Lauren M. Franza is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides compassionate and comprehensive mental health care for adults. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Regis College, her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Charter Oak State College, and her Associate Degree in Nursing from Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing. She has worked in the mental health field for more than seven years.

Lauren’s practice includes medication management, Spravato (esketamine) treatments, and medical marijuana certifications. She combines traditional medicine with natural and holistic approaches to create individually tailored treatment plans that address each patient’s unique needs. Her specialties include ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, depression, PMDD, substance use disorder, and mood disorders. She is trained in Spravato, Suboxone, and medication assisted treatment.

Her approach to care is rooted in warmth, compassion, and empathy, with the goal of improving quality of life and helping patients feel more like themselves again. She is generally conservative in prescribing medications, especially benzodiazepines, and focuses on finding the safest and most sustainable solutions by addressing the root causes of challenges.

For Lauren, the most rewarding part of her work is witnessing patient growth, whether it is a major life milestone or a small step toward well-being. She values hearing that patients are returning to work, forming healthy relationships, or rediscovering joy in their lives.

Outside of her work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, being in nature, and attending live music events.

Education
MSN, Regis College
BA, Charter Oak State College
ADN, Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing

Licensure
Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Special Certifications
Spravato (esketamine) Treatment
Suboxone and Medication Assisted Treatment

Specialties
ADHD
PTSD
Anxiety