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Appointment
Appointment

About

David M. Aversa

  • MD, MPH – Medical Director, Psychiatrist
Dr. David M. Aversa is a graduate of Yale School of Medicine. He completed his residency in General Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. In addition, he completed fellowships in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the Yale Child Study Center and Forensic Psychiatry at the Division of Law & Psychiatry at Yale. He specializes in treating all psychiatric disorders of Children and Adolescents, and adult depression. He also specializes in school consultations, custody evaluations, forensic evaluations, and disability evaluations.

Dr. Aversa is also an Associate Clinical Professor at the Yale Child Study Center, where he serves as an inpatient attending on the Child Psychiatric Inpatient Services at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. He helps supervise and coordinate forensics and school consultation services and is also the Medical Director for in-home services and a supervisor in the outpatient clinic.
  • Our Team

Meet Our Experts

Lana Monashkin, JD, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Adrienne Koenigsberg, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Linda Perelberg, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Sarah Monteleone, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Supervisor

Kayla Lucas, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Jessica Yentz, APRN

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

Abby Kinder, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Heather Pizzanello Ph.D., LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

David Barth, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Abigail Soloway LPC-A

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

Derek Case, LPC

Independent provider affiliated with the practice. Operates under a separate LLC.

Kelly Case, LCSW

Independent provider affiliated with the practice. Operates under a separate LLC.

Lilia Urquiza Bunick, LPC NCC

Independent provider affiliated with the practice. Operates under a separate LLC.

Brookelyn Hazelwood, LPCA

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

Zachary Shewitz, APRN

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

Jane Schroeder, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor.

Danielle Knauft, LCSW

Independent provider affiliated with the practice. Operates under a separate LLC

Mackenzie Schweikhard, LPCA

licenced professional counseling associate

About Mackenzie

Stephen Morley, APRN

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

About Stephen

Gina Kolstad, APRN

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

About Gina

Susan Galarraga, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

About Susan

Ron Vanacore, LPC

About Ron

Jane Schroeder, LPC-A

Associate Licensed Clinician

About Jane

Briana Pivarnik, LMSW

Masters Level Social Worker

About Briana

Mackenzie Schweikhard, LMSW

About Mackenzie

Saima Kazmi

Intake Coordinator for QBTest

About Saima

Claudia Fernandes, LPC

About Claudia
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Lana Monashkin, JD, PA

  • PA-C – Physician Assistant
Lana Monashkin, PA-C is a board‑certified physician associate who earned her Master of Medical Science from the Yale School of Medicine. She provides comprehensive psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults, drawing on an integrative and holistic approach that blends evidence‑based medicine with a whole‑person understanding of health. She is committed to providing inclusive, affirming care for people across diverse identities, backgrounds, and life experiences. She works collaboratively with patients and families to create treatment plans that feel both practical and empowering. Before entering clinical practice, she graduated from Georgetown University Law Center, a foundation that strengthens her advocacy‑driven, collaborative style of care. She is committed to helping patients and families navigate mental health with clarity, compassion and a strong sense of support.
Appointment

Adrienne Koenigsberg, LCSW

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Adrienne Koenigsberg , is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at CT Psychiatric and Wellness Center. She has been in practice for nearly 20 years and is licensed in Connecticut and New York. Adrienne has experience in inpatient and outpatient settings, group homes, and spent ten years at the Quinnipiac University Counseling Center working with both undergraduate and graduate students. She works with adolescents and adults, treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. Adrienne is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Gottman Method Level One, Motivational Interviewing and other modalities. She takes a collaborative, patient-centered approach focused on practical tools and long-term wellness.

Appointment

Linda Perelberg

  • LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

My name is Linda Perelberg. I am a clinical therapist licensed in CT. I graduated from Columbia University in the City of New York in 1996 with Master of Social Work. As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), I have experience providing outpatient individual, family and couple’s therapy.  I strive to provide a safe, positive and empowering environment where my clients can explore who they are, make meaningful life changes, and enhance their overall well-being. My work is grounded in a client-centered, compassionate, and strengths-based approach. I support adolescents and their families, adults, and couples experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, and significant life transitions. Drawing from a range of therapeutic modalities— including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and trauma-informed practices – I help clients deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them while building the skills needed to navigate daily life with greater confidence and clarity. I look forward to joining you on this journey, offering a safe space for reflection, growth, and healing. Together, we will work toward cultivating insight, developing new perspectives, and strengthening the tools necessary to achieve your goals.

