Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Hartford, CT covered by Aetna

You replay conversations long after they're over. You shut down or say too much, then spend the day wishing you hadn't. You're not bad at relationships. You're anxious in them. You hold back. You give in to keep the peace, then quietly resent it. You want to be closer to the people you love. but something always gets in the way. It doesn't have to stay this way.

Many people turn to psychotherapy or counseling for help with anxiety, depression, trauma, and painful relationship patterns, or simply because they feel something is missing from life. At times, we may lack the words to describe our struggles or suffering. By gaining insight into past relationships and experiences, many people begin to make progress toward overcoming these difficulties, becoming more effective in both their work and their personal lives. I am a licensed clinician with 20 years of experience helping individuals achieve a more fulfilling life.

Hi! My name is Afia. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with an earned Masters degree from Central Connecticut State University. I have over 10 years of experience in the mental health sector and have explored, incorporated and utilized many of the skills I gained from community and health settings to enhance myself as a therapist.

Welcome to Stem Wellness! My name is Stella Stempel, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Psychologist. In over 10 years of private practice, I worked with individuals, couples, and families. My approach is consistent, incremental change coupled with healthy thoughts that leads to a more satisfying life. Changing the way we act affects the way we feel and the way we view ourselves. When working with me, you are guided towards intentional living and healthy thought processes.

With a strong foundation in both social work and law enforcement, I bring a compassionate, grounded, and practical perspective to therapy. I hold both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work and spent eight years in law enforcement, primarily working patrol. This experience gave me the opportunity to support individuals and families during some of the most challenging and vulnerable moments of their lives.

Through my professional work—and my own lived experiences with critical and traumatic incidents—I developed a deep commitment to helping others heal from trauma. I specialize in trauma-focused therapy and work with individuals navigating life’s challenges, processing difficult past experiences, and building resilience for the future.

My approach blends clinical expertise with real-world understanding to create a space that is supportive, nonjudgmental, and genuine. I strive to ensure clients feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process. Whether you are working through trauma, adjusting to life transitions, or seeking healthier coping strategies, I aim to help you gain clarity, strengthen your inner resources, and move forward with confidence. I’m here to support you every step of the way on your path toward healing and personal growth.

Founder and Executive Director of https://therapeuticalliancehealth.com.

I am a Clinical Social Worker licensed in the state of New York, Colorado, and Tennessee. I hold over 10 years of experience and have have worked in the field of psychology at numerous levels and with diverse populations. I gained experience in both the mental health and medical health fields while assisting and providing support to individuals, families, and couples, from early adulthood to late adulthood.

I am an LCSW with years of experience working with teens and adults helping them navigate managing stress, gain coping skills, and family conflict. I am here to work with you to conquer whatever goals you'd like to achieve.

Life can be a lot. Between juggling work, friends and family life, anxiety and sadness can sneak up on you. Therapy isn’t about lying on a couch while someone silently nods, it’s about having a real convo with someone who gets it. Together, we’ll work together out how to quiet the noise, boost your mental health, and build habits that make life feel less like survival mode and more like you actually living it. Life throws curveballs — and when we don’t fully process them, they can sneakily pile up as stress, anxiety, or that heavy feeling you just can’t shake. That’s where therapy comes in.

My mission is simple: create a space where you can express yourself, shake off the weight you’ve been carrying, and explore who you’ve been, who you are, and who you want to become. A safe zone for real talk and growth. EMDR (a way of helping your brain re-file old memories so they don’t keep hitting the panic button), systems theory, person centered theory.

Therapy with me isn’t about lying on a couch in awkward silence. It’s modern, collaborative, sometimes even a little fun — because growth doesn’t always have to feel heavy. I’m open-minded yet structured and here to make the process feel less like a chore and more like a genuine reset.

For insurances I do not accept: Out of network provider: 4 questions to ask insurance representative: Does your plan include "out-of-network" coverage for mental health? What is your annual deductible for mental health benefits? What is your co-insurance? (What percentage does the plan cover?) Is there a limit on sessions?

I work with adults navigating anxiety, career and life transitions, grief, and questions of identity and purpose — whether that's a 20-something rethinking their path, someone reassessing a career after years in it, or an older adult navigating retirement, caregiving, or the shifts that come with later life. My approach is collaborative and grounded: you'll leave sessions with more clarity than you came in with, not just more to think about.

I came to this work after a first career in banking. I understand the pressure, identity, and burnout that come with corporate life firsthand — and what it takes to actually rebuild around what matters to you, whatever stage of life or career you're in. I hold a Master's in Mental Health Counseling from Yeshiva University.