Therapists in Hackensack, NJ
Most people experience mental health challenges from time to time. But, when you work with the right therapist, you may find that you learn how to break free from harmful cycles, heal from negative past experiences, and enhance your overall well-being and resilience.
If you’re looking for a therapist, Hackensack, NJ has a variety of therapeutic approaches to consider. For example, Specialized Therapy Associates provides psychological testing services, in addition to therapy with licensed psychotherapists and psychiatric care. Other therapists in Hackensack, NJ, use different approaches, like motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, or humanistic approaches to therapy.
Many people in Hackensack find that online therapy is a good option when they’re looking to develop a treatment plan for psychological disorders—like major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder—or wanting to improve their overall mental health. This type of therapy is shown to be effective for many mental health challenges and related issues, and it’s often more affordable and easier to schedule than in-person therapy.
The therapists listed here are all licensed to provide online therapy in Hackensack, New Jersey. You can click on their profiles to read more about their background, education, specialties, and read reviews from clients.
William Dougherty
Clinician
License Type(s): LPC,CAADC,CCS
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesAnger management
16 years offering treatment
I have always seemed to be in a helping position. Before graduating high school I started work at a large veterinarian hospital/boarding kennel in Blue Bell, PA as an animal health technician and then the hospital administrator, where I stayed for over 15 years. I decided to return to school to pursue a degree in psychology and have been in the mental health field since 1998, working for such organizations as Special Equestrians as a side aid volunteer assisting people with physical and/or mental health disabilities and Lenape Valley Foundation as both a house advisor and a Partial Hospital Program group therapist for people with severe and persistent mental illness. I also worked for Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia for their Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Program where I was a counselor for people addicted to heroin. I recently worked for Catholic Charities in NJ in the roles of therapist for the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program working with kids diagnosed with substance abuse or dependence, as well as a clinical supervisor for the Comprehensive Family Treatment of Addictions Program (CFTA). This led to the position of Program Director for CFTA, the Therapeutic After-School Program (a therapeutic group for kids ages 8-12) and an In-home therapy/case management program, while also carrying a small direct-service caseload at my private practice. Finally, after taking the position of Service Area Director, with responsibility for 13 substance abuse, mental health and social service programs, I realized that I was moving further and further away from my original ambition of providing one to one service to clients. This realization led to my decision to get back into direct service. The ability to provide a safe environment for people to share their feelings, thoughts, and experiences is essential to effective counseling. Studies have shown no one therapeutic modality utilized by therapists is superior to another; rather, clinicians themselves ultimately determine whether treatment will prove effective. It’s not about the model being used; it’s the relationship between the counselor and client. This principle guides my work, in that I strive to provide a client-centered, strength-based counseling setting to individuals, couples and adolescents for issues related to addiction, anxiety, career or relationships. I look to my clients to be the experts of themselves, which encourages them to guide the therapy where it needs to go. What I offer is a space to gain insight in order for that insight to become the catalyst for change. I believe that once a person sees their truth, they have no choice but to accept that truth…though we often do our best not to. Each of us develops psychological schemas that teach us how to interact with people and the world. When we grow accustomed to a certain pattern of behavior, however, we look to repeat it, even after it’s outlived its usefulness. Addiction, for instance, is a maladaptive coping skill that worked at one time but does no longer. With a background in English literature, I bring a decidedly post-modern perspective to my therapeutic approach. One of the concepts I utilize is Narrative Therapy, which encourages and compassionately challenges clients to be mindful of the story they’re telling to better utilize their strengths. This theory acknowledges the power of language, in that not only does the language we use reflect how we feel, it also affects how we feel. Therefore, the words we choose to use can help to manifest the changes we hope to bring about. The idea is to encourage the use of more positive words as opposed to negative words while telling our life story. I have found this approach to be remarkably effective in helping clients confront the challenges of their lives in order to bring about lasting and meaningful change. Other approaches and techniques I draw from include Humanistic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (with a strong working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing), Trauma Informed Therapy, and Systems Theory. I find it satisfying to be part of helping people discover who they can be and realize that perhaps they’re more than who they thought they were. Ultimately, if each of us can achieve balance and make our own little corner of the world a little bit more satisfying and a little safer, we help to create a better reality for all of us. Degrees and Credentials Bachelors Degree in Psychology/English Literature from Arcadia University in Glenside PA Masters Degree in Clinical/Counseling Psychology from La Salle University in Philadelphia PA PA Board Licensed Professional Counselor PA Board Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor PA Board Certified Clinical Supervisor PA Board Certificate of Competency in Problem Gambling NJ Board Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor NJ Board Licensed Professional Counselor NJ Board Certified Clinical Supervisor Member of the Psi Chi, Phi Theta Kappa, and Sigma Tau Delta National Honor Societies. Modalities and techniques I draw from include Humanistic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (with a strong working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing), Trauma Informed Therapy, Mindfulness, and Systems Theory. I have experience in dealing with: Relationship issues Anxiety/stress Chemical addiction Gambling addiction Compulsive behaviors (such as sexual “addiction”) Anger Management Codependency Self Esteem PTSD
