has previous experience as an EMT and office administration. Her diverse experience combined with a pleasant demeanor and bright smile liven up our office and make clients feel at ease. She works hard to get each client the information they need to be successful with our therapists.

Bentley
Office Dog
Bentley
Bentley is a “Double Doodle,” part miniature Goldendoodle and part Poodle. Bentley has been coming to work with the Blackfords since he was a puppy, and he has assumed the responsibility of official office greeter. He is very kind and patient with all clients, and if you’re fortunate enough to have him sit in on one of your sessions, he may just put his paws on your knee to show compassion. When he’s not at the office, Bentley’s favorite pastime is chasing and retrieving a ball. He has quite a collection of tennis balls which he likes to store in his food dish.

Cooper
Office Dog
Junior
Cooper is the largest member of the Blackford family “pack” and the most likely to be afraid of a plastic bag. He is a Golden Retriever and Poodle mix. He was adopted early in his life by the Blackfords when he grew to be too large for his elderly owner to manage. He is a large fellow and weighs about 80 pounds! On a business day, Cooper can usually be found lounging on an couch in Mary’s office, though he does like to follow Marco out to greet people.

Junior
Office Dog
Junior
Junior is the most senior member of the Blackford family “pack” and the most dedicated to his job. He is a Cairn Terrier and Bichon Frise mix. He was adopted early in his life by the Blackfords and has been a loyal companion ever since. On a business day, Junior can usually be found lounging on an office couch. He loves his independence, but will make exceptions for the occasional ear scratch or a treat of any kind.

Luna
Office Dog
Luna
Luna is the youngest member of the Blackford family and the only female dog. She is a mix of Poodle and Newfoundland which are known for their athleticism and intelligence. Luna’s energy is seemingly limitless and she is always excited to see people coming and going.
On a working day, she is most likely to be found roaming the office as she does not like to be still for long periods of time. When she does run out of energy, her favorite place to sleep is under a desk.

Marco
Office Dog
Marco
Marco is a young member of the Blackford family and workplace companion. He is a chocolate Havanese, a small breed named for Havana, Cuba, the city where they originated. The Havanese were bred especially to be companion dogs, so what he lacks in size, he makes up for in heart. Marco is a one-pup welcoming committee, who seems to believe every client is here just to see him. His favorite pastimes are making new friends, snuggling, and having his belly rubbed. We’re happy to have him as part of the ACS family.

Tucker
Office Dog
Tucker
Tucker is a beloved member of the Blackford family, however, you will rarely see him in office. He is happiest when he is home chewing bones, chasing tennis balls and playing with the other dogs. Tucker is a “Double Doodle” meaning one parent is a Goldendoodle and the other is a Labrodoodle. If you are lucky enough to have a session with Tucker, the best way to win his affection is by scratching his back.
INDIVIDUAL, COUPLES, AND FAMILY THERAPY, AND TREATMENT FOR:
DEPRESSION • ANXIETY • PTSD • BIPOLAR AND PERSONALITY DISORDERS
EATING DISORDERS • FOOD ALLERGIES • SELF-IMAGE