Licensed to practice in Connecticut and accepts 37 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Child or Adolescent, Life Transitions and 7 more.
(she/her)
Welcome! I’m so happy to have you here! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience working with individuals across a variety of populations and age ranges. I primarily work with adults, young adults, and adolescents who may be navigating a range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, adjustment concerns, trauma, grief, familial conflict, and various life transitions. Throughout my career, I have also had opportunities to work with individuals and families impacted by autism spectrum disorder, early intervention (ages 0–3), LGBTQ+ clients, couples, parenting concerns, and academic or school-related challenges. My approach is individualized, and I recognize that every person brings their own unique experiences, strengths, and goals to therapy. In addition to providing clinical services, I also serve as a clinical supervisor, supporting emerging clinicians as they develop their clinical skills, confidence, and professional identity. Together, we will explore what brings you to therapy, identify the areas you would like to focus on, and develop an individualized treatment plan based on your needs and priorities. I strive to provide a warm, supportive, strengths-based, and holistic approach to therapy. I believe that creating a genuine, comfortable therapeutic relationship is an important part of the process, and I am committed to showing up consistently and authentically as we work together toward meaningful change. Let’s start tackling the stressors and challenges you’re facing together. For our virtual sessions, grab a coffee or tea, a snack, a heated blanket, your pet, a fidget, or whatever helps you feel comfortable and cozy from the comfort of your own home. All are welcome here!
The first therapy session is a time to get to know you, discuss what you are looking for, explore what types of goals and needs you have, and gather some of your clinical history. I also discuss what to expect from sessions, answer any questions you have, and develop an individualized plan to best suit your needs and priorities. Together we explore if it feels like a good fit and determine how you’d like to move forward. No pressure! I'm here to help with recommendations.
I offer a warm, safe, and supportive approach grounded in compassion, empathy, and nonjudgment. This is what you can expect in every session. It is a privilege to be part of your life through both its joys and its challenges, and I strive to provide a consistent, stable therapeutic relationship. For many individuals, this can be a unique and deeply trusting relationship unlike any other.
If you are experiencing anxiety, sadness, overall life stressors, recent changes in your life, relationship issues or struggling to manage just about anything, having the right support can be so helpful. And if you don’t know where to start or are struggling to commit to yourself and your treatment, we can work to get there together at your own pace, without pressure or judgement. *Telehealth & Crisis Information: Telehealth can be a convenient and effective way to access mental health support; however, virtual therapy also has limitations and may not be appropriate for every situation or level of need. We will discuss whether telehealth is an appropriate format for your treatment and review important telehealth considerations as part of the intake process. Please note that therapy sessions are not intended to provide emergency or crisis services. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, feel that you may be at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, or are unable to maintain your safety, please call 911, go to the nearest emergency department, or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. If you are experiencing a crisis but do not believe you are in immediate danger, 988 can also provide confidential crisis support and help connect you with appropriate resources.
Cash - $125 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Lucent Health
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Unfortunately, we all experience unhelpful, disruptive thoughts. These thoughts can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions and behaviors. I believe that emotional well-being and life circumstances can improve when negative thinking patterns and cognitive distortions are identified and addressed in treatment. This is part of what makes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) an effective approach, as it focuses on changing unhelpful thought patterns in order to support healthier emotions and behaviors.
From my experience as a clinician, the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important components of treatment and can significantly influence outcomes. To prioritize this relationship, I practice flexibility in response to each patient’s needs on any given day, recognizing that these needs may change from session to session. I strive to create a safe, supportive environment through active listening, reflective feedback, and unconditional positive regard. I also value simply being present with patients, offering space to sit with emotions, challenges, and life stressors alongside collaboratively identifying solutions when appropriate.
I frequently incorporate mindfulness-based practices into psychoeducation, including meditation, breathing techniques, body scans, progressive muscle relaxation, and nervous system regulation strategies, as these approaches are often essential for supporting both mental and physical well-being. I value not only teaching these methods to patients, but also providing resources they can use between sessions—when real-life stressors arise—in order to promote meaningful and lasting change. I am also glad to share any resources patients may need to best support them outside of our sessions.
We all have unique strengths and protective factors, and it is important to identify and build on these. Taking this approach helps empower you and supports you in reaching your goals.
I utilize motivational interviewing to meet you where you are in the process of change—whether you are considering making adjustments, choosing not to make changes, or weighing your options—without pressure. This approach is especially helpful for individuals who feel hesitant about change or who may not currently desire change at all.
1 rating with written reviews
August 13, 2025
I came to Kristen in a panic, and she not only listened but encouraged me in ways I really needed. She is direct + clear + so willing to help patients find healthier solutions for recurring trauma.