Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in West Hartford, CT

"As an immigrant, I know that culture plays a significant role in shaping personal experiences, which enriches my therapeutic understanding."

Justyna Ferenc is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 7 years of experience in the mental health field. Justyna has worked diligently with clients facing challenges with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and substance use. She is enthusiastic about helping others on their personal journey of healing and growth. Justyna completed her Master’s in Marital and Family Therapy at Fairfield University. After graduating, she became a counselor at an intensive residential program where she worked with clients struggling with a myriad of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use.

Justyna's approach to therapy is tailored uniquely to each individual. She uses various evidence-based approaches such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, Bowenian family therapy, strategic family therapy, and structural family therapy.

Life is like a puzzle — when all the pieces are in front of you, it’s hard to see a clear picture. With Justyna's help, you will gain a better understanding and view of the way forward through collaboratively putting the pieces together.

"As a professional woman of color, who grew up in a disadvantaged background, I understand the importance of eliminating barriers to mental health treatment accessibility."

Ericka is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who treats a wide range of mental health concerns including adjustment disorder, depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, thought disorders, sleep issues, and substance use disorders. She is passionate about providing holistic care and is a fervent client advocate, ensuring that the client's needs are at the center of care and ensuring that clients are connected to appropriate resources, when gaps in healthcare are identified.

Ericka received her Master of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Saint Joseph. Ericka utilizes a person-centered approach to providing care. She is an advocate for providing gender-affirming and culturally sensitive care. In addition to utilizing her exceptional critical thinking skills when evaluating clients, and determining the most appropriate treatment options, Ericka also incorporates therapy modalities into treatment including the following: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), trauma-informed care, and solution-focused interventions.

Everyone experiences challenges at some point in life. No one should feel alone in navigating through life's trials. Ericka's life motto is, "You grow through what you go through." Ericka would love to assist you in navigating life's challenges. If you feel that Ericka's values as a provider would be a great fit for you, please schedule an appointment with her today.

"As a female of color, I understand the unique issue of balancing our lives and managing stress and pressure of meeting the needs of everyone in our lives."

Mitchelee Dunbar is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with years of experience in behavioral health in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings. She diagnoses and treats a wide range of mental health concerns with a holistic and comprehensive approach. She has experience treating depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, adjustment disorders, and mood disorders. She provides quality, compassionate, patient-centered, and culturally sensitive mental health services to adult clients.

Mitchelee completed her undergraduate education at Empire State College and her Master's degree in Nursing at Stony Brook University with a focus on providing comprehensive, culturally competent care to diverse populations. Mitchelee has a keen insight into the needs of others. She is able to listen attentively and identify and address the challenges you are facing.

We all face challenges throughout our life. Mitchelee is confident that she can support you during these difficulties and help you gain a new perspective through patient-centered, strength-based, holistic care. She incorporates an evidence-based approach to choosing treatment options and developing a collaborative treatment plan. Mitchelee is passionate about empowering clients to take control of their lives. If you are ready to start, schedule an appointment with her today.

"I am just another human like you trying to make it through life."

James Fox is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, personality disorders, couples counseling, substance use, and trauma. He believes that everyone has the ability to assess and significantly improve their lives and mental health. However, sometimes it takes an objective third party to help guide you through these changes. It is his job to help you find ways to improve your life situation. While James cannot heal you, he can help you heal yourself and/or find the right support to achieve this goal.  

James completed his Master's of Social Work at the University of Albany. He takes a holistic approach to providing care as all people are different and what works for one may not work for another. You will explore with James what will work for you, and then he will support you in getting it started and help you assess your progress along the way. James does not believe in therapy for life. So he will focus on and assist you in meeting your individual needs, and if you feel it is not working, then he will help you find another therapist who can guide you.

"I am no better or worse than you. We are two equal people trying to make our way through the 'bumps in the road' that life throws at us," says James. "I have found that the majority of issues people are dealing with are due to feeling disempowered, feeling they have no control, and this leads to distortions of the reality of their situation, which can cause mental health issues. Together we will work toward discovering what you can do today to take control and make your tomorrow better."

"As a Black female, I understand the stigmas that many black individuals were raised with regarding seeking mental health treatment."

Dorothy Washington is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who has 20 years of experience treating depression, anxiety, and many other severe and persistent mental illnesses in individuals across the lifespan. 

Dorothy completed her Masters in Nursing (MSN) at Sacred Heart University, then went on to obtain her Doctorate of Nursing (DNP) at Chamberlain University, and eventually obtained her certification as a PMHNP at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Dorothy is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Dorothy seeks to maintain a collaborative, caring, trusting, and professional rapport with you in order to meet your emotional and mental health needs so that you can live your life with the feeling of normalcy that you deserve. Dorothy’s approach is a collaborative, patient-focused, evidenced-based approach, with an empathetic awareness of your needs which includes maintaining your confidentiality, dignity, and respect. Her overall approach is to work with you to help you live what you consider to be your best life.

"Whether it's depression, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship issues, or life transitions with support and compassion, you will be empowered to overcome these hurdles."

Tracy Saucier is a Licensed Clinical Therapist with over 11 years of experience. She has been described as a supportive, caring, and compassionate therapist. She specializes in anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, coping skills, depression, and major life transitions.

Tracy completed her Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) at Springfield College School of Social Work. Tracy specializes individual therapy working primarily with adults and elderly. Her approach often utilizes a mix of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), supportive approach, and person-centered therapy (PCT).

Seeking therapy can feel scary but you're making the right choice. Therapy is for coping, healing, and growing. You are important, and Tracy is here to help you improve your quality of life.

"As an experienced and well-rounded Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I am able to assist patients by providing my expertise while also helping to build on and fortify their existing abilities."

Jill White is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who works with patients in many areas of mental health including depression, anxiety, trauma, work and life stressors, and navigating life changes. Jill is focused and is eager to work with adult patients by providing comprehensive mental health services that are tailored to support their individual needs.

Jill completed her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA. She has the capacity not only to apply her exemplary clinical skills but also to utilize a kind and empathetic approach to working with patients and families. In addition to Jill's skills with medication management, she works to incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, motivational interviewing, as well as holistic approaches to complement care, all while remaining cognizant of culturally diverse populations and their unique needs.

Life can be challenging for everyone at times. Jill is confident that she will be able to help and support you on your personal exploration to gain new perspectives, strategies, and techniques that will allow you to cope with whatever you may be struggling with. When you are ready to get started, schedule an appointment with her today!