Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Hartford, CT

I often work with people who appear to be holding things together on the outside, while internally feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected. You may have gone through experiences that still live in your body, or you might notice patterns in your life that you don’t fully understand but feel stuck in. If you’ve walked through substance use and recovery, you may find yourself in a season where staying sober isn’t the hardest part anymore—it’s the deeper emotional and relational work that feels heavy. If any of this resonates, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

I work with young adults and adults who are ready to slow down, get honest, and engage in meaningful therapeutic work at a pace that feels safe. Many of the people I support are navigating anxiety, trauma, shame, relationship stress, or major life transitions. Others come to therapy after years of surviving and are now ready to understand themselves more fully, build healthier patterns, and experience a deeper sense of emotional freedom.

My approach to therapy is collaborative and relational. I believe healing happens when you feel seen, supported, and empowered—not rushed or fixed. My work is trauma-informed and integrates evidence-based practices with a focus on helping you reconnect with yourself in a more grounded and compassionate way. If you’re looking for a therapist who will meet you where you are and walk alongside you as you do the deeper work, I would be honored to support 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).

Let's get started on your journey to wellness!

I understand how life’s journey can get overwhelming, where you just want to quit. My goal is to help one navigate the ups and downs of their life, including anxiety, trauma, abuse, housing, addiction or other mental health challenges one may be facing.

It can often feel like you’re alone, but please know that you’re not alone. I’m here to help you get back to feeling better and living a healthier, happier more manageable life. This is an open invitation - please consider it. You’ve taken the first step. We can take more steps forward, together. You deserve this!

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.

Clients should know that I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental, and confidential space where they can feel heard and understood. I believe in building trust through empathy, active listening, and honest communication. My approach is client-centered, meaning I work collaboratively to help individuals identify goals, develop coping strategies, and navigate personal challenges at their own pace. I value compassion, professionalism, and respect for each person’s unique experiences and background.