Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Hamden, CT

I am an experienced behavioral health provider and health educator dedicated to treating patients with respect, dignity, and a focus on overall wellbeing, personal goals, recovery, and safety.

My professional background includes over 13 years as a nurse clinician and nurse practitioner for the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) treating adult patients. Additionally, I spent 5 years at MAAS in New Haven specializing in opioid and alcohol use disorders, and I have provided outpatient behavioral health treatment for adults of all ages at LifeBridge Community Services for over 5 years.

There was a time when I felt trapped by anxiety, depression, and overwhelm. I spent years feeling like I was constantly reacting to the world around me—easily overwhelmed, shutting down, and unsure how to move forward. I was living in a hypervigiliant state - always on edge, feeling unsafe in relationships and in my aloneness. This was also followed with depressive states followed by shame and guilt. Working with a Practitioner in Somatic Experiencing has transformed my emotional well being by helping my brain and body recognize safety and reducing my sensitivity to unpleasant sensations and arousal. I now feel more in control, I welcome unpleasant bodily sensations when they show up, and feel more safe in my body.

Terence Ching, PhD (he/him) is a Yale-, Dartmouth-, and UConn-trained clinical psychologist licensed in CT.

Dr. Ching has vast academic and clinical expertise in mood, anxiety, and trauma-based disorders, especially obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Dr. Ching is also an Instructor on the faculty of the Department of Psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine. There, he leads psychedelic clinical trials (namely, psilocybin) for OCD, depression, and other disorders in the Yale Program for Psychedelic Science. There, Dr. Ching assumes the role of Director of Psychedelic Training, pioneering the training and supervision of numerous facilitators who work with study participants in psychedelic dosing sessions.

In the psychedelic therapy space, Dr. Ching is an extensively published global leader in culturally attuned, queer- and trans-affirming, and ethically rigorous care of individuals experiencing altered states of consciousness.

Lastly, Dr. Ching is an internationally sought after scientific speaker. He has significant consulting experience in various aspects of psychedelic research and practice, having trained hundreds of study therapists for multiple companies who have achieved FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation in their drug development programs.

Hi, I’m Sara. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in Connecticut, and I work with teens, young adults, and families who are dealing with anxiety, depression, life changes, and relationship challenges.

I believe every human is on their own journey of growth, self-discovery, and healing. My goal as a therapist is to walk alongside you with compassion and curiosity. Together we’ll create a space where you feel understood, supported, and able to explore your story while building the tools you need to move forward.

My approach is collaborative and flexible. I often use CBT, DBT, and Attachment-Based Family Therapy, and I tailor sessions to fit your individual needs. Clients describe me as warm, approachable, and down to earth. I try to balance understanding with practical strategies that you can use in your daily life, whether that means finding ways to manage stress, communicate better, or feel more grounded.

Outside of therapy, I find balance and renewal in nature and the outdoors. That connection to growth and change in the natural world often inspires how I view the healing process in therapy.

If you’re ready to start or continue your journey, I’d be honored to support you in creating lasting growth and connection.

As a board-certified psychiatrist and mental health nurse practitioner, I believe prioritizing mental health is key to well-being, safety, and stability in life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that great step! I believe everyone has a unique story and deserves an individualized approach to care.