Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Hartford, CT

My curiosity about substance abuse and family systems sparked my interest in this field, leading me to study substance abuse counseling, which eventually deepened my passion for psychology.

Over the years, I’ve worked in Connecticut alongside DCF and the court systems. Since starting as a case manager in 1995, I’ve continued to grow and gain valuable experience in this ever-evolving field of psychology.

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in couples therapy, trauma, and substance use recovery with a twist. Clients call me their "hippie therapist" because I bring a decade of holistic training, yoga, meditation, Reiki, and mindfulness into my clinical work. I've spent my career in addiction and behavioral health, including leadership roles at Mountainside Treatment Center. I especially love working with high-performing professionals, healthcare providers, athletes, and military members who spend their lives caring for others and are finally ready to receive care themselves.

Most of us haven’t made it through life without a few bruises. Sometimes we lose touch with ourselves along the way, shaped by what we’ve been through and the weight of those experiences.

That doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you. It means you adapted. Sometimes beautifully. Sometimes painfully. Often both.

Therapy is a space to slow down, get curious, and gently begin untangling what you’ve been carrying. Together, we can explore your story with compassion, reconnect with who you are beneath old patterns, and move toward a way of living that feels more aligned, grounded, and authentic.

I am Stanley Okeyemi, the founder of Brighter Light Behavioral Health Services. I am currently licensed as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) in Texas, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Washington, North Carolina, Nebraska, Virginia and New York. I have been working in the mental health industry for 16 years, but licensed as a PMHNP for four years, with a vast amount of experience and affiliations with over 40 hospitals/clinics combined across the USA

Clients should know that I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental, and confidential space where they can feel heard and understood. I believe in building trust through empathy, active listening, and honest communication. My approach is client-centered, meaning I work collaboratively to help individuals identify goals, develop coping strategies, and navigate personal challenges at their own pace. I value compassion, professionalism, and respect for each person’s unique experiences and background.

I have extensive experience in community mental health and private practice settings working with teens and adults. I received my Masters of Science in Psychology from Johnson & Wales University. I am licensed to practice in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience supporting individuals and families across diverse clinical settings. My career began in group homes working with adolescents and adults living with chronic mental illness, followed by work with the Department of Children and Families, Visiting Nurse Association and Crisis Intervention through the hospital Emergency Department where I developed strong skills in assessment, stabilization, and systems navigation.

For the past 10 years, I have specialized in Integrated Behavioral Health within a primary care setting, collaborating closely with medical providers to deliver whole-person, accessible mental health care.

I earned my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Marist College and my Master of Social Work (MSW) from Fordham University. I utilize a range of evidence-based and client-centered treatment modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), insight-oriented therapy, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing. My work is grounded in helping clients build insight, develop coping strategies, and move toward meaningful, sustainable change.