Laura Thompson
Clinician
License Type(s): MA, LPC,NBCC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
20 years offering treatment
Hello, my name is Laura. I have been counseling for over 15 years. My theoretical orientation is Existentialism, although I am inspired by CBT, REBT and most especially radical acceptance and mindfulness. I have experience working in psychiatric hospitals and with addictions and currently am the Program Director of an IOP. I am very open to using modern technology as a treatment modality and see it is the modern and convenient. It is a real pleasure to help you using this groundbreaking platform. I enjoy using unique and creative therapeutic techniques tailored to you as a person. I have a strong skill set in understanding the brain as well as personality and family as well as relationship dynamics and teen experiences. A pleasure to meet you, Laura
Monica Witherspoon
Clinician
License Type(s): MED,LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
15 years offering treatment
I am licensed in the state of New Jersey as a Licensed Professional Counselor, and I have over 14 years of counseling experience and expertise working as a counselor in a school system, as well as in an outpatient mental health counselor in a community agency. My primary therapeutic orientation is mainly person centered but I also include elements of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused, and Psychoeducation therapies, as the need arises. I wholeheartedly believe that the therapeutic relationship is essential for client growth. Furthermore, therapy should be a safe, non-judgmental, authentic experience, where the client’s voice needs to be valued, heard, and understood. Each individual is unique and should be treated with the utmost degree of respect and unconditional positive regard. I have experience working with adolescents and adults suffering from body image issues, changing their relationship with food, using food for comfort/eating issues, adopting a healthier lifestyle, obesity, bariatric counseling, self-esteem/self-confidence, motivation, coping skills, life-transitions, stress/anxiety, career difficulties, compassion fatigue syndrome, and everyday issues. I am passionate about encouraging, uplifting, and assisting others in overcoming their struggles, getting in tune with their truest self, and ultimately finding resolution.
Ellen DeFilipps
Clinician
License Type(s): MS, LMFT
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issues
20 years offering treatment
Are you worried all the time? About money, work, your relationships, or the future? Or what other people think about you, or that you’re not good enough? It’s exhausting, isn’t it? I get it. We all worry, but some more than others. If that’s you, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve been a therapist for 19 years and specialize in helping people who have anxiety or who are going through something, sometimes several things at once, that they’re having difficulty handling. We’ll work together to understand why and, more importantly, how to find solutions and relief from the constant worry by learning how to use proven methods that you can use in your daily life. During our sessions you can expect to feel both heard and understood, and to be treated with respect and unconditional acceptance. Send me a message. I can help.
Erin Averill
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Family conflictsGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years offering treatment
Hi, my name is Erin and I am a licensed clinical social worker in New Jersey with 7 years of experience of working with people across the life spectrum. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, self esteem issues, and increasing motivation and confidence. I also have helped clients learn to cope with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. "A journey of a 1,000 miles begins with one step"-Chinese Proverb
Jaimie Schoeffer-Reynolds
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
24 years offering treatment
I am licensed in New Jersey with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Charu Bhardwaj
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
12 years offering treatment
I am licensed in New Jersey with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Sharon Smith-Kemper
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
16 years offering treatment
I am licensed in New Jersey with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Louise Abitbol
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
18 years offering treatment
I am licensed in New York with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the narrator of your story and that your body, mind and soul have the ability to shift, change and heal trauma. Our work together will help you learn how to use your body and mind's energy system to better manage your life. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy does take courage. I am here to guide you towards a direction of clarity and hope as we start this process together.
Rebecca Butz
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
12 years offering treatment
Hi! I'm so glad you're here. I am a New Jersey licensed clinician with 12 years of professional experience. I enjoy connecting with people from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences. My interpersonal style can be described as warm, nonjudgmental, unconditionally accepting, and encouraging. If you are seeking help managing stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, the effects of trauma and abuse, motivation, or self confidence, I am here to help.
Find a therapist serving clients in New Jersey
What types of therapists are available to clients in Hackensack?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Hackensack that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Hackensack available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Hackensack therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Hackensack therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Hackensack region and in the state of New Jersey.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Hackensack can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Hackensack may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Hackensack offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.
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