Aris Health & Wellness

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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

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Our Mission


Our mission is to help our clients achieve a sense of well-being in the fastest, most efficient way possible, through an empirically supported, holistic approach to mind-body wellness.

“A few sessions of Bio-regulatory Psychology beats years of traditional talk therapy…It’s Science!”

Our treatment methods may not be appropriate for…

  1. Bipolar Disorder
  2. Psychotic Disorder 
  3. Late Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
  4. Other Forms of Dementia
  5. Childhood Developmental Conditions

Treatment Approach

Each therapist at Aris Health & Wellness is trained in gold-standard treatment methodologies. Our focus is on leveraging scientifically proven therapeutic principles and tactics to address your mental health needs.  Each therapy session is aimed at helping you to move forward in your life in a way that is meaningfully aimed toward your sense of happiness.

Specialties


For Alzheimer's Disease Appointments Click Here For More Info

Depression



Roughly 17.4 million Americans have suffered at least one major depressive episode during his/her life. The bigger question is: what is depression? Like any mental condition, there is a number of symptoms that correlate with “depression” but the symptoms are varying, which leads to a variety of presentations. For example, overeating and undereating are both symptoms of “depression.” So are over-sleeping and sleeping less than usual. How can this be the case?

The truth is, what we call “depression” is truly a number of unique conditions. “Depression” is really an umbrella term for a set of ailments, each with their own symptoms and physical implications. There are a number of factors that correlate with these subtypes of Depression: nutritional deficit, circadian dysregulation, low grade fever, just to name a few.

By identifying the subtype of Depression and the physical implications related to the condition, it is much easier to take a holistic approach from a mind-body standpoint to return you to your old self.

Anxiety



Anxiety is becoming an increasingly pervasive condition in our modern age. As a society, more and more demands are being placed on us as individuals and the world is only continuing to move faster every day.

By definition, anxiety is a natural reaction to any real or perceived threat. From an evolutionary standpoint, our bodies respond to these threats via multiple response systems: our hands sweat while simultaneously becoming colder, our heart rate changes, our muscles tense, brain waves shift, and our breathing becomes altered. The mind and the body always go hand-in-hand – Aris Health & Wellness clinicians exploit this principle to gain exceptional results.

Via a holistic approach to mind-body psychology, we address these physical adaptations to psychology to reverse-engineer your anxiety. By reversing these evolutionary physical adaptations, we prevent the mind from racing with anxious thoughts.


Adult ADHD



Most ADD/ADHD services in our society are aimed at assisting children in school. But what about adults? What about those struggling with inattention and distractibility at their job? What about those whose wandering mind and lack of organization are getting in the way of their career?

At Aris Health & Wellness, our therapists are here to help develop coping strategies to aid you in moving forward in a productive manner. Each individual's symptoms of ADHD are unique and those a set of techniques can be curtailed to assist the client with their areas of development. 

By analyzing behavioral patterns, our therapists are able to pinpoint which techniques and coping strategies are best to aid you in compensating in a healthy manner. Being able to bridge the gap between deficiency and productivity, our client are able to stay organized, stay on task, and execute the demands of their careers.

Insomnia



As of 2020, one in every four Americans had admitted having suffered with insomnia at some point in their adult lives.  This lack of proper sleep leads to mental fatigue, lack of productivity, poor communication, anxiety, depression, poor eating patterns, and adrenal burnout.  Recent studies have even shown a decrease in cancer fighting cells by 70% after just one night of poor sleep! The health implications alone should be a reason to address insomnia, let along the emotional toll it takes after just a few days.

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!

What to Expect


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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 Article 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.



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


     Do you take my insurance?
Our therapists are all paneled with the majority of the major insurance carriers: Blue Cross Blue Shield, AETNA, Cigna, Anthem, Optum, and Medicaid (aka Husky in CT).  The coverage for smaller insurance carriers depends on the individual therapist. Depending on your personal plan, you may or may not have a copay for therapy session.

    Does this ReCODE protocol work for everyone with Alzheimer’s?

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.

    Why it is “strongly recommended” for Alzheimer’s patients that I bring a family member or caretaker to the sessions?

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.


Contact Us

(203) 240-1309

Address:
4 Research Drive, Suite 402
Shelton, CT 06484

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