Aris Health & Wellness
Remote mental health services utilizing fast and effective, scientifically based treatments.The difference is in the results!
Therapists WHEN and WHERE you need us...Now serving Clients throughout both Connecticut and Pennsylvania
Our Mission
“A few sessions of Bio-regulatory Psychology beats years of traditional talk therapy…It’s Science!”
Our treatments are most effective for…
Our treatment methods may not be appropriate for…
- Bipolar Disorder
- Psychotic Disorders
- Late Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
- Eating Disorders
- Childhood Developmental Conditions
Treatment Approach
Depression
Anxiety
Adult ADHD
Insomnia
The two biggest pillars that impact our duration and quality of sleep are “conditioning” and “circadian regulation.” These two dimensions of sleep interact highly and send signals to your brain of when to be tired and when to by productive. By addressing elements such as blue light exposure, exercise, timed eating, classical conditioning, and proper supplementation, a truly holistic approach can positively impact your quality of sleep as well as your quality of life!
Psychophysiology
For psychophysiological interventions to improve mind-body wellness, Click Here For More Info
What to Expect
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Step 1: Pre-Visit Paperwork
ButtonUpon calling to schedule your first session at Aris, you will be asked to complete the necessary intake paperwork. This includes a statement of confidentiality, an informed consent for treatment, and a patient information sheet. This paperwork will be accessible through the Client Portal. Login info will be emailed to you and the link is also available at the top of this page.
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Step 2: Initial Session
ButtonThe initial consultation with your therapist is essentially an "information gathering" session. You will be asked to provide information about what brought you to therapy and your goals for treatment. You and your therapist will then work together to create a plan for following therapy sessions, helping you move toward those goals.
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Step 3: Baseline Testing
ButtonJust as you would have baseline bloodwork conducted at a medical office, we also do some initial testing. Instead of providing blood, however, we ask you to complete a few brief psychological questionnaires regarding your mental health. This can help your therapist determine the best course of therapy to help you with your treatment goals.
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About Us
Richard S.P. Meagher PsyD, FDN-P, BCB
Clinical Director
Dr. Meagher graduated from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. He went on to get both his Master’s Degree and Doctorate in Psychology from Widener University, the oldest and most prestigious Doctorate of Psychology program in the world. While at Widener, Dr. Meagher also earned two internationally recognized certificates from the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA).
Dr. Meagher completed his post-doctoral residency at an outpatient facility in Newtown, PA, primarily treating adults and geriatric clients with depression, anxiety, and cognitive difficulties follow brain injury or due to aging. After a few years in Pennsylvania, Dr. Meagher relocated to Connecticut, opening Aris Health & Wellness in 2019.
In the process of addressing medical concerns of his own, Dr. Meagher was introduced to the the ReCODE (Reversal of Cognitive Decline) protocol from Dr. Dale Bredesen. This program addresses the 36 underlying factors that cause and continue to contribute to the decline of Alzheimer’s Disease. Dr. Meagher is now a certified practitioner of the ReCODE protocol.
Dr. Meagher continues to leverage the latest research on mind-body health and incorporate the most cutting-edge interventions to facilitate the rapid healing of his clients.
Click
Here
for Dr. Meagher's profile on Psychology Today
Jennifer Ayers, LCSW
Jennifer obtained her MSW specializing in mental health and substance abuse from the University of Connecticut's School of Social Work. In addition she holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University.
Having worked at New York Presbyterian Hospital in White Plains, NY for 9 years as well as Weill Cornell's Mobile Crisis Team, she has direct clinical experience working with individuals struggling with a variety of mental health issues. Her ability to connect and comfort as well as her ability to tolerate and work with more acute issues assist her in building strong therapeutic relationships with clients.
Jennifer's treatment approach is described as person centered, strength based and eclectic, meaning Jennifer incorporates aspects of Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral therapies, as well as Motivational Interviewing. In addition she takes an integrative holistic view to her clients that takes into account the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.
You can see Jennifer's profile on Psychology Today, just Click Here
Riya Sidhu, LPC, NCC
Riya, a highly skilled and empathetic therapist, holds a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from The University of Bridgeport; with a strong educational foundation, Riya is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to guide individuals towards healing and transformation.
