
Dr. Nicole Donato
Greetings! My name is Dr. Nicole Donato. However, please feel free to call me Nicole. Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I am a life-long lover of knowledge evident by my two Master degrees and PhD in Psychology. Additionally, I knew as a teenage girl that I wanted to become a therapist. Thus, since 2006 I have been licensed in the state of New Jersey as a Licensed Professional Counselor. My career has taken many twists and turns. I have worked in an inpatient psychiatric hospital as well as provided therapy services on an outpatient basis. Also, I have been employed as a social worker for a foster family agency. Currently I am a college professor. I absolutely love teaching! It is extremely gratifying to see students have a lightbulb moment of understanding occur. When I started college, I never dreamed of a day that technology would offer a conduit upon which effective therapy services could be provided. Thus, I look forward to working collaboratively with clients through the online platform to heal from their emotional disturbances. How therapy works is often times shrouded in mystery. Thus, I would like to demystify the therapy process. From the person-centered therapy perspective, I aim to create a therapeutic alliance with my clients. This means that clients can expect for me to be genuine and empathetic. “Walk a mile in my shoes” is an apt saying that expresses how I work to understand my client’s life experiences. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is another theoretical orientation that I use to assist clients. The premise of CBT entails identifying activating events. These activating events may cause negative feelings when there are negative self-talk messages that a person tells themselves about the events. Thus, I work with clients to help them identify their negative self-talk messages that may be contributing to their emotional disturbances. Additionally, I draw therapeutic techniques from motivational interviewing and the psychodynamic approach. I look forward to working with you! Nicole

John Jacobs
I am licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania with over 40 years of experience working as a psychotherapist, mental health clinician and psychiatric social worker. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, PTSD and maintaining recovery from drug and alcohol dependence. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, problem solving, spiritual and skills development counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Gina Peccia
My name is Gina Peccia, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of New Jersey. With over 15 years of experience, I have developed a sound and well-received reputation of being a very compassionate and effective therapist in my area. I am a graduate of Seton Hall University, and achieved high honors upon completion of my Master's degree in Counseling and my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. After experience in a variety of community mental health settings, I started a private practice in 2011. I treat adolescents and adults with a variety of clinical issues (mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, etc.), as well as supporting and coaching clients through difficult life circumstances. I am a proponent of a 'person-centered' therapy approach, which means I will always meet the client where they are in their journey. It seems that life is so complicated these days, that there is no time for YOU. As a therapist with 15+ years of experience, I am here to help you identify those areas of your life that require change, and set reasonable goals. If you are suffering with clinical symptoms that are affecting your life, I can assist you in working to overcome them. I will always convey a sense of concern and trust essential to any therapeutic relationship. It is my priority to engage you in a calm and welcoming manner, so that you can finally just breathe and relax in order to attain your goals. I believe in the value of mindfulness in our daily lives. I will guide you slowly to focus on the present moment, rather than get stuck in the past or worry about a future that is unknown. This simple concept has a powerful effect on change, allowing a sense of well-being that will positively impact your life.

Veronica Cruz-Martinez
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and New Jersey with over 18 years of experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community, children and adults with trauma history along with those struggling with suicidal ideation and self-harm, parenting issues, anxiety and depression. I have seen firsthand the difference a caring, empathetic, and attentive adult can make in a person’s life and feel honored when that can be me. For the last 8 years I have worked as a "crisis counselor" and clinician, seeing clients on a regular basis as well as supporting those in and through a crisis. I am able to think quick on my feet and can stay calm in high intensity situations. Throughout this time, I have assessed for safety and danger to self and others due to mental illness and have made determinations as to whether or not someone is in need of psychiatric hospitalization and am certified to make the decision that one needs to enter into a hospital for treatment. On the other side, I have also safety planned with many and have been able to connect people to supports that they need whether it be referrals that fit their current situation, assisting in making a plan to keep them safe and connecting the person to someone whom they feel comfortable with should they be in crisis again. I believe in treating the mind, body, and soul and understand as well as acknowledge, the importance of a healthy lifestyle and why it is important to utilize all the tools we have (or have yet to find) because we all have the power within us to heal, sometimes we just need some help getting there. I believe in the importance of coping skills and can help you find them or strengthen the ones you already have. This can include meditation, exercise, utilizing crystals or essential oils to help heal and calm oneself, and will seek outside supports when needed. I am a firm believer in working within my limits as a therapeutic clinician and have no problem offering referrals when necessary. My overall goal is to continue providing the support, offering guidance, and making a difference in the lives of others, using my expertise in trauma informed treatment and having an open mind.

Kristilee (Kristi) Cappaert
Hello and Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Iowa. I have over five years of counseling experience in Illinois and Iowa. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, marital, life balance and job stress. Throughout my clinical career, I have worked with all different populations from children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Deciding to get therapy can be a scary and I commend you on taking the first step and I look forward to working with you. I utilize many different treatment approaches such as Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Reality Based, Person-Centered and Mindfulness. My approach is to empower you to work towards the life you wants. It will be my job to guide you on your journey by helping you to gain insight to your behaviors, belies and automatic thoughts. As we get to know each other, we will figure out what interventions will work best for you. Counseling can make you feel vulnerable and I believe in creating a safe space for every one of my client. I look forward to hearing from you and starting this journey together.

Lauren Grassi
I am licensed in New Jersey with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtqia+-related issues including sexual and gender identity, coping with grief and loss, & intimacy related issues. 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.

Salvatore DiRico
I am licensed in New Jersey with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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!

Judith Schwartz
I am licensed in New Jersey with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Rachel Khan-McCroy
I am licensed in New Jersey and New York. I have 12 years of professional work experience. I have worked with those who have been incarcerated, veterans, HIV/AIDS, substance use issues, palliative/end of life care, PTSD, and the LQBTQ community. I believe that you are the expert of your story. My role as a therapist is to be supportive, collaborative, and help reflect your strengths and help you identify coping skills unique to you, adopting multiple modalities (trauma informed, cbt, harm reduction, narrative, journaling). I have worked with people who have had: PTSD, complex grief, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post partum anxiety and depression, disordered eating and addiction.

Barbara Chopyk
I am licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with depression. 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!
Find a therapist serving clients in New Jersey
Types of therapists available to clients in Merchantville
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 Merchantville that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), 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 Merchantville available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Merchantville 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, Merchantville therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Merchantville region and in the state of New Jersey.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in Merchantville 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 Merchantville may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.