Aetna Therapists in Connecticut

I am a therapist with experience supporting children, teens, adults, and families as they navigate life’s challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, parenting stress, and major life transitions. My approach is collaborative as well as goal-oriented. I use evidence-based frameworks such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy, combined with a strengths-based perspective, to help clients identify practical strategies for change. Each treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs so that therapy feels relevant, effective, and empowering. My goal is to help you build insight, develop coping tools, and experience meaningful progress in a supportive space.

Are you constantly pulled in different directions, struggling to find balance and self-compassion in your busy life? Do you need support navigating the transitions of womanhood? I'm Danika, a therapist who supports women's health at all stages. I use interventions informed by intersectional feminism and a trauma-informed lens. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare, including specialties in women's health and health tech, I bring a unique blend of expertise to help you navigate life's challenges and opportunities. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Case Manager, and Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, I believe in a holistic approach to healing, one that encompasses both mind and body. In my practice, we may use evidence-based approaches and/or the creative arts therapies when words alone fall short. Through various interventions, we can examine deep-seated emotions and provide an outlet for self-expression. This approach can offer a safe space for exploration and transformation. Our work will be uniquely tailored to you. My therapeutic style is rooted in positivity and empowerment. I use solution-focused, evidence-based, and strengths-based techniques to ensure our sessions focus on uncovering your innate strengths and actionable solutions. Together, we'll nurture a space of growth, self-discovery, and healing, where you'll feel supported and understood at every turn. With my background in both healthcare and technology, I understand the delicate balance required to maintain physical and mental well-being in a fast-paced world. Through our partnership, I hope you will not only overcome obstacles but also thrive and lead a fulfilling, balanced life. It's a privilege to be part of your journey toward a happier, healthier you.

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) working in Connecticut for the past 5 years. I work with my clients to help identify the cause of issues they may be experiencing, and help guide them through the process of addressing those issues. The most important aspect of therapy is that it is client-led. Everyone's needs and desires are different, and working out what a person is looking to gain from their therapy is the foundation for change. Once we have established that together, the path ahead can look different for each person. Some benefit from highly structured sessions centered around teaching tangible skills, others benefit from more loosely organized talk therapy. Either way, it is important to establish a treatment plan with goals early on, and work together to reach them.

Hello, my name is Tess. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Connecticut. I am employed at a facility that treats mental health and substance use. I have 5 years of experience as a therapist that could assist with issues such as anxiety, anger, and life transition concerns. Whether you are looking to regulate emotions, navigate a transition in your life, overcome substance use, or looking for spiritual/personal growth, I can walk with you through your journey. I have years of experience working with individuals, helping them find strategies and techniques that work best for them and their situation, at their current stage of life.

My name is Rick Amaral, ACSW, LCSW. Let me begin by fully introducing myself and sharing with you my years of experience as a clinician, manager and director. I have been working with children, teens and adult in many different formats (i.e. individual, family work, group work) for over 30 years in both private practice, as well as with local community mental health agencies. I am also an Adjunct Professor at the local area colleges for the past 20+ years, teaching both psychology and sociology courses (both graduate and undergraduate level courses). In our sessions, I would like to utilize a strengths-based approach that works alongside you to identify areas that you would like to work on. Acknowledging that all cars come with rearview mirrors, I would like to spend some time hearing from you about past life events and journey that you think have contributed to your development (both positively and otherwise). My preferred way of assisting you is to focus on a Life Narrative format. Such narratives allow for many chapters, some written, many left to be written. When warranted, I will provide psycho-educational information on topics of interest (i.e. diagnosis, skill building, coping skills, mindfulness, etc..) and will share with you both local and community supports that you could draw upon after our time together has come to a close.

I am a clinical social worker, dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where clients feel heard, respected, and in control of their healing journey. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, perinatal and postpartum, and self-esteem challenges. My approach is collaborative and client-centered, integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), strength-based practices, trauma-informed care, and solution-focused techniques. I also have done Perinatal Mental Health training though PSI (postpartum support international). I prioritize emotional safety, trust, and client choice, while guiding individuals toward achievable goals and meaningful change. MY goal is to help clients develop self-awareness, resilience, and confidence so they can move forward with clarity and a renewed sense of empowerment.

I’m a licensed therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, resilience, and self-compassion. My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I believe that healing happens in safe, supportive relationships, and I strive to create a space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. Over the years, I’ve worked with people from diverse backgrounds dealing with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, identity exploration, and life transitions. I use an integrative approach to therapy—drawing from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, attachment theory, and psychodynamic principles—to meet each client where they are and support their unique goals. At the heart of my work is a deep belief in each person's capacity for growth and change. Whether you're looking to better understand yourself, manage stress, improve communication, or heal from past experiences, I’m here to walk alongside you with compassion and curiosity. I understand that reaching out for therapy can feel vulnerable, and I honor the courage it takes to take that first step. My goal is to create a space where you can be your full self—without judgment—and begin to explore what’s possible for your life and relationships. If you're ready to start this journey, I welcome the opportunity to connect and support you in creating meaningful, lasting change.

