Licensed Psychologist · West Hartford, CT
A private practice for individuals who are ready to do meaningful work — to understand what drives their behavior, free themselves from what no longer serves them, and live with greater authenticity and purpose.
About Dr. Cruz
You may be someone others rely on — capable, accomplished, and accustomed to managing a great deal. Or you may be a parent concerned about a teenager who is struggling with something you don't fully understand. Whoever you are, something has brought you here that has not resolved on its own.
My practice is built for exactly this kind of complexity. I work with high-functioning adults and adolescents across a wide range of concerns — with a particular depth of expertise in sexual behavior, compulsivity, and the relational and emotional dynamics that surround them.
After years of senior clinical leadership and hundreds of risk assessments and forensic evaluations, I have encountered the full range of human experiences. I bring that perspective to private practice: a clinical environment that is rigorous, evidence-informed, and unequivocally non-judgmental. Whatever you are navigating, you will not be met with alarm or judgment — only careful, skilled attention.
I accept a limited number of private clients to ensure the quality and attentiveness each person deserves. This is a space for serious, in-depth work.
Areas of Expertise
My private practice centers on a focused set of clinical concerns where I bring true expert-level knowledge. These are not peripheral interests — they are the foundation of my professional career and research.
Compulsive sexual behavior and problematic pornography use are frequently misunderstood and undertreated. I offer specialized, evidence-based care that addresses the behavioral, relational, and psychological dimensions of these concerns — for individuals at any stage of awareness or readiness. This work is for therapeutic purposes only, not legal or court-related use.
Core SpecialtyTeenagers and young adults are disproportionately vulnerable to compulsive pornography use and related sexual behavior concerns. The developmental, social, and neurological factors at play are distinct and require a clinician who truly understands them. I have extensive experience working successfully with this population.
Adults and adolescents with high-functioning autism or ASD face unique challenges around sexuality, social connection, and self-regulation. This is a population I have worked with extensively in both clinical and forensic settings, with a genuine understanding of the specific dynamics at play.
Whether you are navigating the aftermath of infidelity, struggling with aspects of your sexuality that are causing distress or relational difficulty, or simply need a clinician experienced enough to hear what you have to say without alarm — this is a space for that work. I work with individuals on all sides of these experiences.
Many high-achieving individuals carry significant internal distress beneath an exterior of capability — persistent anxiety, difficulty with identity or direction, or patterns in relationships that repeat despite their best efforts. I offer depth-oriented work that goes beneath the surface.
Who I Work With
My practice draws clients from across the spectrum of human experience. What they share is a readiness for real work — and an understanding that meaningful change requires skilled, individualized attention.
You've tried to stop — possibly many times. Shame and secrecy have made it nearly impossible to seek help from someone who truly knows this territory. I do. Whatever you bring to this work will be received with the same clinical seriousness and respect.
Perhaps something you experience has created friction in your relationship, or you want to understand it better. Perhaps you're worried it's escalating. I have spent years working with the full range of human sexuality — with professional equanimity and without alarm.
If you're a parent concerned about your adolescent, or a young person navigating something difficult alone, I offer skilled, sensitive, developmentally informed support. I have extensive experience with adolescents and with the particular challenges facing those with high-functioning autism.
Your position or reputation means that confidentiality isn't preferred — it's essential. My practice is structured with this in mind. Private pay ensures no diagnostic record, no insurance trail, and no information shared beyond what you and I discuss.
You've discovered something about a person you love that has upended your reality. You need individual support from someone who genuinely understands the specific dynamics of sexual betrayal and compulsive behavior — not a generalist approach.
You may have tried therapy before and found it didn't go deep enough. You're not looking for symptom management. You want to understand what is actually driving the pattern — and you're willing to do the work to change it.
Important Note Regarding Legal Matters: My private practice is for therapeutic support only and is not intended for legal, forensic, or court-related purposes. Due to my public-sector clinical responsibilities, I am unable to accept clients in Connecticut who are currently justice-involved or facing pending criminal charges in CT. I can work with clients in New York regardless of case status, and am also licensed in Michigan. If you have questions about your specific situation, please reach out directly before scheduling.
Clinical Approach
I tailor my approach to each person. There is no template applied uniformly — only a commitment to understanding the specific dynamics, history, and goals that are unique to you.
My work draws primarily from psychodynamic and attachment-based traditions, which focus on understanding the deeper patterns, relational histories, and emotional dynamics that underlie present-day struggles. This is integrated with evidence-based methods when clinically indicated.
The first session is an exploration — what brought you here, what has and hasn't worked before, and whether this is the right fit. I work thoughtfully and at depth, which is why I keep my caseload intentionally small.
On Confidentiality
Using insurance for mental health care requires a formal psychiatric diagnosis — one that enters your permanent medical record and may be accessible to insurers, life insurance underwriters, and in some circumstances employers or licensing boards.
For concerns of a sensitive or personal nature, many people — executives, physicians, attorneys, educators, public figures, and parents seeking help for a child — have compelling reasons to keep this work entirely private.
Private pay means no diagnostic label attached to your name, no records shared with third parties, and confidentiality protected to the full extent permitted by professional ethical and legal standards.
per 50-minute session
Why private pay?
Insurance billing requires a formal psychiatric diagnosis that becomes part of your permanent medical record. For the concerns addressed in this practice, many clients choose private pay to ensure their records remain entirely their own.
West Hartford Center68 South Main Street, Suite 200
West Hartford, CT 06107
A private, comfortable office in the heart of West Hartford Center — accessible and discreet.
I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to determine whether my practice is a good fit for your needs.
This is a confidential conversation — no obligation, no pressure. I will answer your questions and help determine appropriate next steps.
Client Forms
The following forms are provided for your convenience. Completing them prior to your first appointment allows us to make the most of our time together. All documents are confidential and handled in accordance with HIPAA.
Information about how your protected health information is used and your rights under federal law.
Download →Full informed consent for psychotherapy services including fees, cancellation policy, confidentiality, and telehealth terms.
Download →Comprehensive intake information for adult clients (18+). Please complete and bring to your first appointment.
Download →Intake information for adolescent clients (14–17) and their parents or guardians.
Download →Begin
A free, confidential 15-minute consultation is the first step. No obligation — simply an opportunity to ask questions and determine whether this is the right fit.
(860) 325-2349Free 15-minute consultation · Confidential · No obligation
