About Theodore Mental Health Counseling
Captain Sharese Saleh, LMHC-P, Captain, Buffalo Police Department | Director of Behavioral Health Services
Captain Sharese Saleh is a sworn police captain and mental health clinician who has spent her career building bridges between law enforcement and the communities it serves. As Director of Behavioral Health Services for the Buffalo Police Department and Captain of its Mental Health Task Force, she holds a rare and powerful position, bringing clinical expertise directly into the heart of public safety.
Over a twelve-year career with the Buffalo Police Department, Captain Saleh has led the Behavioral Health Team (BHT), a specialized co-responder unit that works to divert individuals in crisis away from incarceration and psychiatric hospitalization, connecting them instead with the resources they need for stability and recovery. Her leadership has helped reshape what public safety looks like in Buffalo, centering humanity, dignity, and community trust at every point of contact.
Her commitment to bridge-building extends across sectors. She has facilitated mental health workshops for the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers and the U.S. Department of Probation and Pretrial Services of Western New York. She is an OMH-certified Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) instructor and a National Threat Evaluation and Reporting (NTER) instructor in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, training the officers and officials who encounter crisis every day. She also serves as an active member of the Erie County Threat Assessment Committee (ECTAC).
Captain Saleh holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences from Buffalo State University and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Niagara University. Her graduate research examined the stress, trauma, and resilience of law enforcement personnel, a reflection of her longstanding commitment to the well-being of those who serve on the front lines. She has been nominated for recognition by Clinicians of Color and Mental Health Professionals, an honor that speaks to her impact across both fields.
Now in private practice at Theodore Mental Health Counseling, PLLC, Captain Saleh brings that same front-line experience and clinical skill to the individuals and families she serves.
Farwah Zahra | Mental Health Counseling Intern
Hi, my name is Farwah Zahra, and I'm passionate about helping individuals feel understood, supported, and empowered throughout their healing journey. My approach is trauma-informed, person-centered, and holistic. I believe every person is more than a diagnosis or a set of symptoms, and I value creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard. I strive to consider each person as a whole—their emotional experiences, relationships, environment, strengths, culture, and personal goals.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults across a variety of mental health settings, including individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma-related concerns, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, emotional regulation difficulties, and severe mental illness. I enjoy integrating therapeutic modalities based on each client's needs and goals, while fostering a collaborative, compassionate environment where clients can explore their experiences at their own pace.
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but my goal is to make the process feel collaborative and meaningful for every client I work with.
Tatesha Felder, LMHC-P
I have found my passion! I love working with people and helping them discover themselves and work through the circumstances that have altered their lives.
My family and my community are what motivate me. There is a great need for mental health stability and awareness, and bridging those gaps. Seeing real change happen, is what drives my work.
If I had to name my superpower, it would be staying calm in the midst of chaos. I'm a natural problem-solver and deeply solution-focused, helping clients find a clear path forward even when things feel overwhelming.
Specialties & Training:
DBT, CBT, and EMDR-trained
On self-care:
After a long day, I love to decompress. Whether that's getting a massage or spending quality time with family and friends. I believe in practicing the same care I encourage in others.