I am licensed in Connecticut with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & anger management. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I’m Dr. Lexi, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and a proud combat veteran who provides services to Nevada and Connecticut residents. I hold both a Master’s and a Doctoral degree in Social Work. I’ve dedicated my career to the field of social services and mental health, motivated by a genuine passion for helping others. My experience spans a range of settings, providing compassionate and effective support to individuals and families as they face various life challenges. In addition to my therapeutic work, I collaborate with businesses and business owners to promote mental health awareness in the workplace. My goal is to help create environments where well-being is priority. Choosing someone to open up to and embark on a mental health journey with is not easy. I understand the importance of finding the right support, and I strive to make this process as seamless and comfortable as possible. My approach is to meet you where you are, recognizing your unique experiences and challenges.

The overall theme of my life is a journey to deepen my appreciation and understanding of human experience. Along the way I have become a mental health counselor, Zen practitioner and meditator, anthropologist and archeologist, tango and swing dance instructor and performer, songwriter, and guitarist. I bring these various experiences into my counseling practice through mindfulness, creativity, and awareness of multiculturalism. I feel that despite the ups and downs of life, it is possible to find fulfillment and joy through developing a broad perspective, open mind, and attention to the momentary experiences of everyday life. I hope to offer others relief from their suffering and greater appreciation for their lives.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) from Connecticut. I received my Master's Degree from New York University (NYU) with a focus on Counseling for Mental Health & Wellness and a research interest in spirituality and trauma. I am interested in helping with all areas of life, whether you want to improve relationships, friendships or careers. If you need someone to talk to about any area of life, I can listen to your concerns and help you navigate a way forward. I can offer a perspective rooted in empathy and self-acceptance. I utilize an integrative, eclectic approach to therapy. I have specialized experience in working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault for the past 8 years. I help survivors of trauma to thrive and create a new future based on inner strengths.

I’m glad you’re here. Looking for support is a big first step. Therapy can be a place to slow down, to make sense of what you’re dealing with, and find new ways forward that feel more manageable. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Connecticut and New York. I received my Masters from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College and have been in the field for 12 years. I have extensive experience working with college-aged and emerging adults navigating identity, relationships, and life transitions. Additionally, I've worked with adults on the autism spectrum, family members and caregivers of people with developmental disabilities, and others in helping roles. More importantly, I’m interested in getting to know you as an individual and working together in a way that feels supportive, practical, and aligned with who you are.

My name is Jill Epstein Jones, LCSW. I have been practicing as a clinical social worker for over 35 years. I have a degree in Social Work from Columbia University, and a degree in Public Health from Yale University. I assess and treat people with the full spectrum of anxiety and mood disorders which include bipolar disorder and OCD. I provided a personalized approach and use eclectic therapies as fitting each individual. If an approach is not working, we try something else. I work with people who have struggled with Cancer and MS. I work with women who are coping with domestic violence. I also work with addictions which include alcohol, drugs and/or gambling.

With 35 years of experience as a social worker, I have had the privilege of working with individuals of all ages—from children and teens to couples and families. Over the years, I have honed a deep understanding of the unique challenges people face, whether it's managing depression, anxiety, or navigating difficult life transitions. As a stepmother of 38 years, I bring firsthand experience with the complexities of stepfamily dynamics, and I specialize in helping blended families find harmony. I believe in the power of a compassionate, collaborative approach to therapy. As a good listener, I am committed to working alongside you to create a treatment plan that reflects your unique needs and aspirations. Together, we'll focus on your goals and take meaningful steps towards you becoming the best version of yourself. I am excited about the opportunity to work with you and support your journey to healing and growth.

I would like to introduce myself to you. I have 30 years of experience as a therapist and am so glad that I chose this as a career because I get great satisfaction from helping clients feel better about themselves and their life! I know that starting therapy can be difficult so I commend you and congratulate you for trying therapy.

Are you tired of feeling trapped in the same endless cycle? Does the weight of your thoughts feel heavier with each passing day? Enough is enough. It's time to reclaim your reality, your joy, your true self. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a deep passion for helping people move through anxiety, depression, and emotional stuck points. I create a space where you can be real, be heard, and begin to heal. My work is rooted in empathy, curiosity, and collaboration—because lasting change comes when we do the work together.

