Professional headshot: smiling woman with long dark hair in a white blazer outdoors with greenery in the background.
Professional headshot: smiling woman with long dark hair in a white blazer outdoors with greenery in the background.

Lauren Franza, APRN

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Glastonbury Office

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

See What Our Patients Are Saying

See how patients have experienced great care and positive results with us through their personal stories and feedback.
Dolly

“I have been seeing Dr. Awwa for almost 10 years. He is kind, compassionate and listens. I have seen him at all three offices and have never encountered any difficulty with any staff members.”
– D (Patient)

Foxy

“I have always been treated with dignity and respect @ CBH. I’m always warmly welcomed by name & treated very well. Dr. Awwa has been such an important influence in my life! Thanks to him I am in such a good place today.”
– F (Patient)

Tina

“I absolutely love Dr Awwa. I have been going to him for a long time. He knows what works for me and I am completely open and honest with him!”
– T (Patient)

Mark

“I’ve been a patient of Dr. Awwa for years. He has helped me through many changes and struggles. The staff is professional, friendly and accommodating!”
– M (Patient)

Carla

“The absolute best mental health place in CT. Dr. Awwa is great!”

– C (Patient)
Donna

“Dr Awwa is a blessing to me and my family. He has patiently seen us through some rough times. I have needed his help in some difficult situations and He was right there backing me up and doing everything to help. He has my upmost respect and trust. You can sense his love in helping people to get better.”
– D (Patient)

Elizabeth

“I have fought depression, anxiety, and PTSD for many years. I had settled for just okay, until CT Behavioral Health. I have been a client for around 1 1/2 years and have found myself healthier and happier then I have been in years. My therapist is awesome and knowledgeable and we have come a long way. She also returns calls promptly which keeps you grounded. The staff treats you with both respect and kindness. Dr. Awwa, the psychiatrist, is amazing. He can get so much done and really knows his patients.”
– E (Patient)

Connecticut Behavioral Health Associates

Connecticut’s Leading Psychiatric Practice

At Connecticut Behavioral Health Associates (CBHA), there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health. We tailor our care plans to fit each person’s unique needs. Our providers include psychiatrists, physician assistants, psychiatric nurse practitioners and licensed therapists who are ready to support you. CBHA offers both in-person and telehealth appointments, so you can get the care you need in the format that serves you best. We also accept most insurance plans allowing you to get the most from your personalized care plan.

Explore More Providers