Our therapists offer addiction counseling in Milford, CT

I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical with over 25 years of experience helping individuals heal, grow, and thrive. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and life transitions. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, offering a calm, supportive space where clients can feel empowered to find balance, build resilience, and make meaningful changes in their lives.

I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University. My approach integrates evidence-based practices with a person-centered focus, meeting each client where they are. I help clients build self-awareness, manage emotions, and develop practical tools for growth and well-being.

I strive to create a warm and welcoming space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. Together, we’ll explore challenges, strengthen resilience, and foster personal growth. I invite you to take the next step toward healing and lasting positive change.

Aide A Perez is a Licensed Practitioner Counselor with experience working with both children and adults. She is passionate about helping people of color to address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Aide specializes in depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma.

Aide completed her Master’s Degree at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Aide utilized multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, grounding, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT).

We all go through challenges in life. Aide is confident that she will be able to provide you with support throughout your journey to gain insight, and explore and learn new techniques that will assist you to manage whatever you may be struggling with. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 2 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through life’s challenges. I help clients navigate stress, relationships, and personal growth by creating a warm, collaborative space where they feel seen and supported. My approach is tailored to each person’s unique needs, focusing on building strengths, developing coping skills, and fostering resilience and lasting change.

I earned my Master’s in Counselor Education from Radford University. I use a person-centered and strengths-based approach that combines empathy, support, and practical strategies to help clients overcome barriers and build self-awareness.

It takes courage to begin therapy, and I believe everyone deserves a space to feel heard, understood, and empowered. In our work together, you can expect guidance, authenticity, and a safe space to grow at your own pace.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 35 years of experience providing therapy to adults seeking support with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social or performance anxiety. I offer a direct yet compassionate approach that helps you explore your thoughts, challenge unhelpful patterns, and gain clarity. I also have extensive experience in life coaching for clients who feel stuck and want practical, meaningful steps forward.

I earned my Master of Social Work from Florida State University. My approach integrates cognitive behavioral treatment, humanistic and experiential principles, and education about how nutrition, exercise, and emerging research in psychiatric genetics can support overall wellness. I also explore alternatives to medication when appropriate.

I take a solution-focused approach and help clients recognize and shift thinking patterns that contribute to emotional distress. Change can be difficult, but with awareness and support, it becomes possible. My goal is to offer a space where you feel validated, encouraged, and equipped to pursue meaningful growth.

Cristina Perera is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) that has been working in private practice for over 15 years, working with an eclectic range of adults and seniors, from trauma survivors of 911 and the Sandy Hook shootings, to everyday families looking for support and expert care. She specializes in treating abuse, trauma, depression, family conflict, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, and more. 

She earned her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Southern Connecticut State University and has been a Keynote Speaker on behalf of The National Collation for Domestic Violence. Her many years of work with individuals with disabilities have also given her a strong knowledge of helping people on the autism spectrum. 

Work together with Cristina to empower yourself to take on new situations and relationships with confidence and newfound understanding. With her help, you can work to achieve your goals and improve your emotional wellbeing, one session at a time. Cristina believes that everyone has individual needs and preferences in therapy, and she works to accommodate as needed.

Clevetta Gilliam, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, brings 40 years of experience supporting individuals through life’s challenges, including relationship struggles, loss, stress, and trauma. She is dedicated to creating a supportive, trusting therapeutic space where clients can explore their concerns and move toward more fulfilling and meaningful lives. Clevetta empowers preteens through seniors to discover resilience and embrace positive change, encouraging growth both personally and within their relationships.

Clevetta earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University. She integrates psychodynamic and family systems perspectives with cognitive-behavioral strategies, incorporating holistic stress management approaches such as mindfulness, diet, and exercise to help clients build healthier coping skills.

Clevetta is passionate about serving Black, Brown, and Caucasian adolescents, survivors of domestic violence, and those healing from sexual assault. She is committed to advancing research on generational trauma and strives to provide care that fosters empowerment, healing, and hope for every client she serves.

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.

Janine Hitchens Parker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has more than 24 years of experience working to help teens, adults, and seniors who are suffering from low self-esteem, depression, loss, addiction, illness, anxiety, and difficult life transitions. 

She completed her Master's degree at the Hunter College Graduate School of Social Work in New York City. After moving to Connecticut, Janine earned her Social Worker's license. She also completed her SIFI certification as a Field Instructor. Janine's clinical approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, mindfulness-based practices, existential therapy, and more.

Janine has helped many clients deal with concerns or conditions related to all types of situations or experiences; she knows how to help. She feels it has been her privilege to help people make sense of difficult circumstances, and find a way forward that works for each person. Through individualized care, Janine will assist you in setting and achieving the goals you have in mind. 

Betsy Ibsen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor with over 40 years of working in both the mental health and addiction fields. She has treated adolescents and adults in outpatient, inpatient, and long-term residential settings. Betsy has studied how the effects of early childhood trauma have caused both physical and emotional effects on adults. What has impressed her the most over the years is that the human mind is creative, complex, and, above all, flexible. With appropriate treatment and life changes, people can heal, move forward, relearn old skills, develop new ones, rebuild support systems, or discover a network unique to their specific needs. Therapeutic tools and strategies will depend on where the client is on their life journey. She has two tenets of her philosophy that focus her work with clients: "Life is not fair," and "There is never enough time."

