Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in West Hartford, CT

NYU Graduate and Post- Graduate Clinical Professor

Director of the Post- MAster's Program in Addictions- NYU

You deserve to feel heard, supported, and understood—and if you’re here, you’ve already taken a meaningful step toward change.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree from the University of Connecticut, specializing in mental health and substance use. I’ve worked with teens, adults, and families across a range of settings, including outpatient clinics, schools, home-based care, and virtual therapy.

I work with people navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, identity exploration, relationship stress, and major life transitions. Many of my clients feel overwhelmed, stuck in patterns they can’t seem to shift, or exhausted from trying to manage everything on their own.

My approach is collaborative, direct when helpful, and grounded in compassion. I use evidence-based practices including CBT, DBT, ACT, and trauma-informed care, but I tailor therapy to what actually fits your life—not just a model. We focus on what’s showing up for you right now, while also working toward longer-term stability and change.

Therapy with me is not about judgment or perfection. It’s a space to slow things down, understand what’s driving stress or emotional pain, and build practical tools that help you feel more steady and in control of your day-to-day life.

I want to help you help yourself. I believe everyone is capable of change and I will teach you skills to use everyday.

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.

My name is Kari, a clinician with over 20 years of experience working with individuals who are ready for change, want to discover themselves, overcome barriers and achieve stability and resilience. I believe you are the expert of your life and I am here to help guide you along your journey to self-awareness, provide practical tools to assist with obtaining and maintaining your mental health goals and celebrating your successes along the way.