As an adolescent, Alex faced some challenges which were eventually overcome by his work with some outstanding therapists. That experience not only provided needed help at the time, but had a much more profound impact: it convinced him to dedicate his life to providing quality therapy to others.

Alex Klein, MS, LCSW Executive Director

Alex went on to earn an undergraduate degree in psychology and English and then two master degrees in recreational therapy and clinical social work. He began his career working with emotionally disturbed children and families at a therapeutic school. During this time he actually lived in the dorms with ten students while teaching  8^th Grade English during the school day. During his 18 years at the facility, Alex rose to the level of program director, overseeing many aspects of the facility and its program.

Alex’s professional experience has been centered around macro and micro treatment practices. He has held leadership roles in several facilities. While Alex focused on programmatic systems and staff training and development, he also provided direct-care, individual counseling, crisis management, and family systems work. His innovative contributions to agency structure and his talent in providing quality care for individuals and families have all lead to positive outcomes.

“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” — Margaret Mead

Alex’s approach to therapy is simple and straightforward. He strongly believes in a team approach where experienced therapists collaborate to engender multiple perspectives and where no one’s ideas reign supreme. Also underlying his philosophy is his dedication to a systems-based approach. He believes that a key underlying  factor of an individual’s emotional struggles is their inability to function independently within their given community(ies). Hence, his approach is centered around helping the client effectively living in and building healthy connections within  their communities. Alex firmly believes in always staying the course with all of his clients no matter what obstacles they may endure.

Alex believes in an evidence-based approach and identifies the foundations of mental health as being built on a healthy diet, exercise, and maintaining points of contact within family systems and community connections. Alex’s work in forming community partnerships is intended to provide clients access to care across the continuum of supports and interventions available while keeping them connected to their families and communities. Most importantly, he believes in creating a “safe space” and a strong relationship between therapist and client where true progress can be achieved.

In 2018, Alex founded Shoreline Psychotherapy and Behavioral Health Services in Guilford, CT, recently renamed The Shoreline Therapy Center.  His dedication to teamwork and a community based approach are put into action each day. Shoreline’s programs aim to deliver the highest levels of training for his clinical and counseling staff, and the highest quality of care for his clients and the community. Since its  inception, the facility has been widely accepted as one of the very best centers in the area for children, young adults and family therapy.

Alex is a dad, a husband and an active member of his community. He has served as a certified firefighter, wilderness first responder and therapeutic crisis and Intervention trainer. Throughout his career, Alex has blended his passion for travel and adventure with his professional experience. He has led groups of high-risk adolescents on foreign and domestic trips to engage in outdoor activities like mountaineering, rock climbing, alpine skiing, and water-based adventure. He has also organized and led  humanitarian trips in which he has helped build facilities, deliver food and medicine to children living in poverty. Alex believes that the human connection to nature and the outdoors, and meaningful, shared experiences helps to expand horizons and strengthen psychosocial development. A native of upstate New York, Alex has created a second home on the Connecticut Shoreline where he has lived and worked for the last 15 years.

Alex is a true champion of people who suffer from mental health issues and stands ready to apply the compilation of everything he has learned to those in need of such help.