Grief counselors and therapists in Connecticut

My journey into this field was deeply influenced by my own personal experiences, which have shaped my desire to create a safe and supportive environment for others. I believe that vulnerability is a vital aspect of healing, and I strive to foster a space where clients feel comfortable sharing their struggles. By actively listening and validating their experiences, I aim to empower them to confront and overcome the obstacles in their lives.

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 adults in many different formats (i.e. individual, family work, group work) for over 30 years in both private practice, and with local community mental health agencies. I am also an Adjunct Professor for the past 20+ yrs., teaching psychology/sociology courses (graduate & undergraduate level).

Available this week for new patients! Thank you for being here and taking this important step toward your well-being. I know reaching out can feel daunting, and you are not alone on this journey. I will help you navigate it in a way that is motivating and freeing. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Connecticut with six years of experience supporting individuals on their mental health journeys. I believe mental well-being touches every part of life, and I bring curiosity, warmth, and an open mind to each session. I look forward to supporting you on your path forward.

Welcome to my page! I've been practicing clinical social work for 9 years. I graduated from Fordham University with a Masters in Social Work. My clinical experience ranges from individual therapy, group therapy, intensive outpatient therapy, to working with families in-home. My areas of specialty include working with patients with Anxiety, Depression, life transitions, and Borderline Personality D/O from ages 18-65+.

Finding a therapist who truly gets your life can feel like a long search. One who sees more than a diagnosis, who doesn't need you to explain yourself before you can get to work. If you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, that search often comes with an extra layer: the quiet work of figuring out whether this therapist is actually safe, or whether you'll spend your sessions educating them. With me, you won't have to do that work.

I'm a licensed therapist with more than 22 years of experience in mental health and addiction treatment. I've worked in community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, correctional settings, and private practice. I've sat with people in some of the hardest moments of their lives and know how to meet them there without flinching.

My primary focus is LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. That includes navigating identity, coming out at any stage of life, relationship dynamics unique to queer and same-sex partnerships, internalized stigma, minority stress, and everything that comes with living authentically in a world that doesn't always make that easy. I also work with anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, substance use and dual diagnosis, men's issues, and stress and burnout.

So far in my career, I've worked in a residential setting with female survivors of trafficking and exploitation, community mental health, private practice, support lines, and in insurance. Each setting brings different needs, but all have shown me how resilient people are and how anyone can change their life when they're ready.

I am a dedicated and compassionate licensed independent clinical social worker with a Master's in Social Work from Boston University.