Appointment

Sarah Monteleone

  • LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Supervisor
Sarah Monteleone, LCSW, is the Clinical Director and a licensed therapist with over 20 years of experience working with adults, children, and families. She trained at the Yale Child Study Center and earned her Master of Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University. Sarah specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, and neurodevelopmental differences, with a focus on complex clinical presentations.
 
Her approach is collaborative, developmentally informed, and grounded in evidence-based care, emphasizing the whole person and long-term wellness. She provides individual psychotherapy for adults, conducts autism diagnostic evaluations for both children and adults, and supports parents and caregivers navigating complex challenges.
 
As Clinical Director, Sarah supervises and trains clinicians while promoting high-quality, thoughtful care across the practice.
Appointment

Kayla Lucas

  • LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing outpatient psychotherapy to adolescents and adults at the Hamden location of Connecticut Psychiatric & Wellness Center, LLC. My goal as a therapist is to support my clients with building fulfilling and meaningful lives according to their personal values, even with the pain that inevitably comes with being human. I work collaboratively with clients to identify treatment goals and create individualized plans for meeting them. I draw from a variety of treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy to teach skills for tolerating and coping adaptively with stressors and emotions.

 

I graduated from Columbia University School of Social Work with a Master of Science in Social Work in 2013 and have been in practice since that time. My primary areas of training and experience include the treatment of anxiety, depressive, and obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. I am trained in and provide Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

 

As a social worker, I am committed to providing a supportive and affirming space for all clients to engage in therapy, with sensitivity to the role of identity, culture, and social/environmental factors in individuals’ lives and the therapy process.

Appointment

Jessica Yentz

  • APRN – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

Jessica Yentz, MSN, APRN is a nurse practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to patients of all ages. She specializes in comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, and medication management for individuals experiencing conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, and other behavioral health concerns. She is committed to creating a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered in their mental health journey through a personalized care plan and through collaboration with other staff. Outside of her clinical work, Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband, three children, outdoor activities, and reading.

Appointment

Abby Kinder

  • LCSW-Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Hello! My name is Abby and I am currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Connecticut. I received my master’s in Social Work in 2022 from Louisiana State University. When starting my journey as an LCSW, my goal was to prioritize the needs of adolescents, young adults, and their families. Over the past 3 years, I have gained knowledge and experience in various realms, including eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and trauma. My scope of practice is not limited to these disorders, as I am always looking to support anyone who is in need of reclaiming their sense of self. I utilize an integrated approach rooted in both CBT and DBT. Together, coping can flourish into understanding your emotional and behavioral patterns that have may have led you to feel like change is far out of reach. Everyone’s journey in unique and my approach will be tailored to you. Your experiences and goals matter, and I am committed to working and supporting you in your ability to thrive.

Appointment

Heather Pizzanello Ph.D., LCSW

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Heather (Dr. Pizzanello) received her undergraduate degree from Wheaton
College (MA) in both English Literature and Psychology, her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Connecticut (UCONN) School of Social Work and her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in 2016 in Clinical Social Work from Smith College School for Social Work.

 

Heather has practiced as a Clinical Social Worker for over twenty years and has taught full time for over sixteen years in both undergraduate and graduate departments/schools of social work. Heather’s most recent clinical/Ph.D. level internships which spanned the course of two years were at Wheeler Clinic’s Outpatient Clinic where she worked with adults struggling with mental health and substance use issues and at the Yale Child Study Center’s (YCSC) Intensive in Home Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Services (IICAPS). After completing her clinical internship with Yale IICAPS Heather stayed on as a Clinical Instructor where she worked as a clinician in the IICAPS program and provided supervision to student interns and trainees.

 

Over the years Heather has worked with a wide range of populations and has conducted clinical research, published and presented in the areas of eating disorder treatment, trauma, women’s issues, work with children and families and traumatic attachment disruptions in early childhood. Heather’s most recent academic training (at Smith) was steeped in psychoanalytic / psychodynamic theory which she draws upon in her work with children, families and adults as well as a relational, cognitive behavioral, solution focused and mindfulness-based approach/es. In her free time Heather loves spending time with her rescue pups Frida Kahlo and Rio Diego, her cat Scooter and her spouse. She loves being by the water, listening to music, reading poetry, animal rescue, jewelry creation and listening to True Crime Podcasts.

