Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in West Hartford, CT

I am Dr. Douglas Zelisko (often affectionately referred to as "Dr. Z"), a Board-Certified Psychiatrist dedicated to holistic and integrative mental health care. My educational background includes degrees from Amherst College and St. George's University School of Medicine, followed by a Psychiatry residency at the UConn School of Medicine.

I specialize in treating adults with a wide range of issues, specifically:

• Anxiety and Depression
• Trauma
• Grief and Loss
• Relationship Issues
• Focus / ADHD
• Physical ailments related to mental health

My practice is unique in that I combine traditional psychiatric expertise with holistic methods to treat the "whole you"—mind, body, and spirit—rather than just addressing symptoms.

Starting therapy is a meaningful step towards understanding yourself and creating lasting change. Together well work to explore the challenges youre facing, and help you mover towards greater balance and fullfillment.

I have 20 years of experience working in the mental health and addiction field, I am a certified Gambling Counselor. Thirteen of the 20 years I spent in leadership roles. I have a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology and varied training in trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

I am a licensed clinical social worker and therapist. I've specialized in working with CYF (children, youth, families), and adults. I have experience in acute medical care, residential, educational, and in-home settings . I've earned a BSW from Regis College in Weston, MA, and an MSW from Boston College. I am also a 200hr RYT certification from Yoga of Energy Flow in Cambridge, MA.

In addition to a yogi, and LCSW, I am also an artist and a mother of two.

I believe that meaningful therapy begins with feeling safe, heard, and supported. My goal is to create a compassionate, non-judgmental space where individuals and families can explore challenges, build on their strengths, and move toward positive change.

I hold both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Social Work and have over five years of experience working directly with children and families. My professional background includes supporting children and caregivers through emotional, behavioral, and relational concerns, while collaborating with families to strengthen communication, coping skills, and overall well-being.

In addition to my work with children and families, I also have several years of experience supporting older adults, including assisting individuals and families with long-term care planning. This work has given me a deep appreciation for the emotional, practical, and relational challenges that can arise during later life transitions, caregiving roles, and decision-making processes.

I am passionate about supporting clients across the lifespan and helping individuals and families navigate change with greater clarity, resilience, and connection.

I’m a psychotherapist and coach with nearly two decades of experience working with teens, young adults, and families. Much of my work focuses on strengthening communication, rebuilding trust, and helping people navigate major life transitions, including adolescence, college, relationships, and career development.

Over the past several years, I’ve focused deeply on generational, religious, and family dynamics—especially the ways past experiences shape how we relate to ourselves and to the people closest to us. My goal is simple: to help people like each other as much as they love each other.

My approach is practical, direct, and collaborative. I integrate evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, and Internal Family Systems, while also helping clients develop clear communication skills, emotional awareness, and confidence in who they are and how they want to live.

Clients who work with me can expect thoughtful conversations, honest feedback, and a focus on meaningful growth—not just symptom relief.

I have been working in healthcare since 2007, working as a certified nursing assistant taking care of elderly patients in long term care facilities and home care. I later graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 2008 and continued to work in long term care facilities caring for the elderly. I graduated as a Registered Nurse from Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing and went on to taking care of patients ranging from young adults to geriatric with acute conditions, stable chronic conditions and complex medical conditions. In 2018, I graduated as a Nurse Practitioner and worked with patients post cardiac surgery, critically ill patient in the intensive care unit and a mix of neurology, neurosurgery, general surgery, vascular surgery and medically unstable psychiatric patients. After experiencing postpartum, with my extensive medical background, I decided to pursue a degree in Psychiatry to help more people goring through what I went through. I graduated with my PMHNP from Western Connecticut State University in 2025. Through my education, I was able to provide care for patients, both stable and acute, with depression, ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety, and mood disorders.

Are you looking for an impartial, warm and non judgmental third party to process and explore challenges?

My philosophy is very Jungian-based. I offer a masculine perspective to help those in learning about how to help relate to themselves better and then offer better relationships with others. My work is centered on the truth that when we see reality we are set free. The matrix keeps you stuck and enslaved. My mission is to help people free themselves so they can connect to their true nature and feel more fulfilled. I use health, nature, sexuality, and spirit to help others.

I help women move through fear, self-doubt, and old patterns so they can step into clarity, confidence, and fulfillment — both personally and professionally. Many of my clients are navigating transitions like ending relationships, redefining careers, or growing businesses while trying to protect their mental health. Together, we focus on strengthening self-trust, setting boundaries, and creating a mindset that supports lasting change. As a therapist and mindset coach, I combine evidence-based tools with forward-focused coaching to help you move from awareness to action — and build the confidence to trust yourself again.

Angellina Swart, LCSW is a social worker who has been in practice for six years. She is passionate about helping people access their strengths to overcome anxiety,

depression, and substance use disorders. Although she mainly works with adults, she does have experience working with children. She prefers to be authentic with her

clients to make them feel more comfortable and welcome in the therapeutic setting. She incorporates how external systems (family, work, policy, etc.) can affect a client’s well-

being and impact a person’s mental health.