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Who We Are
Our experienced clinicians are here to listen, understand, and empower you with the tools you need for healing and growth. Together, we can work towards achieving your goals and enhancing your overall well-being.

Dr. Charmaine Samuda, DSW, LCSW
Owner and Psychotherapist
Dr. Charmaine Samuda is the founder and psychotherapist of Best Practice Psychotherapy, LLC, where she is dedicated to fostering mental well-being in her community. Dr. Samuda is a licensed clinical social worker in Connecticut who holds a Doctor of Social Work degree from Southern Connecticut State University and a Master of Social Work degree from Columbia University. With over 20 years of diverse clinical experience, she has successfully supported children, adolescents, and adults across various environments, including schools, hospitals, and intensive outpatient settings.
Dr. Samuda focuses on reaching individuals and families with limited access to mental health resources. Her areas of expertise include assisting children and families, as well as adolescents and young adults dealing with challenges such as depression, anxiety, and life transitions. She utilizes a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy, to tailor her support to each client’s unique needs.
In addition to her professional commitments, Dr. Samuda is passionate about interior design, gardening, and exploring diverse cultures. These pursuits not only enhance her creativity but also foster valuable connections and enrich her holistic approach to life and therapy.

Tanisha Fougy, LCSW
Therapist
Tanisha is a licensed clinical social worker dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. She holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Social Work and has experience working with diverse individuals from various backgrounds and age groups.
Tanisha uses a collaborative, person-centered approach to create a safe space for growth and healing. She works with clients to address challenges such as life transitions, relationship issues, feelings of depression or anxiety, trauma, substance use, and more. She specializes in supporting individuals dealing with substance use issues and offers Prolonged Exposure therapy for those experiencing PTSD symptoms.
In her personal life, Tanisha enjoys exploring her creative side, whether through painting or trying new recipes. She also loves visiting restaurants and going to theater to watch the latest movies. with her friends

Esteban N. Mercado, LMSW
Therapist
Esteban N. Mercado is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) dedicated to helping clients navigate their unique challenges with compassion and expertise. With a robust background in medical oncology and extensive experience in addiction recovery, Esteban is well prepared to support individuals facing complex emotional and medical issues. As a proud alumnus of Southern Connecticut State University, he has honed his skills through meaningful experiences, including a year-long internship at Smilow Cancer Center in Guilford, where he provided vital support to patients during their most challenging times.
Fluent in Spanish and deeply committed to serving underserved communities, especially the Latino population, Esteban tailors his approach to ensure that clients feel understood and empowered. He excels in creating culturally responsive programs that foster healing, empowerment, and sustainable change. In his psychotherapy practice, Esteban focuses on each client's individual needs, aspirations, and values. By employing an integrative therapeutic approach, he helps individuals identify their strengths, establish clear goals, and make meaningful progress.
Whether you’re confronting a specific challenge or seeking overall guidance, Esteban is here to support you every step of the way. He offers supportive and educational insights, including practical strategies to help you achieve your emotional wellness goals.

Domonique Fuller
Office Manager
Domonique Fuller is the Office Manager at Best Practice Psychotherapy, where she combines her diverse background in business, operations, and marketing to ensure the practice runs smoothly. Domonique holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of the West Indies, as well as an Associate’s Degree in Business Studies and Accounting. She has also pursued further courses in digital marketing and social media marketing, enhancing her ability to engage with clients effectively.
In her role, Domonique is responsible for managing daily operations, improving client experiences, and developing innovative marketing strategies to connect clients with the mental health services they need. Her focus on efficiency and outreach supports the practice’s mission to deliver compassionate, effective care.
Outside of work, Domonique is a fashion and beauty enthusiast who loves experimenting with new trends. She’s often binge-watching reality TV and is always planning her next getaway to explore new destinations and experiences.
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