Rated 4.8 stars out of 5, 60 ratings

Heather Parenti

LCSW, 24 years of experience

Authentic
Warm
Open-minded

About me

Hi there! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 15 years in private practice and many years as a social worker in health care. I am also a lifelong fitness enthusiast, starting my life in competitive tennis at five years old. I am a California native who has fallen in love with Connecticut, living in its splendor for the past 7 years! My focus in life is love. My passion not only includes health and wellness but also creativity. I have been writing poetry since high school and, I started painting again for pleasure and relaxation. My aspiration last year was to begin seriously working on compiling my poetry in preparation for a book. It is still in the making as I allow my process to flow without a due date. I am looking forward to a long life of love, health, and happiness! In Health, Heather

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first session, we will take time to get to know each other, whether I am a good fit for you, and what you would like to get out of therapy. Not one person is the same and I genuinely believe that you situation and what matters to you is uniquely yours. I will address the legal and ethical boundaries and interpretations of the therapeutic relationship to make sure you know that I care about you, your safety, and your privacy. You are also free to ask me any questions that you want to ask me and I will answer them. I find that if you see me that I am a professional, an expert in my field, and also an imperfect person who is living through life like we all are, it may ease your anxiety about treatment. I am looking forward to getting to know you!

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I believe my commitment to help and improve lives and my genuineness are my biggest strengths. A client will find that I am the same person in session as I am out in the community and when with family and friends.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I enjoy working with all ages, preferably 13 years old and above. I have a background in health care, health and fitness, sports, and artistic outlets. I respect and appreciate individuals of all cultures and life experiences. I also have a deep understanding and professional experience in anxiety, ADHD, self- harm and eating disorders.

Specialties

Top specialties

AnxietyTrauma and PTSD

Other specialties

I identify as

Serves ages

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I have been helping clients learn their ability to choose how they express their feelings and actions through all the coping tools of cognitive behavioral therapy which spans so many realms of interest like writing, art, education, music, meditation, visualization and positive self worth. CBT has so many great tools and I feel most importantly teaches you to decide :)

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

DBT is similar to CBT, using our own sense of self, our bodily senses, to master our personhood. DBT also includes using our cognitive thought processes to understand why we do what we do. DBT also includes use of worksheets, education, art, music and our connection with energies inside and outside of us. I am also skilled in meditation and calming practices

Faith based therapy

I explore and use all faiths, meeting with my client's comfort and belief system.

Mind-body approach

Connecting the whole person in the wellness journey is key to growth.

Multicultural

I have great fortune to have been with many cultures in my personal and professional life and embrace everyone!

Location

Offers in-person in 180 Post Rd E, Westport, CT 06880, #208Virtual

Accepts

Cash - $130 per sessionAetnaAll SaversAnthemAvMedBlue CrossBlue Cross Blue ShieldBlue ShieldBlue Shield (MHSA) MagellanBlue Shield of California - Medi-CalBlue Shield of California Promise Health Plan (Medi-Cal)CalViva Health (Medi-Cal)Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal)CignaCommunity Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal)EAP:CignaEAP:EvernorthEAP:UnitedHealthcare/OptumEvernorthGold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal)Golden RuleHarvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcareHealth Net (Medi-Cal)Health Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-CalHusky HealthL.A. Care CoveredL.A. Care Covered DirectL.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal)L.A. Care PASC-SEIUMedicaidOptumOptumHealth Complex Medical ConditionsOscarOxfordPartnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal)San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal)Scripps Health PlanSharp Health PlanSurest (formerly Bind)Tufts Health/CignaUnited Medical ResourcesUnitedHealthcare Life InsuranceUnitedHealthcare Shared ServicesUnitedHealthcare StudentResourcesUnitedHealthcare/Optum
Rated 4.8 stars out of 5, 60 ratings

3 ratings with written reviews

July 22, 2025

my first session of my “adult life” i should say ; &’ she was wonderful . i was nervous because im carrying so much weight that i become so easily overwhelmed .. but she was very warm &’ welcoming , easy to talk with , &’ i cried like a baby . i felt very good ending the session &’ we’ve already scheduled for next week . 🫶🏼

Verified client, age 35-44

Review shared after session 1 with Heather

July 15, 2025

I feel like I'm speaking with a longtime friend when I meet with Heather, which is really so great for me right now. I've enjoyed every meeting so far.

Verified client, age 35-44

Review shared after session 5 with Heather

February 27, 2025

very good, I was nervous, but she made me feel very comfortable. I found myself talking a lot more than I thought I was going to. I will definitely try again.

Verified client, age 18-24

Review shared after session 1 with Heather