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Dr. Francine Baffa

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PRONOUNS:

She/Her
203-539-9714

Rate:

$210 per 53 min session

Insurance:

Premera & Affiliated
  • Offers telehealth only

Status:

  • Accepting New Clients

Dr. Francine B. Baffa

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Dr. Baffa’s 20+ years of experience and dual PhDs give her a unique ability to help clients navigate anxiety, ADHD, and the complexities of neurodiversity. With a compassionate approach grounded in evidence-based therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dr. Baffa creates a space for clients to make meaningful change.

Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, rebuild confidence, or strengthen relationships, her depth of expertise ensures each step of your journey is supported. Ready to take control of your life? Dr. Baffa’s personalized approach offers the tools and insight needed to thrive beyond your challenges.

Clinical Specialties
  • ADHD
  • ASD / Asperger/ Neurodiversity
  • Behavioral Issues
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Borderline Personality
  • Cancer Diagnosis / Recovery
  • Career Counseling
  • Chronic Illness
  • Dissociative Disorder
  • Grief and Loss
  • Life Transitions
  • OCD
  • PDA
  • Perfectionism
  • Self-Esteem
  • Substance Use Disorder
  • Anxiety/Depression
  • Couples/Marriage Counseling
  • Stress/Burnout

Personal Experience

Becoming a therapist was a natural choice for me because I truly believe in the transformative power of relationships. My own life experiences have shown me how vital it is to push past the limitations and fears that can hold us back. I’ve felt the impact of change firsthand, and I’m passionate about guiding others to do the same—to live a life that feels full and meaningful. When we work together, my goal is to help you heal, grow, and move forward with renewed confidence and purpose.

My journey as a clinician has taken me through a variety of settings—hospitals, inpatient and residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics—each shaping my understanding of the complexities of human behavior. With two Ph.D.’s, one focusing on neurodiversity and the other on anxiety, along with a master’s degree in social work, I bring a depth of knowledge and a well-rounded perspective to our work together. These advanced studies allow me to develop a holistic approach to therapy, drawing on my expertise in group therapy, parent coaching, and family systems. My education and experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the unique challenges each person faces, and I’m here to support you every step of the way, helping you navigate your path with understanding and care.

Supporting Adults

My current focus is on supporting adults as they navigate the challenges of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and ASD. I understand that these struggles can feel overwhelming, but I believe in the potential for change and growth in everyone. Using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), I work with you to gently reshape behaviors that might be holding you back. Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a compassionate approach to embracing new perspectives, helping you find greater psychological flexibility and mindfulness. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is about deepening your connections, both with yourself and others. These aren’t just techniques—they’re heartfelt tools designed to empower you to make meaningful changes, fostering a sense of growth and resilience in your everyday life.

Supporting Couples

A specialty interest of mine is working with couples where neurodiversity is part of the relationship cycle. Understanding the nuances and unique dynamics that neurodiverse couples face is crucial for fostering a healthy and fulfilling relationship. I utilize an integrated approach that combines the strengths of ABA, ACT, and IPT to help couples navigate their differences, improve communication, and build a stronger connection. By focusing on the specific needs of each partner, I assist couples in developing strategies that enhance their relationship, allowing them to thrive together despite challenges.

Let’s Get Started

I love what I do and am committed to helping you define your needs and desires. Therapy is a joint process, and our partnership will provide a strong foundation to equip you with self-agency to develop new patterns, create a life closer to your ideal, and recalibrate your relationship with yourself and others. Let me assist in navigating you to a new norm.

I am licensed in Washington State, Virginia, Washington DC, and Colorado. I am currently offering only teletherapy sessions. Online counseling is conducted using HIPAA compliant software for your confidentiality.

Bio

Training & Certification
  • Grief Counseling Certificate – AIHCP, 2026
  • EMDR – Personal Training Institute, 2024
  • Health Anxiety – Using ACT as Intervention 2024
  • Multicultural Awareness & Diversity – Strategies to Advance Client Rapport and Cultural Competence 2024
  • Navigating Boundaries 2023
  • Clinical Supervisor Training for LCSW candidates 2022
  • Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy, 2021
  • Motivational Interviewing, 2020
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy training, 2015
  • Dialectical Behavioral Training, 2015
  • Acceptance Commitment Therapy, 2014
  • Compassion Cultivation Therapy, 2018
  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy, 2012
  • Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, 2015
  • Motivational Interviewing, 2014
  • Neurodiversity: Cultural Competency in SW, 2017

Internship & Employment
  • Medical Social Worker, clinic based and inpatient, UWMC
  • Counseling intern, substance use disorder, St Vincents Hospital
  • Case Management Intern, Silver Hill Hospital, CT

Education & Degrees
  • Certified Parent Coach, Parent Advocacy Center, CT
  • Ph.D. Columbia University, Autism, Intellectual Disabilities and Neurodiversity
  • MSW, Specialized Practice (emphasis on clinical work), New York University
  • Master in Elementary and Special Education, Manhattanville College 
  • UTK Doctorate of Social Work, Focus on ACT and transdiagnostic practice as it relates to anxiety

License
  • WA Dept of Health Social Worker Independent Clinical LW60888283
  • Dept of Health Professionals LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker 904012816
  • Dept of Regulatory Agencies LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker CSW.09927118 
  • Dept of Health LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker LC200001474
  • Dept of Commerce LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker 9562910-3501
  • Board of Behavioral Sciences   LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker 121366
  • ABAI Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D)
  • WA DOH Licensed Behavior Analyst BA 60844213
  • Dep of Commerce Licensed Behavior Analyst 9562910-2506
  • DISTRICT ADMIN Administrator 478291
  • PECIAL ED Spe Ed Teacher 127527721
  • PREK-6 Spe Ed Teacher 127527721