The Story Behind Meridian

Meridian Practice was founded by Dr. Lauren Wadsworth, PhD, ABPP, with a goal that is both professional and deeply personal: to make high-quality, evidence-based mental health care easier to access.

Dr. Wadsworth grew up in a rural community, an experience that gave her a deep appreciation for the strengths of close-knit communities as well as an understanding of the unique challenges people can face when seeking specialized services outside of larger cities. It inspired her desire to give back and help ensure that where someone lives does not determine their ability to access high-quality, evidence-based mental health care.

Today, that mission is at the heart of Meridian. At a time when therapist shortages and long waitlists can make finding care difficult, particularly in Western New York and communities surrounding Rochester and Buffalo, Meridian is working to make connecting with a skilled therapist easier and faster. Clients can typically begin therapy within one week of reaching out.

Meridian’s approach is personal, practical, and grounded in evidence. Therapy is tailored to each individual, creating space to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while developing skills to make meaningful progress toward their goals. Our providers are trained in evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), among others.

Meridian offers in-person services in Rochester and Buffalo, New York, as well as telehealth throughout New York, Maine, Massachusetts, and Georgia.

For Dr. Wadsworth, Meridian is about more than expanding access to therapy. It is about bringing the kind of care she believes every community deserves: care that is trustworthy, evidence-based, accessible, and rooted in genuine connection.