Leigh Anne Mehldau, LCSW

*Currently, the majority of my services are provided virtually. Upon receiving contact from a perspective client, I typically respond within 24-48 hours, and request an email address and a copy of an updated insurance card and driver's license with current street address be provided. The initial intake paperwork is emailed/sent by post to be reviewed, completed, and returned as soon as possible. A virtual or in-person intake appointment is then scheduled within 3-4 weeks. Many prospective clients appreciate the option to arrange a brief 15 min. Meet & Greet phone call prior to making a commitment and completing the paperwork. During this Meet & Greet call, if time allows, we can continue for an additional 45 minutes. This is then considered the Intake Assessment Appointment. Emergency telehealth video intake appointments are available within 48-72 hours. In working with children, I often recommend that an initial parent meeting (this meeting only is self-pay since intake has not yet occurred and cannot be billed under insurance) be scheduled prior to the intake involving a child, teen, or challenged adult. The essential family background information and presenting issues can be more openly discussed. We begin to create goals for treatment. Then, in the intake with the child, the primary focus is on helping him/her to feel safe and comfortable as they are welcomed to explore the various toys and play activities in the "Kid's Corner" in my office or engage in joint play activities virtually (coloring/drawing, playdough, etc.). This allows for positive and secure interactions between the child and me from the beginning. Additionally, my sweet Spaniel/Lab mix, Colby, frequently helps break the ice and connects beautifully with anyone who needs his special support in therapy!

I graduated from Lesley College with a BS in Human Services, with specializations in 1:1 Counseling, Group Therapy, and Human Development across the lifespan. After working full-time as a Child Development and Trauma Specialist at an intensive child abuse prevention/respite care program for young children, I began my graduate studies at UCONN School of Social Work, followed by obtaining my CT State license 18 months later. I have been employed in various mental health agencies and programs serving children, individuals, and adults. My experience ranges from providing intensive home-based services in a well-known permanency planning agency across New England to outpatient clinical services to being a director of, first, a State funded Safe Home serving abused and neglected youth to, secondly, managing all operations, program development, and providing clinical care in a 24-hour Emergency Mobile Crisis program. I have been in private practice since 2002. In 2011, I earned my certification as a Divorce Mediator/Conflict Resolution Specialist.

My rates are reasonable and customary with other licensed mental health providers of similar experience and service delivery in CT and surrounding Northeastern states. I accept the following insurance plans: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Cigna, and plans with out of network benefits.

Please contact me. I'd be happy to share my story.

Please contact me. I would be happy to talk with you and answer your important questions.

Please contact me and I can share with you.

Give thought as to what you believe is most important to you regarding your individual mental health needs, as well as of loved ones you may be struggling with. Consider your goals for therapy, yet please know that it is also the responsibility of the therapist to help you gain increased awareness and clarity around your personal struggles. As trust between us strengthens, it is our job to help you develop clinical goals and assist in holding one another accountable for your overall progress and growth throughout the process. When possible, try to be patient in getting a return phone call, text, or email. Our days are challenging to arrange brief contacts in between direct clinical hours. I appreciate your patience and flexibility!

Take time to reach out and actually try to talk with them briefly in advance. This is a professional approach and provides a more personal connection to assist you in determining your comfort level, sense of trust, and their competency/knowledge in the initial phase of the therapy process.