

Who We Are
At Best Practice Psychotherapy, we understand that choosing a therapist is a meaningful decision. The right therapeutic relationship can offer more than support alone. It can create clarity, steadiness, relief, and a stronger sense of direction during difficult seasons of life.
Our practice is grounded in the belief that thoughtful care begins with thoughtful matching. We take care to connect each client with the clinician whose experience, therapeutic style, and clinical strengths best align with that client’s needs, preferences, and goals. This allows therapy to begin with greater clarity, comfort, and confidence.
We provide evidence-based care for children, adolescents, adults, and families, with support tailored to concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, substance use, emotional stress, and culturally responsive care.
Thoughtful Matching at BPP
We do not take a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. We thoughtfully match clients based on:
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presenting concerns
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age and stage of life
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treatment goals
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clinical specialty
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cultural or language preferences
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scheduling and insurance considerations
Our goal is to make the process of starting therapy feel clear, supportive, and well considered from the very beginning.

Dr. Charmaine Samuda, DSW, LCSW
Owner and Psychotherapist
Accepting New Clients
In-Person and Telehealth
I am the founder of Best Practice Psychotherapy and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker here in Connecticut.
With more than 20 years of clinical experience, I have worked across schools, hospitals, and intensive outpatient settings. My background allows me to support clients with both warmth and clinical depth, particularly when navigating emotional stress, life changes, or more layered personal and family challenges.

Tanisha Fougy, LCSW
Mental Health Therapist
Accepting New Clients
In-Person and Telehealth
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and my goal is to create a supportive and grounded therapeutic space where clients can work through emotional pain, practical stressors, and meaningful life changes with care and clarity.
I work with clients who may be navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, or difficulty feeling grounded in their daily lives. I believe meaningful change happens when clients feel both supported and empowered. And I do so by helping clients better understand their experiences, identify patterns, and develop tools that support emotional wellness. In our work together, we can and move toward a life that feels more balanced and manageable.

Esteban N. Mercado, LMSW
Mental Health Therapist
Accepting New Clients
In-Person and Telehealth
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker, and I provide therapy with compassion, insight, and a strong commitment to culturally responsive care.
I completed a year-long internship at Smilow Cancer Center in Guilford, where I supported patients through emotionally and medically complex experiences. I am fluent in Spanish and am especially committed to serving underserved communities, including the Latino population.

Tezeta G. Mammo, LCSW
Mental Health Therapist
Accepting New Clients
In-Person and Telehealth
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 19 years of experience supporting children and families across outpatient and school-based settings. I provide therapy with warmth, clinical depth, and a thoughtful understanding of the many factors that shape a child’s emotional and behavioral well-being.
My work is grounded in the belief that meaningful treatment begins with understanding the whole child within the context of family, development, environment, and culture. I firmly believe that children make meaningful progress when therapy supports both the child and the family system around them. Together, we work toward greater emotional stability, stronger relationships, and more confidence in daily life.

Domonique Fuller
Office Manager
I am the Office Manager at Best Practice Psychotherapy. I bring a strong background in business, operations, and marketing, and I help support the practice’s day-to-day functioning with consistency, care, and professionalism.
My role allows me to help create a smooth and welcoming experience for clients, providers, and referral partners. As Office Manager, I help support many of the behind-the-scenes details that allow the practice to serve clients effectively.