Appointment

David Barth

  • PA-C – Physician Assistant

A graduate of Touro College Physician Assistant program, has been working as a psychiatric physician assistant since 2016. Prior to that David focused his career on outpatient pediatrics for seven years.  David has experience in working with both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric clients. David has skill and expertise in dealing with both young children and older adults. He has worked in a variety of settings, including crisis centers, residential care and acute care facilities. David has successfully treated individuals with depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), addiction issues, as well as other psychiatric issues. David’s patients appreciate the compassion he shows them, the quality of care they receive and the dignity with which they are treated. His caring nature and sensitivity, coupled with his medical knowledge, professionalism and commitment to his patients have helped them succeed in their lives.

Appointment

Abigail Soloway LPC-A

  • Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Abigail Soloway (she/her), a native of Connecticut, is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A) who works with children, teens, adults and families. Abigail blends evidence-based therapies with creative and play-based approaches. She has received extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Exposure Therapy & Response Prevention (ERP). Abigail specializes in supporting children on the autism spectrum as well those identifying as LGBTQ+. She supports the holistic growth of the client by collaborating closely with families, healthcare providers, and school administrators.
 
Abigail received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University’s Family Institute, with a dual specialization in counseling adults and children/adolescents. She received her Bachelor’s degree with honors from Williams College, where she double majored in Psychology and Music. Abigail has worked with children and adolescents in multiple capacities for many years, including as a school counseling intern, a private K-9 school music teacher, and an arts nonprofit administrator. Outside the office, Abigail is an avid violinist, a voracious reader, and a proud aunt.
Appointment

Derek Case, LPC

  • Independent provider affiliated with the practice. Operates under a separate LLC.
Derek is a Licensed Professional Counselor who received his MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the College of Education at Southern Connecticut State University. Derek has over fifteen years of experience treating trauma, anxiety,depression, and life transitions. 
 
Derek has advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). Derek utilizes EMDR to guide clients through reprocessing traumatic “stuck” memories, reducing their emotional charge and reintegrating them as neutral past events rather than current threats; ACT to help clients develop cognitive flexibility by learning to hold difficult emotions with compassion while moving towards a life guided by their values; and CBT to support clients to identify recurring negative thought patterns and behaviors, restructure these thoughts and establish new behaviors. 
 
Derek creates a safe, compassionate, non-judgemental space to work collaboratively with adult individuals to empower a greater understanding of themselves, heal from past traumas, and move toward a more meaningful and fulfilling life.  
Appointment

Kelly Case, LCSW

  • Independent provider affiliated with the practice. Operates under a separate LLC.
Kelly Case is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her Masters Degree in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University. Kelly has over a decade of clinical experience and has provided services in public schools, community agencies, and private practice settings. 
 
Currently Kelly provides individual psychotherapy to adults with a focus on relationships and attachment issues, depression and anxiety, and adjustment/life transitions. Kelly’s approach combines holistic, existential, and cognitive therapies. She is trained in ACT and I-CBT and will be completing a couples therapy training this year in the hopes to start working more formally with couples. 
 
Kelly’s clients would describe her as both warm and direct. Her goal as a clinician is to create a supportive and nurturing environment where clients can feel safe to show up as their authentic selves, while also looking closely and honestly at the patterns that might be keeping them stuck. 
Appointment

Lilia Urquiza Bunick, LPC NCC

  • Independent provider affiliated with the practice. Operates under a separate LLC.
Lilia Urquiza Bunick is a trauma-informed therapist with nearly 20 years of experience working with children, families, and adults in both in-home and outpatient mental health settings. She earned her Master’s degree in Human Development and Counseling from Vanderbilt University in 2008. She previously held several clinical roles at the Yale Child Study Center, including IICAPS clinician, Intensive Family Preservation clinician, Jumpstart clinician, outpatient therapist, and clinical supervisor. She currently works with CPWC both as a clinician and clinical supervisor while maintaining her private practice, established in 2017.
 
Lilia specializes in working with adults navigating traumatic grief, trauma, and complex life experiences. Her approach integrates EMDR, Trauma-Focused CBT, DBT-informed skills, Internal Family Systems, and Transactional Analysis, alongside somatic and polyvagal-informed practices and experiential methods such as sand play therapy.
 
