Meet Our Counseling Team

Chris is the Director, Clinical Operations for our Outpatient Psychiatric Clinics located in West Hartford, Avon and Rockville. In this role, he is responsible for the overall operations of the counseling centers including staffing, compliance, licensing and regulation, revenue management and efficiencies improvement.

Chris joined the Bridge in 2019 and served as our Clinical Director of Community and School Services. He was responsible for the Bridge's Youth and Family Services Department and oversaw all school-based services offered by the Bridge. He also led the West Hartford Youth Service Bureau providing comprehensive prevention and intervention services, resource development, community involvement, and advocacy. Prior to joining the Bridge, he directed a 28-bed psychiatric residential treatment facility.

Chris earned a Master of Social Work in Administration Degree from the University of Connecticut and a Bachelor of Arts in English Degree from Eastern Connecticut State University.

Martin, the Clinical Director for Outpatient Psychiatric Services, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Since 2000, he has been  working with children, families and adults in a variety of settings, including: outpatient counseling, residential care, therapeutic group home care and therapeutic foster care. Martin has advanced training in the areas of complex trauma and attachment. He currently monitors all aspects of clinical counseling services for our outpatient counseling centers. 

Martin earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of California Santa Cruz.

Hello! I'm Kerisha Prince, a dedicated and compassionate licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 3 years of experience in providing comprehensive mental health care. With a Master's degree in Nursing and specialized training in psychiatric-mental health, I am committed to improving the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges.

My approach to care is holistic and collaborative, focusing on building a trusting relationship with my patients to support their unique journeys. I prioritize open, empathetic communication to ensure that you feel heard and understood.

My patient focus is on individuals facing a range of mental health challenges, from anxiety and depression to more complex conditions. Individuals with Mood Disorders**: Patients suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, or related conditions. 

Anxiety Disorders: Those experiencing generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, or specific phobias.

Psychotic Disorders: Patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or other psychotic illnesses.

Personality Disorders: Patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, or antisocial personality disorder. 

Children and Adolescents: Young patients dealing with behavioral issues, ADHD, or mood disorders. 

Trauma Survivors: Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or those who have experienced significant trauma. 

As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, my communication style is empathetic, supportive, and collaborative. I aim to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where patients feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. 

In sessions, I prioritize active listening and validation, ensuring that patients know their experiences are heard and respected. The tone is warm and professional, fostering trust and openness.

Working with me often feels like having a supportive partner in your mental health journey where we explore challenges together and work towards meaningful goals. My focus is on empowerment and helping patients develop coaching strategies that work for them. 

I use a collaborative approach, focusing on patient-centered care by actively listening to their needs, identifying areas for improvement, and working together to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that align with their desired outcomes and recovery journey; while also considering their mental health condition, support system, and potential barriers to achieving those goals.

During our first session, you can expect a warm and welcoming environment where we will discuss your concerns, goals, and personal history. Together, we will set achievable goals tailored to your needs, ensuring that you feel empowered in your treatment journey.

My path to becoming a mental health care provider began with a deep-rooted desire to help others. I earned my nursing degree and worked in various healthcare settings, which solidified my commitment to mental health. After completing my advanced training as a nurse practitioner, I found my calling in psychiatric care, where I strive to make a positive impact in the lives of my patients every day. 

Dr. Mubbashar is the Medical Director for the Bridge Family Center's licensed Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic for Children. He is a Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and conducts medication evaluations and follow-ups for Bridge therapy clients. Dr. Mubbashar brings an incredible depth of clinical experience to his role. He is engaged in practicing child, adolescent and adult psychiatry and holds a special interest and expertise in advanced psychopharmacology.

Dr. Mubbashar graduated from the residency-training program in Adult Psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine and completed his advanced fellowship training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Yale Child Study Center. Additionally, Dr. Mubbashar completed his fellowship in Psychopharmacology at the Yale School of Medicine and West Haven's Veteran's Affairs Hospital. He also holds a faculty position as clinical instructor at the Yale School of Medicine, where he teaches an advanced psycho-pharmacology course. He has been the recipient of multiple awards and medals during his academic career, including: the Ira R. Levine Award and the President's Gold Medal from the Yale School of Medicine.

Dr. Mubbashar has published his clinical research in multiple indexed journals including clinical trials and also presented his original research work at several international conferences, including the Society for Neuroscience's annual meetings. He is an active member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Alysa is a Therapist Intern at the Bridge Counseling Center. She is currently a masters level student at the University of Saint Joseph in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. She has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings both outpatient and in-home. Alysa's goal in counseling is to meet the client where they're at and to provide a safe, comfortable, and judgment free space for the client to come as they are. Alysa has experience working with clients with a variety of mental health issues including but not limited to anxiety, depression, family conflict, stress management, trauma, and self-esteem. Alysa utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and an overall client-centered and solution-focused approach. Alysa's overall goal is to empower her clients to feel confident, understood, and prepared to achieve their goals and resiliency! 

Carlie is a Marriage and Family Therapy Associate in the West Hartford and Avon clinics. She works with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples who are facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, loss, family conflict and transitions. She utilizes solution-focused, narrative, and strategic approaches to aid clients with reaching their goals in therapy. Carlie has a compassionate approach and creates a safe and open environment to explore thoughts and feelings without fear or judgement. 