Betsy completed her master's degree in Social Work at Boston University and lived in Boston for 20 years before relocating to Connecticut and the greater Hartford area. She also worked as a kindergarten teacher in Italy for a year, spent two summers camping in the Soviet Union, and embraces multiculturalism as a way to connect with, recognize, and respect the strengths and needs of people with differing customs and beliefs. Treatment is only as good as the relationship developed with the client.

Life doesn’t much resemble a Hallmark movie with things falling into perfect place at the end of two hours. It’s messier and more random, and at times unpleasantly chaotic. Recognizing that you need some sense of order, safety, and calmness is the first step. Asking for help is the second. Betsy can offer you the space to start this personal journey, to process what is and isn't working for you and why, what belongs to someone else, and what needs to be given away. Who doesn’t want to feel better?

Crystal Thomas is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with more than 5 years of professional experience helping teens, adults, and seniors who are struggling to cope with anxiety, anger, past traumas, unprocessed grief, betrayal, rejection, resentment, depression, and more. 

Crystal obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health with a certification in Forensic Mental Health Counseling. Crystal helps clients manage their emotions and identify how particular thought patterns can lead to challenging behaviors and emotional distress. She'll meet you where you are at, emotionally and academically.

Crystal will offer her support and guidance as you begin to gain a new understanding of your life story and the courage to identify the purpose behind your pain. Life can have significance even in the unhappiest of circumstances and the inspiration for a better tomorrow often comes from discovering that meaning.

Lahaysha Mike is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) who has a wealth of knowledge to serve adults with anxiety, depression, anger management, or any other challenging life issues. Lahaysha completed her Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health at Central Connecticut State University. 

Lahaysha will work with you to come up with and execute your goals whether they are building self-esteem, improving communication skills, or helping you change a behavior you don’t like. She provides a safe space where you can work through your challenges through role play, exposure therapy, or figuring out an alternative solution together. Lahaysha likes to help her clients get to the root of their problems by showing them that change isn’t just taking you out of your comfort zone, but also a progressive transformation into the person you build yourself up to be. She is here to help build confidence, a more positive self-talk that you can use even when you are not feeling it that day. 

Lahaysha knows that it can be hard to make that first move towards a newer you, but she’ll be here with you every step of the way, providing you with the tools you will need to make that vision of your future self a reality. 

Ladie is a Licensed Professional Counselor with several years of experience providing therapeutic services to individuals from diverse populations. She specialized in working with clients with co-occurring disorders, SUD, anxiety and depression, and more. Ladie is experienced in providing group and individual therapy to adult populations. She has also worked with children and adolescent populations. Her therapeutic approaches include motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Thus, whatever you may be struggling with, her goal and commitment are to assist you on a journey to wellness and help you live a fulfilling life.

Ladie completed her Master's Certificate in Professional Counseling from Post University and completed her Master's in Forensic Psychology from Walden University. Ladie did her undergrad in Psychology at Hunter College in NYC. Ladie has a significant history working in health care and behavioral health. With her credentials and work experience, she is able to provide and deliver the support her clients are seeking.

Ladie strongly believes in providing a judgment-free zone, where clients can feel free and open to share their experiences. If you are ready to share your experiences and need support to make sense of your emotions, she is ready to listen.

Janet Scanlon is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 5 years of experience working with diverse populations on adjustment disorders, anxiety/depression, grief, mood/personality disorders, and parenting challenges. Janet's life experience and skills make her uniquely qualified to support clients on their wellness journey.

Janet earned a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Fairfield University. She is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, in which clients adjust negative thought patterns to alter behaviors. She utilizes a person-centered philosophy and specializes in a wellness-based approach, including self-care, sleep hygiene, exercise, and meditation.

Janet truly believes in the importance of supporting others in meeting their goals. She aspires to help others identify their strengths in order to overcome life's challenges. She looks forward to hearing from you. Please contact Janet today for an appointment.

Elina Flit is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who specializes in providing diagnostic assessments and counseling to adult clients with diverse concerns including substance use, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, emotional regulation, career, interpersonal challenges, and LGBTQ+ issues.

Elina completed her Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Southern Connecticut State University and is a National Certified Counselor (NCC). She is fluent in English and Russian.

Elina seeks to build an accepting and caring relationship with you. She will collaborate with you on ways to enhance your strengths and apply them toward creating positive and meaningful changes in your life. Elina will create a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs, utilizing strength-based, person-centered, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness-based, and dialectical behavioral approaches to therapy. 

Jewell Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience supporting individuals through emotional, behavioral, and crisis-related challenges. She has worked extensively with clients experiencing severe mental health concerns, guiding them with compassion, clarity, and skill. Jewell’s collaborative, person-centered approach has consistently helped her build strong therapeutic relationships while promoting safety, resilience, and emotional well-being across diverse populations.

Jewell earned her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Mercy College. She incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and rational emotive behavioral therapy to support healing from trauma and help clients navigate emotional symptoms, strengthen coping skills, and create lasting change.

Jewell is passionate about helping clients feel seen, safe, and empowered in their healing process. She provides a warm and supportive environment for growth, focusing on building trust and developing tailored strategies to meet each individual’s needs. Her goal is to walk alongside clients as they move forward with clarity, confidence, and hope.