She believes healing emerges through safety, curiosity, and compassionate exploration, helping clients reconnect with their inner wisdom, intuition, values, and the instinctive path toward psychological and emotional health.
Appointment

Brookelyn Hazelwood, LPCA

  • Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

Hello! My name is Brookelyn Hazelwood and I am currently a LPCA in the State of Connecticut. I received my B.A. in Psychology from Hampton University in May 2023 and my M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University in December 2025. I am passionate about creating a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore their emotions, experiences, and personal growth. My clinical interests include anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, trauma, grief, identity development, and emotional regulation.

 

I also have a strong passion for supporting adolescents, young adults, and adults who are trying to manage life stressors. My approach to counseling is person-centered, collaborative, and rooted in empathy. I believe that every individual deserves to feel heard, valued, and empowered throughout their healing journey. I strive to meet clients where they are while helping them develop healthier coping skills, gain insight, and work toward meaningful change. 

Appointment

Zachary Shewitz

  • APRN– Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

I provide remote mental health care in a supportive, focused setting designed to meet you where you are. My approach combines person-centered therapy with thoughtful, individualized medication management when it’s helpful, always guided by your goals and what feels realistic for your life. Mental health care doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or impersonal. Sessions are collaborative and paced in a way that allows space to understand what’s going on while also working toward practical change. Everyone’s mental health journey is different, and together we shape a plan around what you need most. Your first visit is a comprehensive assessment where we take time to understand your history, current challenges, and what you hope to move toward. The focus is on creating a personalized plan of care so you leave feeling clear and supported.  Appointments are offered remotely Monday through Wednesday, allowing for consistent, attentive care in a calm virtual space. 

Appointment

Jane Schroeder

  • LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor.

Hi, I’m Jane, a Licensed Professional Counselor NCC Certified specializing in working with young adults, children, and neurodivergent individuals. I take a collaborative, person-centered approach to therapy, tailoring sessions to meet your unique needs and goals. My focus is on creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel empowered to explore your thoughts, feelings, and challenges.

 

Using evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I help clients develop practical skills to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional regulation. I am also trained in the Circle of Security model, which supports building stronger, healthier relationships.

 

Whether you’re navigating life transitions, seeking clarity, or working toward emotional growth, I’m here to support you. My approach is warm, engaging, and open-minded, with the goal of making therapy feel both comfortable and productive.

Appointment

Danielle Knauft, LCSW

  • Independent provider affiliated with the practice. Operates under a separate LLC.

Danielle Knauft, LCSW is a therapist with over 20 years of experience who takes a warm,direct, and relationship-centered approach to therapy. She believes meaningful change begins with a strong therapeutic connection, where individuals feel both supported and gently challenged to see themselves and their lives from a new perspective. Her work is collaborative, helping individuals identify patterns, process difficult emotions, and build greater self-trust. She draws from evidence-based approaches including CBT, ERP, EMDR,and mindfulness-based psychotherapy, tailoring treatment to each individual’s needs. For the past decade, Danielle has worked extensively with healthcare professionals, particularly medical students, helping them navigate the unique pressures of training and practice. At the core of her work is supporting individuals in building lives that align with their values, so they can make choices that foster greater well-being.

Appointment

Mackenzie Schweikhard

  • LPCA-licenced professional counseling associate

Hi, my name is Mackenzie, and I’m a licenced professional counseling associate. I believe in evidenced-based practice and draw from a cognitive behavioral approach while balancing a holistic perspective. Every person’s behavior makes sense in the context of their lives. Together, we’ll break down the hows and whys that are preventing you from achieving your goals and construct a life worth living.

 

I received my undergraduate degrees in psychology and sociology from the University of Toronto, and my masters in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Bridgeport. I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, the utilization of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) skills, and an overall person centered approach to tailor our sessions to meet your unique goals. I have experience with play therapy and exposure-response prevention, and have clinical interests regarding the anxiety spectrum, life transitions, depression, and ADHD.

 

I approach the therapy space with empathy and radical compassion. No matter where your journey has brought you up until this point, I’ll be here to listen and meet you where you are at.

Appointment

Stephen Morley

  • APRN – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Coming Soon.
Appointment

Gina Kolstad

  • APRN – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

Coming Soon.

Appointment

Susan Galarraga, LCSW

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Coming Soon.

Appointment

Ron Vanacore, LPC

  • LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor

Coming Soon.

Appointment

Briana Pivarnik

  • LMSW – Masters Level Social Worker

Coming Soon.

Appointment

Mackenzie Schweikhard, LMSW

  • LMSW – Masters Level Social Worker

Coming Soon.

Appointment

Saima Kazmi

  • Intake Coordinator for QBTest

Coming Soon.

Appointment