Bassam Awwa
Bassam Awwa

Bassam Awwa, MD

Dr. Bassam Awwa is the founder, CEO, and medical director of Connecticut Behavioral Health Associates. He is a board certified psychiatrist with more than four decades of experience in psychiatry and addiction medicine.

Dr. Awwa earned his medical degree from Damascus University School of Medicine in Syria and completed postgraduate training at Griffin Hospital, Connecticut Valley Hospital, and the Connecticut Mental Health Center. He pursued further specialization as a postdoctoral fellow at Yale University School of Medicine and completed a fellowship in substance abuse psychiatry at the West Haven VA Medical Center.

Since founding CBHA in 1990, Dr. Awwa has provided leadership and direct clinical care for patients across southeastern Connecticut. His career also includes roles as attending psychiatrist at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital and W.W. Backus Hospital, medical director of multiple treatment centers, and psychiatric consultant for community agencies and forensic programs.

Dr. Awwa provides advanced treatment options including psychiatric medication management, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and Spravato therapy. His clinical focus includes general psychiatry and substance abuse treatment.

He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and the American Board of Addiction Psychiatry. In addition, he is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Psychiatric Association, Connecticut Psychiatric Association, American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, and the National Arab American Medical Association.

For Dr. Awwa, the most meaningful part of his work is helping patients and families reclaim hope, stability, and resilience through compassionate, evidence based care.

Education
BS Equivalent Premedical Sciences, Damascus University
MD, Damascus University School of Medicine
Residency, Griffin Hospital, Connecticut Valley Hospital, Connecticut Mental Health Center
Postdoctoral Fellow, Yale University School of Medicine
Fellowship, Substance Abuse Psychiatry, West Haven VA Medical Center

Licensure and Certifications
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
American Society of Addiction Medicine
American Board of Addiction Psychiatry

Professional Memberships
American Psychiatric Association
Connecticut Psychiatric Association
American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry
American Medical Association
National Arab American Medical Association
Founding Member, American Academy of Psychiatrists in Alcoholism and Addictions
New London County Medical Association

Specialties
General Psychiatry
Addiction Psychiatry
Medication Management
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Spravato Therapy

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.

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Bassam Awwa, MD
Bassam Awwa, MD

CBHA

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Connecticut Behavioral Health Associates