Clay Valentin, LCSW
Bilingual Therapist (Español/English)
Manchester and Online
(He/Him)

Direct line for existing clients: 860-215-2177

“I’m exhausted. Not the kind of exhaustion that’s fixed with sleep, but the kind that builds up slowly. It’s settled into my soul like a weighted shackle. A constant drag underneath everything. Everyday I just try to go through the motions — keeping up with school, showing up to work, hanging out with friends, attending family gatherings, holding space for my partner who’s struggling — doing all the things that make me look “together.” What gnawed at me most today was that sinking feeling again — like I’m drifting aimlessly in life and struggling to keep my head above water. I can’t keep living like this, but I don’t know how to help myself.”

Hi there, I want to start off by saying that I see how hard you’ve been trying. Trying to hold yourself — and maybe others — together. Uncertain of who you are beneath the layers of coping and performing. You don’t have to continue navigating the ebbs and flows of life alone.

My Approach:

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Connecticut with five years of experience working in the mental health field. As a Puerto Rican transgender man who has navigated mental health and developmental adversity I integrate both clinical knowledge and lived experience to my work as a therapist.

I specialize in work with adolescents (12+) and young adults navigating day-to-day stress, anxiety, burnout, low self-esteem, depression, developmental traumas, and interpersonal conflict. I am especially passionate about working with BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ communities. I understand firsthand how personal and complex healing can be; especially for those of us whose identities have been pushed to the margins.

As a fellow human navigating the ebbs and flows of life, I operate from a place of authenticity, non-judgement, and humility. In our work together, I consider my role as your therapist to be to walk alongside you, offering a warm, affirming, and collaborative healing space where you can exist authentically, unpack the things that feel too heavy to carry alone, and reclaim your power to create meaningful, sustainable change. 

My practice is grounded in relational, collaborative, and anti-oppressive frameworks. We may not all walk the same paths in life but I deeply understand how systemic oppression, cultural disconnection, and generational trauma can show up in the body, in relationships, and in the very stories we carry. I believe in therapy that is not just about coping, but about liberation, reconnection, and the reclamation of joy. You don’t have to continue navigating the ebbs and flows of life alone.

When you’re ready, I welcome you to reach out. Let’s take the next step, together.

Does insurance cover the cost of therapy sessions?

At this time, I take Anthem BCBS, Aetna, Husky/Medicaid and Optum/Connecticare/United. I am also in the paneling process with Cigna/Evernorth. I also work with out-of-network (OON) benefits and I offer a self-selecting sliding scale.

Visit our Finances & Insurance page for more complete information. 

For more information on family therapy at Beehive and how a therapist near you can help, visit our FAQ page.