Children’s Behavioral Health
Clear answers. Shorter wait lists. Personalized support that helps your child move forward with confidence.
Clear Answers Start with Understanding Your Child
When questions arise about your child’s learning, emotions, or development, you deserve more than a long waitlist or a one-size-fits-all answer.
At Aspire Living & Learning, we partner with families to provide timely evaluations and therapy grounded in 20 years of behavioral health expertise. Our person-centered approach helps you understand the “why”, create a clear plan, and take meaningful steps forward.
No long delays. No generic reports. Just support built around your child.
Aspire Behavioral Health Services
Evaluations & Assessments
Get clear answers and next steps with evaluations that look beyond surface behaviors to identify the “why” behind your child’s challenges.
Psychological Evaluations
Identify emotional or behavioral concerns such as anxiety, depression, or ODD. Our psychologists provide a nuanced understanding, paving the way for personalized treatment plans.
Educational Evaluations
Understand how learning differences may be affecting your child’s academic progress. These assessments support individualized educational strategies.
Psychoeducational Evaluations
Take a comprehensive look at how mental health, learning, and cognitive function intersect, complete with insights that inform both care and classroom support.
Functional Behavior & Ecological Assessments
Examine how environment shapes behavior. We collaborate with families and schools to design behavior support plans grounded in real-life contexts
Therapy
Every child’s emotional world is unique. Whether your family prefers in-person sessions or the ease of secure telehealth, we offer therapy that adapts to their needs and empowers them to express, heal, and grow.
Why Aspire?
Families come to us looking for clarity, partnership, and guidance that feels practical and realistic.
For more than 20 years, our licensed clinicians, psychologists, and Board-Certified Behavior Analysts have supported children and families through thoughtful, evidence-based services. Grounded in clinical expertise and person-centered care, we focus on helping you understand what’s happening and what to do next.
- Shorter wait list times, so you can move forward sooner.
- Specialized expertise in Autism, ADHD, anxiety, and learning differences.
- Virtual and in-person appointments for flexibility and access.
- Response within 48 hours when you reach out.
- Clear explanations and recommendations you can actually use.
- Close collaboration with families and schools.
Meet Your Behavioral Health Team
Courtney Cotter, Ph.D., BCBA-D
I enjoy walking alongside families, helping kids build confidence and find their place at home, in school, and in the community. Parenting really is the toughest job you’ll ever love, and I hope to help all parents feel successful in their parenting journey.
Credentials and Expertise
- Licensed Psychologist
- Doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D)
- Nearly 20 years of experience supporting children and families across New England
Education and Fellowships
- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Western Michigan University
- Internship, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
- Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Fellowship, Munroe-Meyer Institute
Chelsea Colonese
In my free time, I enjoy coaching hockey, hiking, and traveling. I bring this same energy and dedication to my work, partnering with students, families, and schools to help kids grow in confidence, thrive academically, and feel supported at home and in the classroom.
Credentials and Expertise
- School Psychologist
- Nearly 10 years of experience in Connecticut
Education and Certifications
- Master’s degree in School Psychology, Southern Connecticut State University
- Certificate of Advanced Studies in School Psychology, Southern Connecticut State University
- Currently completing coursework toward License of Professional Counseling
Marlena Minkos, Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA
I love spending my free time reading, practicing yoga, and traveling with my family. I’m driven by a genuine passion for supporting families, strengthening schools, and improving the lives of children I work with.
Credentials and Expertise
- Licensed Psychologist
- Nationally Certified School Psychologist
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
- Over 15 years of experience supporting children and adolescents in clinical and educational settings
Education and Certifications
- Doctorate in Psychology, University of Connecticut
- Master’s degree in School Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston
Getting Started is Simple
Start a conversation
Reach out to our ream and share your concerns. We’ll explain next steps and answer your questions.
Building a Plan Together
Based on your child’s needs, we will recommend the appropriate evaluation or therapy service and outline what to expect, including timelines and next steps.
Move Forward with Clarity
After your child’s evaluation and/or as therapy begins, we review findings together and outline clear, practical next steps so you understand what they mean and how to move forward.
We aim to respond within 48 hours so you can move forward without unnecessary delays.
Locations
We provide behavioral health services across Connecticut | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | Vermont
Insurance Participation
Aspire accepts Aetna, Carelon Behavioral (Anthem), Cigna, and Medicaid (Husky) for behavioral health services. For billing questions, contact us at behavioralhealth@allinc.org or call 850-977-1634. If you use another insurer, we’re glad to explore your options, including out-of-network benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
The process varies depending on the type of evaluation. It may include conversations with you, structured assessment activities with your child, and, when helpful, collaboration with school. Afterward, we review the results together and provide clear, practical recommendations so you gain clarity and next steps.
Timelines vary depending on the type of evaluation and availability. We respond within 48 hours of your inquiry, and many families are able to begin within weeks rather than months. From the start, we outline expected timelines so you know what to anticipate.
Start a Clear Path Forward for Your Child Without the Long Wait
Contact us today by filling out the form below.