Aetna Therapists in Connecticut

I'm the only therapist in the world who works with adults with Autism AND is writing this profile! Below is my more clinical introduction: Authentic communication is an important part of the therapeutic process, especially for neurodivergent clients. If you’re looking for someone who will show up as themselves, champion your special interests and strengths, and work with you to relieve some of your daily distress, I’m the therapist for you. Together, we’ll find solutions that you can feel good about and empower you to make lasting change.

Hi, I’m Rebecca. Starting therapy can feel a little scary or uncertain, and that’s completely normal. I’m here to meet you where you are, listen without judgment, and help you make sense of your experiences. Together, we’ll explore patterns in your relationships and life, reflect on what’s important to you, and find ways to move forward with confidence, clarity, and a sense of hope.

Life can be overwhelming, and it takes courage to seek support. My goal is to create a safe space where you can feel truly seen, heard, and understood without judgment. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 20 years of experience in Michigan and now also in Connecticut, I am here to walk alongside you on your journey. I am passionate about helping adults heal from the pain of depression, anxiety, grief, and substance use—especially when these struggles are rooted in past trauma. Together, we'll explore what's holding you back, and I will guide you with a blend of evidence-based techniques, empathy, and yes, even laughter. If you’re ready to explore new ways of coping and find more peace in your life, I’m ready to help. Let’s connect and begin this work together.

Making that first call to a therapist takes real courage, but the rewards can be profound. I would be honored to be the one to support you in meeting your goals. I have a passion for working with adults 18+ who are struggling with depression, anxiety, panic, relationship issues, women's health, grief, trauma, self-esteem, life transitions and many other struggles. With 10+ years of counseling/social work experience, I know we can work together to build you up and support you in learning techniques to make life a little more manageable. My goal is to help you feel more in control of your lives by cultivating self-awareness, processing emotions, problem-solving, and replacing unsupportive coping skills with healthier strategies. Together we explore and identify the underlying thoughts and emotions that drive these behaviors while working at your pace.

Hello, and welcome! I’m Ana Blondet, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 13 years of experience helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate life’s challenges. I believe that healing begins in a space where you feel safe, heard, and genuinely understood. My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative, meeting you where you are while helping you build the tools and confidence to move forward. In addition to providing therapy, I have spent more than a decade working as a school social worker, supporting elementary-aged children, many of whom receive special education services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This experience has given me a deep understanding of child development, behavioral challenges, family collaboration, and advocating for students’ social and emotional success. I have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, life transitions, emotional regulation, and family concerns. As a bilingual therapist, I provide services in both English and Spanish and strive to create a culturally responsive and welcoming environment for every client. For those who desire it, I also offer the option to incorporate Christian faith into the therapeutic process while providing respectful, evidence-based care for individuals of all backgrounds and beliefs. My goal is simple: to help you heal, grow, and thrive, one step at a time.

Dr. La’Shondra da Cruz, LPC, Psy.D specializes in Mental Health and Wellness and has provided compassionate clinical services to individuals and families for over 15 years. With a strong commitment to holistic and integrative care, Dr. da Cruz supports clients in nurturing emotional well-being, strengthening relationships, and achieving long-term mental health wellness. Dr. da Cruz’s expertise includes trauma-informed care, anxiety and depression treatment, play and art therapy, family and relationship healing, burnout and stress recovery, and mindfulness-based practices. She also specializes in mental health, psychology research and whole-health integrative wellness, aligning mind, body, and emotional well-being to promote long-term healing and life satisfaction. Her approach combines evidence-based interventions with holistic wellness practices to support the whole person.

Hi! I'm a licensed mental health counselor living in Savannah, GA, licensed in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. I've been doing this work for 15 years, in settings ranging from community-based support to inpatient, partial hospital, and integrated primary care. I lean on evidence based strategies like CBT and DBT, but the real foundation is understanding how life experience and trauma live in the body, not just the mind. My job is to help you figure out what "better" actually looks like for you, then build a space where we can get there together.

Hi there! Deciding to start therapy is truly a significant achievement and I am so excited that you’ve decided to take the step towards your better days! This commitment to improving your own mental health deserves recognition, so take a second to cheer now! I have a passion for working with adults 18+ who are struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, women's health, grief, trauma, self-esteem, life transitions and many other struggles. With 13 years of counseling experience, I know we can work together to build you up and support you in learning techniques to make your life better!

