Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in West Hartford, CT

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.

Emotions can be overwhelming, especially when coupled with difficult memories from your past. Along with poor sleep, brain fog, and no energy, it can seem impossible to cope. Many people struggle with these symptoms whether it’s from depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, or difficult life transitions. Life can be hard and we all need help sometimes. I'm here to help you figure out what works best for you.

I want you to know that when you come into therapy with me, you don’t have to pretend, minimize, or hold everything together. You get to show up exactly as you are — overwhelmed, hopeful, exhausted, confused, motivated, or anything in between. We take it from there together.

My favorite part of this work has always been sitting with people one‐on‐one. That’s where real connection and real healing happen. I genuinely enjoy getting to know who you are, what you’ve been carrying, and what you’re hoping might feel different.

My style is warm, steady, and honest. I listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and help you understand the experiences and patterns that are shaping your life. I’m also practical — I like to offer tools and strategies you can actually use in your day‐to‐day life, not just in the therapy room.

I work with people dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, major transitions, and substance use concerns. But most importantly, I work with people who feel stuck or weighed down and aren’t sure how to move forward. Everyone deserves a space where they can breathe and be supported.

Something I tell clients often is this: I don’t want you to just feel better — I want you to be well. Feeling better can be temporary. Being well means building insight, healing, and lasting change.

My goal is simple: to help you feel safe, understood, and supported as you find your footing and move toward what’s healthier and more meaningful for you.

Diana Lankenau has a Master of Science in Nursing from Florida State University and Chamberlain University. She has a Bachelor's in nursing from University of Miami. BA in Psychology from Florida International University. She is Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC).

Life can be very tough at times, yet with available resources and support you can get through it. Are you diagnosed with or seeking a diagnosis and treatment of a mental health disorders? Are you struggling with substances use addictions? Are you struggling with family difficulties, work place related stress, maintaining strong family and friendship ties? Are you parent of or a person diagnosed with ID/DD? My varied skill set and work experiences as both a mental health nurse practitioner and clinician will be strong assets to you. Let's work together to get through this.

Janet “Jan” Yager is a board certified nurse practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience in psychiatric, adult, and family health. After earning her Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) from Stony Brook University, Jan took special interest in the disconnect between physical and mental health services. With a desire to provide a bridge between these aspects of care,

As someone who has been both a client and therapist, I encourage you to tell and develop your own story. In my personal and professional life I have witnessed: family struggles, mental illness, substance use, domestic violence, trafficking, and grief; and I am a firm believer that this does not define you. It takes courage to seek support during difficult times, & I want to help empower clients in using their own strengths tp develop skills to foster hope, healing, and resilience.

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.

I believe therapy should feel supportive, practical, and empowering. Clients often describe me as warm, direct, and easy to talk to. I work with adults who want to better understand their emotions, patterns, and relationships, and I focus on helping clients build skills they can actually use in daily life. You don’t have to have everything figured out to start—just a willingness to show up.