Lizhen Yan
As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I am dedicated to the supporting the well-being of my clients from a Christian perspective, though I welcome all who seek counseling, regardless of religious background. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or parenting/marital troubles, I provide a safe place for you to come individually, as a family, or as a couple. While traditional therapy focuses more on the individual, MFT examines how an individual’s behavior affects both the individual and their relationship as part of a couple or family. The theory behind MFT is that regardless of whether a problem appears to be within an individual or within a family, getting other family members involved in the therapeutic process will result in more effective solutions. MFT is goal-oriented and works toward an established end result. In recent years, MFT practitioners and groups have called for expanded approaches to traditional MFT training that incorporate more “real world” practices to integrate other therapies and become more inclusive of non-heterosexual couples and families. I would address the behaviors of all family members and the way these behaviors affect not only individual family members, but also relationships between family members and the family unit as a whole. As such, treatment is usually divided between time spent on individual therapy and time spent on couple therapy, family therapy, or both, if necessary.
Michelle DeFino
Welcome to BetterHelp, if you are reaching out for help it shows your are interested in recovering your life and starting to work toward solutions to challenges. My name is Michelle Defino, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 12 years experience. I graduated from Binghamton University in 2008 and have worked primarily worked with substance abuse/co-occurring clients. I have worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, bi-polar and other more severe mental illness. I have worked with a Federal Re-entry Substance Abuse Program for the last 3 years. I use many forms of therapy to meet the needs of my clients including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution focused. I use these modalities to help to change thinking and behaviors that lead to many of the issues in daily life. Another modality I use is mindfulness to increase focus and concentration. I realize how difficult it can be to ask for assistance and how important it is for you and I am looking forward to working with you and helping you to gain the life you are hoping for. I will consider different ways to work with you, however prefer video, since we will be able to see and get to know each other easier. I am looking forward to meeting and working with you.
Joan Holmes
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of New Jersey. I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree, cum laude, in Community Health Science and a Master’s Degree in Applied Clinical and Counseling Psychology from William Paterson University. My twenty four years of experience in the counseling field include working with family members within their home settings to help strengthen their bonds as well as develop their individual support systems. I’ve worked with children on the autism spectrum and their families In addition to my clinical training and working with families experiencing grief and bereavement, I have been employed by nonprofit social service organizations and have experience counseling teens in their homes and in group home settings. I’ve assisted clients experiencing ADHD, anxiety, serious depression and suicidal behavior and severe family and interpersonal dysfunction. I have assisted clients and families with the loss of a close friend or family member My counseling style is chiefly client-centered, remaining open to my client’s specific needs and concerns with an emphasis on utilizing my very patient listening skills. Treating my clients with respect is always my priority. Maintaining a good rapport and helping my clients feel comfortable discussing their most personal feelings are also very important components of my therapeutic approach. I am empathetic and non judge-mental in my approach to problem solving. Seeking help is not an easy undertaking and my goal is to open the door to improving mental health and healing. I look forward to working with my clients in an effort to assist them toward leading more satisfying and productive lives.
Chante Kubs
If you or someone you know is having a hard time with relationships, managing emotions, overcoming stress and turmoil, or if the past continues to trouble your present, talking with a therapist may help. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with individuals and families, I can assist in supporting you through your challenges while helping you develop tools and strategies to make a difference in your life. You deserve a better healthy life. Let’s become partners in your wellness, let’s navigate together the coping skills that will allow you to move forward and pursue your goals to get more out of life. Let me share a little bit about my experience with you...I received my Masters Degree in Social Work from Yeshiva University of New York in 2001. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey, New Hampshire and Vermont. Worked in a school district for more than 20 years in a unique position where I assisted families and staff to bridge that gap between home and school, offered informative educational workshops, parenting training, advocacy, and was part of an intervention team to support student and parent success. On a part-time basis for more than 15 years I have been working with couples, individuals, children and their families to address particular needs, improve their relationship and communication. I have also provided clinical supervision to experienced and new therapists for 3 years. I have been a guest speaker a few times for a graduate course at William Paterson University for teachers where I have discussed the importance of family engagement and partnering with students’ parents/guardians. I had training of more than 50 hours to be a crisis response team member to go out on a domestic violence crisis call in partnership with the local police and provided emotional support, education, and community resources to the victim. Languages I’m fluent in: English and Spanish.
Kim Erin OConnor
I am an LPC in New Jersey with 30+ years of experience. I worked at East Orange General Hospital from June 1985 - June 2014. I started as a Mobile Crisis Counselor - this means I went into the community to bring patients back to the hospital who were experience a true psychiatric crisis and evaluate the patient for psychiatric commitment. I transfer to there Outpatient Department and treated an array of patients from depression to the persistently mentally ill. While in Outpatient I helped develop and run the MICA (Mentally Ill Chemical Abuser) Program with a counselor from our addiction services. In 1995 I wrote polices and procedures for our first Partial Hospital Program and became the manager of the program. I then went on to help develop the Child and Adolescent Program. At this time I also handled the quality assurance for behavioral health and all the hospitals surveys for behavioral health. I then became Director of Behavioral Health - Inpatient, Crisis, Addiction Services, Partial Hospital Program, and Outpatient. I believe that in guiding the client through what they believe is their issues I can help them find healing so they can be there best possible selves.