As a licensed clinical social worker, I bring a compassionate, client-centered approach to helping individuals, teenagers, and families navigate the complex challenges that life often presents. With a deep understanding of trauma informed care, I have dedicated my career to supporting those who have experienced emotional, psychological, or developmental trauma, offering a safe and supportive environment where healing and growth can occur. My work with teenagers involves addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, peer pressure, identity development, and family conflict, while also fostering emotional regulation, communication skills, and self-esteem. I also provide guidance and therapeutic support to families struggling with relational breakdowns, parenting challenges, and intergenerational trauma, using a strengths based and systems-focused approach to promote resilience and connection. In my work with adults, I help individuals process complex emotions, rebuild their sense of safety, and move toward a life of empowerment and meaning. Whether providing individual therapy, family counseling, or group sessions, I strive to create an atmosphere of trust, cultural sensitivity, and non-judgment, recognizing the unique story and journey of every client. I draw on evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and trauma-focused interventions to help clients build skills, improve functioning, and work through past wounds. My goal is to not only help clients survive their experiences, but to thrive despite them to discover their inner strength, reconnect with their values, and write new narratives of hope and possibility. I believe that healing is a collaborative process, and I am honoured to walk alongside my clients in their journey toward mental, emotional, and relational wellness.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families foster healthier relationships with themselves and one another. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, focused on real-life growth. I utilize techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), emotionally focused therapy (EFT), and narrative therapy, all through a trauma-informed and culturally responsive lens. Clients describe my sessions as a safe space where they can fully engage, feel understood, and initiate meaningful change that resonates with their true selves.

"Know Thyself" Socrates, a philosopher, emphasized the importance of knowing your true self. I am a Licensed Therapist in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Kentucky with over 20 years of counseling experience. You have taken the first step to learn more about yourself and facilitate change. If you are ready to take that step, I would like to invite you to schedule a first-time appointment. There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn't. “Self-care is how you take your power back.” John Green.

Nekeisha Hutchinson, LPC, earned her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Post University in 2017 and has worked with a diverse demographic in a clinical capacity including outpatient and in-home settings conducting both individual and family therapy, within the Department of Corrections with clients struggling with substance use challenges and crisis services over the past seven years. Prior to becoming a therapist, Nekeisha spent 10 years working in early childhood education and seven years working as a Family Support Specialist in homes with both prenatal and postnatal mothers providing support in attachment building and assisting them in securing community resources. Nekeisha has experience working with adolescents, adults, senior citizens and families.

As a licensed marriage and family therapist, my commitment is to help my clients enhance their quality of life and make positive changes that will improve their overall wellbeing. My training in psychotherapy and family systems, combined with my license to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, enables me to provide effective therapy within the context of marriage, couples, and family systems. I have extensive experience providing counseling services to individuals of all ages, as well as couples and families.

After losing my mother at the age of 19, I felt the need to go down a more meaningful path that involved helping others. My journey into mental health care began with a deep-seated passion for helping others. After earning my degree in counseling, I dedicated myself to gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to support individuals in overcoming their challenges and achieving their personal goals.

Hello, my name is Kelley Machado, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Connecticut. You may wonder what does Licensed Clinical Social Worker mean, what does that allow me to do? As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker I have the unique opportunity to help people work through various points in their lives. In the years I have been a social worker I have worked with various populations of people from many socioeconomic, cultural, and racial backgrounds as well as people with various presenting concerns. I began my career working in the mental health system, then the criminal justice system, then onto medical social work including various medical issues as well as aging and end of life concerns. I believe people can experience difficulties with coping whenever faced with a transition in life. These changes can include monumental transitions that are both good or bad, like a new job, new family members, loss, separations, disappointments, traumatic events, etc. These types of experiences can cause psychosocial distress which can have far-reaching impacts on many aspects of our lives. I work with my clients who include children, adults, couples, and families to find healthy coping methods in order to gain a healthier perception of themselves which can help to strengthen their relationships with themselves and others so they can find themselves as comfortable, secure, and whole. I take time to get to know each of my clients on an individual basis so that I can tailor approaches to care because I have learned that not one approach impacts and helps all clients. I have been trained and adopted many approaches to provide therapeutic support including cognitive-behavioral, attachment theory, developmental theory, trauma theory, and dialectical behavioral theory. Change is not easy and embarking on change takes a tremendous amount of courage and actions. I congratulate you on your wish, strength, and wisdom for seeking help and taking this first step towards making a change in your life. If you are prepared to move beyond wishes and intentions to action and fulfillment- I am here to empower and support you to achieve your goals. I would love to help you reach your goals, whatever that may be in life so you can move forward

I have over 30 years of Clinical Social Work/Psychotherapy experience in providing Behavioral Health Therapy to individuals, children and family to develop successful coping skills for symptoms management related to Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Emotional Dysregulations, Low Self-Esteem. In addition to Couples, Marital conflict/resolution focus. Women Empowerment issues. I will provide you with the necessary tools to help you work on becoming successful in overcoming your personal conflicts. Currently during Covid my primary hours of service are Telehealth, Mon. and Thurs. In office on Tues. and Wed. from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. I can be flexible on Saturday if given ample time to negotiate. I look forward to hearing from you. Peace, Wanda.

I believe in a client driven therapy session, meaning I meet you at your need. You dictate how we spend our time though I will help to guide you if you need it. I like to think I'm direct but I will support you in achieving your goals and process whichever situations are concerning you.