Shannon Rios, PMHNP-BC, MSN, RN, LCSW
Telehealth
Shannon Rios is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and licensed clinical social worker with more than a decade of experience in behavioral health. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, specializing in psychiatric mental health nurse practice. She also holds a master’s degree in social work, combining advanced nursing expertise with a strong foundation in psychotherapy and integrated behavioral health.
Shannon’s practice integrates both medication management and therapy, creating a holistic approach that supports each patient’s mental and emotional well-being. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness strategies, motivational interviewing, and trauma informed care while emphasizing patient collaboration and empowerment. Her goal is to help each individual build resilience, improve self-awareness, and restore balance.
Her clinical specialties include mood and anxiety disorders, trauma related conditions, and life transitions. Shannon also focuses on women’s mental health, providing care for perinatal, prenatal, and postpartum patients. She supports individuals navigating grief, loss, and chronic medical conditions, blending psychotherapy with psychopharmacology to promote healing and recovery.
Shannon is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness based stress reduction, and medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. She approaches every therapeutic relationship with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and respect, creating a safe and supportive space for growth.
For Shannon, the most rewarding part of her work is witnessing transformation and renewed hope in her patients. She believes treatment is a partnership grounded in compassion, open communication, and trust.
Outside of her clinical work, Shannon enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, fitness, and outdoor activities. She is passionate about mental health awareness, women’s wellness, and community education, and she finds balance through dance, journaling, and time in nature.
Education
MSN, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
MSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
BS, Psychology
Licensure
Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Certifications and Training
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Trauma Informed Care
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
Medication Assisted Treatment
Specialties
Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Trauma and PTSD
Women’s Mental Health
Grief and Loss
Life Transitions
Psychotherapy and Medication Management
See What Our Patients Are Saying
“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)
“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)
“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)
“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)
“The absolute best mental health place in CT. Dr. Awwa is great!”
“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)
“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)



