Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Connecticut

Welcome to Stem Wellness! My name is Stella Stempel, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Psychologist. In over 10 years of private practice, I worked with individuals, couples, and families. My approach is consistent, incremental change coupled with healthy thoughts that leads to a more satisfying life. Changing the way we act affects the way we feel and the way we view ourselves. When working with me, you are guided towards intentional living and healthy thought processes.

I believe that we are always one decision away from living the exact life that we want! I am a first-generation Haitian-American graduate from SUNY Albany & Stony Brook University. I've worked in the mental health field for 12 years and still find myself energized by the stories of my incredibly brave clients. In my practice, I help first generation Women of Color break free from rescuing others and give them tangible tools to begin healing themselves through daily practice.

Professional background: I am a psychiatric nurse with over a decade of experience in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. I have worked with all ages. Educational background: I graduated from a hospital based nursing program and went on to get a master's in psychiatric nursing from the University of St. Joseph's. I have worked with clients with diagnoses ranging from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, anxiety, autism, adhd, and substance use disorders.

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.

I’m a bilingual (Spanish-English), bicultural Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and therapist supporting teens, college students, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, stress, depression, life transitions, and cultural or identity-related concerns.