Joanna Ahern, LMSW

Program Director

Joanna has extensive experience in both mental health and substance use treatment and believes that therapy should be a collaborative and empowering process. Whether someone is struggling with anxiety, depression, past trauma, relationship issues, or substance use, she helps her clients uncover their strengths and build practical tools to create lasting change. Her approach is grounded in empathy, honesty, and a deep belief in every person’s capacity to heal. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings—including detox, residential treatment, and outpatient care—supporting individuals through some of their most vulnerable moments. She also has extensive experience working with first responders.

Most recently, she served as a Primary Therapist at a nationally recognized treatment center in South Florida, where she provided individual, group, and family therapy using evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing. Joanna earned both her Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees from Florida Atlantic University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Her clinical experience spans a wide range of concerns, and she is particularly skilled in working with individuals facing co-occurring disorders, emotional regulation difficulties, grief and loss, and life transitions.

Now practicing in Connecticut, Joanna is honored to support individuals at all stages of their journey—whether they’re seeking recovery, clarity, or simply a place to be heard. “Change is uncomfortable, but remaining stuck is far more painful. The question is—are you ready to choose growth over comfort?”