Joey Meuser, owner and therapist at Chroma Wellness, provides compassionate, LGBTQIA+ affirming care rooted in a holistic approach that honors the mind-body connection. Specializing in CBT, ACT, and mindfulness, Joey helps clients navigate life’s challenges, break unhelpful patterns, and develop practical skills for lasting change. With warmth and understanding, Joey empowers clients to build emotional resilience, self-awareness, and a more fulfilling life.

I’m Evamary Largaespada, a Licensed Professional Counselor supporting children, parents, and adults in creating meaningful, lasting change in their lives. I work with children from infancy through adolescence, first-time and prenatal parents, and adults looking to heal from past experiences, understand how their childhood impacts their present, and break generational cycles. In my practice, I provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, thoughts, and life experiences. I integrate Person-Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, and attachment-based approaches to help clients heal, grow, and build stronger relationships with themselves and others. I guide adults in connecting with and healing their inner child, understanding patterns shaped by early experiences, and developing new ways of relating to themselves and their loved ones. For families, I support children and parents in strengthening their bond, improving communication, and fostering emotional resilience. Together, we work to create trust, emotional safety, and self-awareness, paving the way for healing, personal growth, and healthier relationships across generations.

Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Connecticut. I received my degree from Fairfield University and have over 20 years experience specializing in working with adults managing stress, anxiety, chronic illness, relationship issues and life transitions. I prefer an integrative approach to meet you where you are at in your life. My goal is to help you achieve your goals.

Hello, I’m Kelly, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with nearly 20 years of experience helping adults navigate stress, anxiety, and depression. Throughout my career, my approach has remained rooted in empathy, authenticity, and collaboration. I strive to create a warm, non-judgmental space where you feel truly heard and respected. Together, we will focus on understanding what's weighing on you, reframing unhelpful patterns, and building practical tools to support your emotional well-being and confidence.

Hi, I’m Sam, a Licensed Professional Counselor here in Connecticut. I grew up in Alabama and earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Montevallo. Since then, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting kids, teens, and families through some of life’s toughest challenges. I’ve had the privilege of working with young people facing anxiety, depression, ADHD, attachment struggles, and substance use. I also work closely with clients who are living with chronic illnesses, as well as those exploring and affirming their LGBTQ+ identities. My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, supported, and understood—no matter what you’re going through.

You made it! I’m Amanda, and I’m here to help you figure things out. I have the privilege of working with people dealing with all kinds of real-life struggles—trauma, ADHD, anxiety, low motivation, oppositional behavior, or just feeling totally over therapy. A lot of this stuff comes from old pain or shame that’s been weighing you down, and my goal is to help lighten that load so you can feel more like yourself again. My style is trauma-informed, calm, and focused on healing the deeper stuff in a way that feels safe and manageable. I also look at the bigger picture—family dynamics, past relationships, and the systems around you—because they all play a part. ******Please be advised that intake appointments require at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. If an intake is canceled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours’ notice, I will cancel the intake appointment and place you on my waitlist for future availability. I value direct and timely communication and ask that clients be considerate of my time and schedule, just as I strive to be respectful and considerate of yours. Intake appointments are specifically reserved for new clients, and adequate notice allows me the opportunity to offer that time to another individual who may be waiting for services.

Hello there, my name is Ian. I am currently an outpatient clinician, licensed in Connecticut with thirteen years experience working as a therapist/mental health counselor across a variety of settings: hospital, skilled nursing, assisted living and outpatient, as well as home and school-based services. I have worked with a variety of ages, but now exclusively work with adults. I specialize in life transitions, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, caregiving (alzheimer's and dementia) and living with early cognitive changes. I also work/have worked with victims of physical/emotional trauma and find that having a strong connection with your therapist is crucial to treatment. The fact that you are here looking for help, whether it be for you or a loved one is a great first step. I look forward to working with you!

