About Theodore Mental Health Counseling

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.

Our team is made up of licensed therapists who specialize in a variety of areas, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues. We are dedicated to providing personalized care to each of our clients, and are committed to ongoing training and education to stay up-to-date on the latest research and techniques.