We are resuming in-person programming for partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatments. In-person connection is incredibly important to behavioral health treatment and we are eager to provide this support to our patients as they move forward on the road to recovery. We also know that the safety and health of our patients and staff is top priority. See our latest update on steps we are taking to ensure everyone at our facilities are following guidelines as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Our day treatment program provides care for partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient levels of care. Treatment is customized and employs a variety of evidence-based modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and more. Here, clients benefit from one-on-one therapeutic support as well as group sessions in a supportive environment of peers where they can safely practice new skills that are transferable to home.
Insurances we accept at this location include but are not limited to Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, Beacon, Unicare, and Kaiser. Please remember that the insurances we accept change frequently. Our insurance team will verify your coverage.
PROGRAM FEATURES
Intensive Outpatient
Partial Hospitalization
All Genders
Ages 11-17
CONDITIONS WE TREAT
Trauma
Anxiety Disorders
Depression
Self-Harm
Bipolar Disorder
Reactive Attachment Disorder
MEET THE TEAM
Liam Doyle, LMSW
PROGRAM DIRECTORLiam is a licensed social worker who obtained his MSW from Quinnipiac University in May of 2018, after receiving a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Sacred Heart University in 2015. Liam comes to Discovery Behavioral Health after working at Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut, for five years. Liam began his mental health treatment career as a technician at Silver Hill Hospital after completing his undergraduate degree. Liam then trained and worked as a social worker on Silver Hill’s inpatient units for adolescents and adults upon receiving his MSW. Liam is intensively trained in DBT, integrating mindfulness, change and acceptance practices into his work. Liam has experience working with individuals, families, adolescents and adults alike. He approaches his work from a strength-based perspective, working with patients on developing their strengths and identifying where changes could be made. In addition to DBT, Liam also utilizes CBT, ACT, as well as psychoeducation and psychodrama. Outside of work, Liam enjoys spending time with his rescue dog, Chuck, as well as traveling around the Northeast and attending various sporting events.
Cara Dascenzo
FACILITY MANAGERCara is the facility manager for the Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program, located in Southport, Connecticut. Cara brings a wealth of experience from her history of working in public school systems and is integral to helping our patients reintegrate into their school systems. Before working for Discovery full time, Cara worked for 15 years with special education for the public school system. She’s been with Discovery for two years as a part-time counselor in their mental health adolescent residential program. Cara has a bachelor’s degree in human service and management. Her hobbies include yoga, meditation, and quality time with her family and dog.
Samantha Curt, LPCA
PRIMARY THERAPISTSam is an associate licensed professional counselor at Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program. She has worked at multiple residential facilities within Discovery, serving adolescents and adults in recovery from eating disorders, addiction, mood disorders and various anxiety disorders. Sam earned a master’s degree in mental health counseling from New York University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. Michael’s College. She has worked with diverse clients at Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, an outpatient clinic that serves low-income families, couples and individuals. Sam takes a collaborative, compassionate and non-judgmental approach to working with clients and families, enabling clients to recognize and build on their strengths, learn to affirm themselves and strive to be their best selves. She provides clients and families guidance based on an assessment of their unique needs, through a systems lens. She typically utilizes a psychodynamic and attachment-based approach, incorporating dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), interpersonal therapy and motivational interviewing where appropriate. Sam’s work in group therapy allows for an emotionally corrective experience based on reflective observation and the practicing of interpersonal skills.
Marissa Morin, LMFTA
PRIMARY THERAPISTMarissa is an associate licensed marriage and family therapist. She obtained her master’s degree from Fairfield University in 2020. Her undergraduate background is in sociology and early childhood education from Sonoma State University. Marissa’s career in mental health began as a school guidance counselor from 2015 to 2017. In this role, Marissa began to understand how individual problems originate and are maintained by the entire family unit. While in this position, Marissa enrolled in Fairfield University’s marriage and family therapy program. During graduate school, she provided outpatient therapy to an underserved population in Bridgeport, CT for approximately two years. Marissa’s approach to therapy is through a systemic lens. She assesses problems from the perspective of all members in a family to see how each person contributes to problems, how problems impact each person in the system, and how to help families rearrange their lives to reduce the impact of these problems. Marissa works simultaneously with individuals and family members to increase understanding, tolerance and the ability to cope with day to day stressors that impact everyday life. Marissa is eager to work with your child and family to strive for a better now and a brighter future.
Jessica Riocci, LMFTA
PRIMARY THERAPISTJessica earned her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Fairfield University after receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Fordham University. Jessica’s approach is compassionate, collaborative and strength-based. She predominantly utilizes structural family therapy, solution focused therapy and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to assist clients in reaching their goals. Jessica believes the relationships we have with others and ourselves are paramount to our well-being. She is dedicated to empowering adolescents and their families as they navigate through life’s challenges and change patterns that are getting them stuck.
Andre Vilarinho, LMFTA
PRIMARY THERAPISTAndré is an associate licensed marriage and family therapist. He received his Master of Arts degree in marriage and family therapy from Fairfield University in 2020. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Connecticut where he studied psychological sciences and gender and sexuality studies. During this time, his eyes were opened to a world of marginalized and underserved populations affected by the complex systems that surrounded them and their loved ones. Shortly after entering graduate school, André was accepted into two internships where he would cultivate his experience working with adolescents, families, couples and adults from all walks of life. After two years of outpatient work and various modalities firmly under his belt, he worked at a private practice before joining Discovery. André is passionate about connecting with clients and establishing a strong therapeutic bond through which change will result. He sees through a systemic, strength-focused and non-pathologizing lens, working hard to be thoughtful and calm when assessing how each person’s perspective and context blend to shape their reality. André has seen firsthand how the participation of all members in a system can be instrumental in adjusting unproductive patterns to expand possibilities, ultimately creating lasting growth and change. In this way, families leave treatment hopeful and capable of handling life’s many stressors after investing time and effort into a process not dissimilar to physical therapy. Whatever children and families are struggling with, André looks forward to engaging them to advance past it, onto the next stage in their journeys. In his free time, he enjoys building igloos, meditating, hiking, camping, and chasing his kittens around his small apartment while they destroy his plants.
Support Group
Discovery Mood & Anxiety provides free support groups for individuals, loved ones, and professionals. Find out more about how to join our free support groups.
COVID-19 Update: COVID-19 Update: In-person residential treatment is still offered at this location. Learn about all that we are doing to protect the safety and wellbeing of our patients and staff.