*Currently early-mid afternoon appointments available at this time* Rebecca is a psychotherapist who works with clients ages 13+, specializing in life transitions, depression, stress and anxiety disorders, and self-exploration. She provides a warm and supportive space where clients can deepen self-understanding, navigate change, and cultivate emotional balance and personal growth. Rebecca also has clinical expertise in administering and interpreting psychological measures used to assess a wide spectrum of mental health and substance use disorders, supporting a comprehensive and individualized approach to care. She is an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and identifies as a social advocate. Her therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing from psychodynamic–psychoanalytic foundations along with cognitive-behavioral and dialectical-behavioral methods to offer a wide range of treatment pathways. Rebecca’s clients often appreciate exploring deeper self-understanding, strengthening self-leadership, and engaging in meaningful healing processes. She provides a warm, inviting, and judgment-free space—one that welcomes authenticity, vulnerability, and all forms of humor. Outside of her clinical work, Rebecca enjoys spending time in nature, caring for her ever-growing collection of plants as a self-proclaimed botanophile, and creating meaningful memories with her spouse and 2-year-old son. She is an avid animal lover who appreciates the comfort, connection, and joy that animals can bring to everyday life. Rebecca also values humor and believes that laughter can be a powerful source of resilience, healing, and human connection. Rebecca shares her home with a beloved pup who may occasionally make a friendly appearance during telehealth sessions, often adding a touch of warmth and authenticity to the therapeutic space. “We don’t laugh because we’re happy – we’re happy because we laugh.” – William James

Hi! I'm Janet, an LCSW with extensive experience working with families and adults. I work with clients who experience anxiety, low self-esteem, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, stress, relationship struggles, parenting challenges, communication difficulties, mild depression (no SI/SH) or who are going through life transitions. ***I do not work with clients who experience suicidal ideation, self-harm, extensive addiction, or are adults or children involved in custody disputes or who have been DCF/court ordered to attend therapy on this platform.*** In addition to my therapy experience, I taught elementary education (Pre-K to Grade 8) in CT and NYC. In the past, I have worked in a domestic violence shelter and outreach center outside of Boston, the CT Birth to Three program, intensive in-home psychiatric programs, outpatient clinics and as a school clinician at a therapeutic high school. Additionally, I have experience working in the foster care systems in CT and NYC. I have weekday and weekend availability to meet the needs of my clients' busy schedules. Follow my professional instagram @heart_mind_soul_connection Please note- I adhere to the Grow Therapy policy of a fee for cancellations with less than 24 hours notice and no show appointments.

Have you been considering therapy? What’s stopping you from engaging in therapy? One of my goals is to destigmatize and normalize therapy, particularly in marginalized communities and expand access to therapy. As a therapist, I hope to provide a safe, supportive, comfortable, judgment-free environment that allows one to feel comfortable enough to open up and share their story and experiences. My focus areas are individuals coping with life stressors, depression, anxiety, family relationships and other diagnoses and stressors that are impacting your daily functioning. It would be a pleasure to walk on this journey of healing and empowerment with you.

"Are you feeling overwhelmed by the weight of past trauma or struggling to break free from the grip of addiction? Perhaps you've been battling with these challenges for some time now, wondering if there's truly a path towards healing and recovery. Know that you're not alone in this journey. As someone who deeply understands the complexities of these struggles, I'm here to walk alongside you with empathy and unwavering support. I've had the privilege of working with clients from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, each grappling with their unique set of experiences and emotions. Whether you're a survivor of trauma or navigating the complexities of addiction, I recognize the courage it takes to seek help and embark on the path to healing. Together, we'll create a safe space where you can explore your feelings, confront past traumas, and chart a course towards a brighter future. My approach is rooted in person-centered care, where your unique needs and goals guide our therapeutic journey. As your counselor, I am committed to providing you with the tools, guidance, and support you need to navigate the complexities of recovery. Drawing from evidence-based practices and my extensive experience in the field, I tailor each session to meet your individual needs and preferences. Whether we're exploring trauma-focused therapies or implementing strategies for addiction recovery, my goal is to empower you to take control of your life and embrace a future filled with hope and possibility. Through a combination of compassionate listening, practical guidance, and collaborative problem-solving, I aim to cultivate a therapeutic relationship built on trust and mutual respect. Together, we'll work towards uncovering the underlying factors contributing to your struggles and develop strategies to overcome them. My ultimate aim is to equip you with the skills and confidence you need to thrive.