Michael Michnya
I specialize in building relationships and personal growth: I help parents get more cooperation and compliance from their children with less energy so that the can enjoy each other; I help couples beat the odds to stay happily married; I help all kinds of creative people overcome barriers and roadblocks to fully express their artistic vision; and I help diverse individuals and families adjust to the inevitable and often difficult transitions we all face in life. My most successful clients believe that positive change is possible, are hopeful about the future and are ready for change. They understand that true and lasting change comes from within and requires patience and persistence. They value our time together and trust our relationship enough to do the work (even when it gets hard) both in and between sessions. As long as you appreciate creativity, risk-taking and open, honest communication, attend sessions on time, do assigned homework and are willing to honestly describe what is and isn't working, then I want to work with and help you. I am dedicated to helping everyone I work with access and use their creativity to find and add the resources they need to the strengths that they have so that they can achieve their therapeutic goals as quickly as possible. When you're ready for success, then I would be honored to help you find the solutions that work and make the changes that last so that you can live your very own ‘happily ever after’! I began working with and helping people in 1980 as a preschool teacher. In 1981, while volunteering for the Child Abuse Prevention Effort, I found my second calling. From 1982 to 1986, I worked as a counselor at The Bridge (aka, The Therapeutic Center at Fox Chase), a long-term rehab for teenage substance abusers. After obtaining my master's degree in counseling psychology, I served as the primary counselor and coordinator for Cape Counseling Services Family-Adolescent Alcohol Program providing individual, group and family counseling to children, teenagers and families from 1986-1990. As a program manager at Family Service Association between 1990 and 2014, I trained and supervised over 30 in-home counselors working with families in which children were at risk of out-of-home placement (usually due to abusive or neglectful parenting, but often due to teenage non-compliance and acting out behavior), a less intensive in-home parenting education program as well as three juvenile diversion programs. Since then, while building my private practice, I have provided individual, group and family counseling at a short-term rehab for adults with addictive disease, at a for-profit community agency, and in a federally qualified health center. In my various roles as teacher, counselor, coach, program manager and clinical supervisor, I have helped thousands of people change their lives for the better. My vision is of a world full of kind, loving, compassionate people who live and work peacefully together to provide abundance for all. My purpose is to help people learn, grow and make new and better choices to improve their lives and their relationships so that they live as long, healthy, happy, loving, connected and meaningful lives as possible. My mission is to use my "signature strengths" of creativity, optimism and knowledge, and research-tested methods, to encourage and foster the personal, relational and spiritual growth and change needed to make those changes possible.
Shayna Pannuzzo
I am licensed in New Jersey with 4 years of professional work experience. I have an extensive background in working with those that are neurodivergent or have been DD/IDD diagnosed. As well as helping clients with managing stress, anxiety, and depression. 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.
Helen Castiglione
I am licensed in New Jersey with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Tara Walters
I am licensed in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Arizona with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! However, I am presently only working with clients who are suffering with PTSD and are looking for an evidenced-based psychotherapy to help them heal.
Patxi Martinez
I am licensed in New Jersey and Texas with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with anger management. 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Lake Como
Finding the best therapist close by in Lake Como can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists in Lake Como that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Lake Como. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Lake Como, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Lake Como region and in the state of New Jersey. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Lake Como or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Lake Como therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.
There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Lake Como area offering:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Lake Como, elsewhere in Monmouth, or in the greater state of New Jersey. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Lake Como area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Lake Como therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Lake Como due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:
- Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- Counseling with therapists: $100-300
- Therapy with a psychologist: $100
While many psychologists in Lake Como may not take health insurance, some in the state of New Jersey may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of New Jersey you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
How is a licensed therapist on this Lake Como online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Lake Como, New Jersey working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Lake Como psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Lake Como above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.
Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.
Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
- Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
- EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
- Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
- Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
- Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
- Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
- Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
- Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
- Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
- Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
- Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
- Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
- Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
- Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
- Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
- Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
- Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
- Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
- OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
- ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
- Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Lake Como provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Lake Como?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Lake Como therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of Lake Como therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.
Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Lake Como therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in NJ, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 07719 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Lake Como counselor?
Before seeing your Lake Como therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Lake Como therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.
Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine?
Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Lake Como licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a Lake Como counselor can be dependent on your process.
People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.
Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Lake Como, New Jersey can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.
Lake Como has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.
Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?
The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.
Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for Lake Como, New Jersey
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of Lake Como therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.
If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Lake Como:
07719