Carlie has a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Connecticut and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University.  

Maddy is a Therapist Intern at the Bridge Counseling Center. She is currently a masters level student at the University of Saint Joseph in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. She has worked with children in a variety of contexts for the past ten years. Maddy’s areas of clinical interest include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), working with individuals who suffer from anxiety and related disorders, depression, and trauma. She also enjoys running groups and working with families. Maddy’s goal in counseling is to foster a therapeutic relationship that harnesses a safe and judgement-free place for her clients to come and tell their story. She puts emphasis on working collaboratively with her clients to create mutually established goals. She works to help her client create a life where they feel confident, happy, heard, understood, and ready to take on any challenge they may face.

Carolyn is a Marriage and Family Therapy Associate at our Avon office. Carolyn works with couples, families, and individuals of all ages struggling with a variety of challenging life circumstances. Carolyn has experience helping others cope with depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, relational issues, life transitions, behavioral challenges and more. Carolyn practices through a strengths-based and person-centered approach, welcoming others to embrace all parts of themselves. In her free time, Carolyn likes to hike with her dog and travel.

Carolyn has a Bachelor's degree in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies from UCONN and a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University. 

Megan is a Therapist Intern at the Bridge Counseling Center. She is currently a masters level student at the University of Saint Joseph in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. She has over ten years of experience working with children and families in various capacities. Megan's areas of clinical interest include working with individuals struggling with anxiety and depressive disorders as well as those grappling with relationship issues, life transitions, and grief and loss. Megan's therapy style is warm, down-to-earth, and collaborative. By using an eclectic approach, her goal in counseling is to create a space where each client feels genuinely understood, safe, and empowered. 

Caroline is a Marriage and Family Therapy Associate from Central Connecticut State University. With a background in Secondary Education, she is passionate about working with students and their families in fostering growth and development with a holistic and interdisciplinary approach. Caroline is particularly interested in trauma informed approaches as well as play, art, and nature-based therapy. She practices with the belief that all people have the power within themselves to lead a joyful and fulfilling life and that sometimes we just need help accessing the tools that connect us to that power. 

Abby is a Therapist Intern at the Bridge Counseling Center. She is currently a third-year master’s level student in the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program at Central Connecticut State University. Abby has years of experience supporting children and students of all ages as they navigate new life stages and developmental milestones. As an aspiring MFT, Abby is sure to approach all cases with a systemic lens. She is very passionate about mental health and promoting healthy relationships within the family system. Abby’s primary areas of clinical interest include Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Structural Therapy. She hopes to one day use her systemic knowledge to work with families supporting children with special needs and couples. She also hopes to eventually incorporate animals into her work with clients. Abby is excited to enhance her clinical approach and deepen her knowledge through interactions with colleagues and supervisors during her time at The Bridge Counseling Center.

Mary is a Marriage and Family Therapy Associate in our Farmington office who has experience working with a wide range of clients including children, teens and their families, adults and couples.  She has experience with a number of clinical issues including anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, ADHD, trauma and PTSD, relational conflict and divorce.  Having worked with children in a variety of contexts for over 20 years she is particularly interested in working with children and their families.  She uses a variety of therapeutic modalities in helping clients to explore their concerns and best utilize their strengths in working toward positive change in meeting therapeutic goals.

Mary earned her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the State University of New York at Albany.

Andrew Halpern works with adolescents and adults through an eclectic and humanistic lens.  He finds joy in seeing his clients become the best version of themselves. He has training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction.

In addition, Andrew has worked in various clinical settings as a therapist and supervisor helping clients navigate their way to wellness through different levels of care. He provides counseling in English and Spanish. 

Andrew has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Professional Counseling from Central Connecticut State University.  

Mia is a Marriage and Family Therapy Associate in our West Hartford Clinic. She works with children, teenagers, adults, and families facing issues with anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, and trauma. She helps clients recognize their own strengths so that they can identify the therapeutic goals and solutions they want using a variety of therapeutic techniques. Mia believes most of these issues are from relational conflicts and strives to work on reconsolidating relationships in families and couples by helping them understand their need to connect with others. 

Mia earned a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University.

Anna is a Licensed Master Social Worker in our West Hartford clinic. Utilizing a warm, empathetic, and strength-based approach, Anna is able to connect with clients of all ages. Anna has received training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Her background in Therapeutic Recreation provides the framework that therapy is a space to decompress while simultaneously working towards treatment goals.

Anna earned her Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Saint Joseph, located in West Hartford, Connecticut.

Gretchen is the Clinical Financial Supervisor at the Bridge. In this role, she is responsible for processing insurance claims for all of the therapists, ensuring completeness and accuracy of all claims. Gretchen also supports the team as a medical billing specialist, processing claim requests as well as supporting the clinic financial team.  

Gretchen joined the Bridge in 2011 and has served in various positions. 

Susan is a Marriage and Family Therapist in our Avon and Rockville offices. She works with children, teenagers and adults who are experiencing a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflict, trauma, and difficulty with life stage transitions.  Susan is particularly interested in working with women who are experiencing challenges due to new relationships, divorce/separation, child conflict or children leaving home (empty nest). Using solution-focused and strength based approaches, Susan strives to create a safe environment for exploration, growth and healing.

Susan received her Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University.