Hello, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Connecticut. I obtained my masters in clinical Mental Health Counseling from St John's University. I have been working in the field for about 4 years at this time. Currently I work alongside a team in community mental health. I now want to take what I have learned and apply it to a larger crowd. I work to help clients with anxiety, depression and life stress.

My name is Harina Davis, and I have been in the field of social work for 11 years. I have held my LCSW license since 2018. I am passionate about supporting individuals in becoming the best version of themselves, and I find great fulfillment in helping clients reach their goals and thrive. My work focuses on empowering individuals to overcome barriers, build self-confidence, and connect with meaningful supports. I value collaboration and believe that every person has the capacity to grow when given the right tools and encouragement. Guided by empathy, cultural humility, and a deep commitment to advocacy. I strive to uplift every client I serve.

Hello! I’m Aida Valerio. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who found my calling 11 years ago having discovered that I wanted to provide people with a therapeutic space to heal, grow, and ultimately transform. Are you going through a personal challenge or major life transition? Do you need a safe space to have your experiences affirmed and validated? Do you feel overwhelmed by your emotions and in need of support? Have you considered speaking to someone but are unsure of how to begin? Wherever you are in your journey, I want to congratulate you on exploring possibilities to receive help. Therapy, like anything new or unknown, can feel scary. When Wendy was learning how to fly in Peter Pan, her fear of “what if I fall?” was met with Peter’s response of “oh, darling, what if you fly?” Not only did she fly, but she also transformed. My therapeutic approach is gentle, warm, and trauma-informed to ensure your comfort every step of the way. I listen attentively and non-judgmentally, welcoming your authentic self. You can express yourself in English and/or Spanish as I am fluent in both languages.

So many of us feel like we struggle every day to survive through life. We might feel lost, unhappy, stressed or exhausted from constant overthinking or self-doubts. We go through the motions and cant seem to find as many enjoyable moments as we'd like or we cant figure out our purpose. Finding and accepting yourself is not always an easy task and sometimes we all need a little help or guidance. That's where I come in. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 11 years of experience in the mental health and social work field. I have worked in many different settings helping people in all different walks of life. I've provided services over the years to ensure my clients basic needs are met, to feel better about themselves, and to manage their symptoms and emotions. Through personalized counseling services that are built on a foundation of empathy, strength and acceptance, we will walk this path together to embrace your true self and the life you want to live.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in young adults, couples and individual counseling. I studied at Fairfield University where I received my Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. My primary therapy methods are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy where I work with clients to discuss presenting problems and issues and collaboratively determine what the ideal solution is by the use of questions and exploration. I believe in creating an environment for all clients that feels welcome, comfortable, and safe. By creating this kind of environment I hope to enhance the process of healing and change for the client. I also believe that the client is the expert in the story of their own lives and so it is important for me to take an active listening role and encourage the client to maximize the skills that already exist within them to minimize the problems that exist in their everyday lives.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) with a decade of clinical experience supporting individuals through some of life's most difficult challenges. I earned my Master of Science in Clinical Professional Counseling from Central Connecticut State University, with specialized training in addictions recovery, mental health, and rehabilitation. Throughout my career, I have worked with a wide range of clients across diverse and often high-stakes settings. Most recently, I spent seven years as a Licensed Professional Counselor at Garner Correctional Institution, providing individual counseling, group therapy, and crisis intervention to justice-involved adults navigating complex mental health needs, trauma, and reentry challenges. Prior to that, I served as an Outpatient Therapist at Farrell Treatment Center, where I helped establish a new Intensive Outpatient Program and delivered trauma-informed, gender-responsive care to individuals struggling with substance use and co-occurring disorders. My earlier work with the Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut and the Hospital for Special Care deepened my understanding of how neurological, behavioral, and emotional health intersect. I work with men, women, teenagers, and young adults of any gender, race, religious background, or sexual orientation who are open to learning new skills and committed to meaningful goals in therapy. Clients often come to me seeking support with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, life transitions, relationship challenges, and the lasting effects of adverse life experiences. Drawing on evidence-based approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, I tailor treatment to each client's strengths, values, and goals. I am committed to providing a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where every client feels respected, heard, and empowered to create meaningful, lasting change.