Riya's therapeutic approach is diverse and tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Riya offers a specialized technique to address trauma and facilitate emotional healing. Additionally, she incorporates a Solution-Focused orientation, empowering clients to identify their strengths and work towards achievable goals.
Drawing from a range of therapeutic modalities, Riya also integrates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and mindfulness practices into her sessions. These evidence-based approaches provide clients with practical tools to manage emotions, improve relationships, and cultivate self-awareness.
With Riya's guidance, clients can expect a safe and non-judgmental space to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Through collaborative conversations and evidence-based interventions, she empowers clients to gain insight, develop coping strategies, and cultivate resilience.
Courtney is a dedicated mental health therapist with a strong educational foundation and a passion for helping others. She is both a Licensed Professional Counselor (PA) and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MA). Courtney earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Duquesne University with a specialization in Existential Phenomenology and her Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington DC. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which she combines with a person-centered approach to therapy, ensuring that her clients feel heard, respected, and supported throughout the therapeutic process.
Specializing in working with individuals struggling with anxiety and depression, Courtney encourages clients to develop healthy habits to enhance their mental and physical well-being. She understands that each person’s experience is unique and places a strong emphasis on collaboration and openness in her therapeutic practice. Courtney helps her clients to identify the severity of their symptoms first, then begins to explore possible triggers and current behaviors that could be contributing to them. Additionally, she focused on healthy lifestyle changes to help develop each client's overall functioning to improve their quality of life.
Daniel Sherman, LPCA, LADC, NCC
Daniel has always enjoyed helping others by being a compassionate listener and nurturing personal growth. He has over 5 years of experience working within multiple levels of care including withdrawal management, residential rehab, and outpatient settings. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and his Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Connecticut State University.
He utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Motivational Interviewing to help clients gain a different perspective on their thought and behavior patterns to develop effective strategies to achieve their goals. He has experience with individual counseling, facilitating groups, and intensive outpatient therapy. He works with a diverse population of adults across the lifespan who experience anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, grief, and mood disorders.
Sarah Pursell, BA - Doctoral Student
Sarah Pursell graduated from University of Rochester in New York with a BA in Psychology and a BS in Brain and Cognitive Sciences. During this time, Sarah was involved in neuroscience on traumatic brain injuries and clinical psychology research on suicidality in adolescents post-hospitalization; she also worked in a psychiatric emergency department, stabilizing patients across the lifespan in acute crisis. After graduating undergrad, Sarah was accepted into a Post-Baccalaureate Fellowship at McLean Hospital in Boston, MA, one of the oldest and most prestigious psychiatric hospitals in the country. There, Sarah worked directly with children and adolescents - many of whom had experienced significant trauma - at an acute residential program.
After several years working in the field, Sarah began her Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) program at University of Hartford. Currently, Sarah is a third year doctoral student who has experience working in a special education school with children, adolescents, and adults with psychiatric, emotional/mental, and developmental disorders. She is also involved in anxiety research at UCONN Health. This summer, Sarah will also begin practicum placement at an adolescent inpatient hospital.
Sarah works with children, adolescents, young adults, and families using evidence-based treatments to address current difficulties. She has supported clients struggling with anxiety and mood disorders, trauma, attention difficulties, developmental disorders, personality disorders, life transitions, and interpersonal difficulties. She believes that every behavior is an attempt for a client to get their needs met and she takes a strengths-based approach in working with her clients; specifically, Sarah utilizes dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) while incorporating each client’s unique identity and background into the therapeutic work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Results vary depending on a number of factors such as age, condition subtype, and level of disease progression. The research is promising for multiple levels of the disease; however, much like other medical conditions (e.g. cancer) the further along the progression, the more difficult it is to treat. While those with earlier stages of Alzheimer’s disease typically have a more promising progression, Aris Health & Wellness makes no guarantees of results.
Due to the nature of the Alzheimer’s Disease and the associated memory difficulties, it is imperative that someone else serve as a collateral reporter. This allows your therapist to better pinpoint contributing factors and determine the disease subtype leading to cognitive decline. Earlier identification of these elements better informs treatment moving forward. Throughout treatment, this supporter becomes an aid in the implementation of suggested lifestyle changes.