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Kelley Ryan

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NJ, Surf City
Counselor License Type(s): MSW LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
17 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey family with 10+ years of experience providing formal and informal therapy in a variety of settings and ares of concern. I have provided services in private homes, traditional office settings, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and other program settings. I have worked with people with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, compassion fatigue, motivation, and self esteem. I also have experience working with people with disabilities and TBI. I strive to meet people where they are, and believe that all people deserve to be treated with kindness, dignity and respect. My approach is person centered, and combines cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic and solution focused therapy principles. All treatment plans are tailored to meet your individual and specific needs. First steps are often the hardest, but with courage and determination, all things are possible. When you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Meghan Quinlan-Ilich

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NJ, Surf City
Counselor License Type(s): LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I believe in a person’s ability to develop and grow, become autonomous and authentic. I utilize different techniques and approaches to meet my clients’ need in order to help them find success in therapy. Specifically, I utilize a combination of Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Family Dynamics and Person Centered Therapy to create a treatment outline that will best fit my clients’ needs. I have experience working with individuals, couples and families on issues related to addiction, infidelity and trust, self esteem, depression, anxiety, life changes, divorce, identifying goals, grief and loss as well as caregiver stress and elder adult issues and transitions. I graduated from Centenary University in Hackettstown, NJ with a Master’s of Arts in Clinical Counseling. I also received a Master’s of Science in Addictions Counseling from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. Through my internships and post graduate work I have been involved with traditional outpatient care as well as higher levels of care such as Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization. My approach is warm and interactive, I believe in asking thoughtful questions that cause clients to think and look deeper. I also inquire about my clients’ beliefs and background to get a better picture of who they are and what shaped them. It also allows me to be sensitive and respectful of cultural needs and differences. I respond to messages Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am-5pm. On the weekends I do not respond to messages or hold sessions. Sessions are booked with me once we have agreed to work together. I do not have an open schedule.

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Michael Michnya

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NJ, Surf City
Counselor License Type(s): MEd,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issues
39 years of experience

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.

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Miriam Pappas-Nemez

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NJ, Surf City
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
6 years of experience

Miriam Nemez M.S, LPC, NCC. Miriam completed her master's degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Holy Family University in Pennsylvania. She has 6 years of clinical experience in various settings, including hospices, outpatient clinics, acute partial hospitalization, crisis intervention, counseling for undocumented immigrants, as well as to obtain community supports and advocate for this population. Miriam has experience in assessments, diagnoses and, if necessary, medication recommendations. She describes her counseling style as warm and inviting. She has received certificates in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). His clinical experience includes working with individuals and groups in the following areas: Depression Anxiety disorders Bipolar disorder both 1 and 2 Complicated grief Trauma and abuse Group Psychotherapy Conflict of couples Suicide assessment and risk reduction Alcoholism and Addiction using Harm Reduction Model Miriam's therapeutic application emphasizes a good client/therapist fit to achieve mutual development of desired goals and outcomes. Miriam is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Centered Therapy, Crisis Intervention, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). She is particularly concerned about grief and loss interventions to support recovery from trauma.

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Savannah Harness

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NJ, Surf City
Counselor License Type(s): LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
7 years of experience

Hello- I have been a licensed LPC counselor in Missouri for the past five years and was recently licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, District of Columbia, Maine, and Virginia. Working with individuals, families, and couples has provided me with the ability to assist individuals throughout many aspects of their lives. I have had training in DBT, CBT, EMD-R and continue to grow my therapeutic knowledge through self-training and through clinical training. I have had the pleasure of working in many different fields throughout my life time and feel this has provided me with the ability to look at situations from a variety of different perspectives. I firmly believe that when a person makes the choice to make changes in their life then they are on the path to becoming who they want to be. I look forward to hearing from you and assisting you with determining who you want to be. Thank you, Savannah Harness, LPC

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Jacqueline Hendrickson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NJ, Surf City
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
33 years of experience

I am licensed in New Jersey with 32 years of professional work experience. I earned a masters degree in clinical social work in 1985 and have been in continuous practice since then. My specialty is family therapy. And I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Jane Bohn

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NJ, Surf City
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in New Jersey with 8 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. 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.

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Dr. Mary Farag

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NJ, Surf City
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in New Jersey with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Tina Losi Petersen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NJ, Surf City
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in New Jersey with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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.

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Hillery Ferdinand

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NJ, Surf City
Counselor License Type(s): LPC,BC-TMH,NCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

Hello my name is Hillery Ferdinand. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Board Certified TMH clinician who enjoys working with individuals and families to develop healthy skills to cope with a variety of issues and life stressors. My style is warm, accepting and interactive. Some of my specialties include anxiety/depression, PTSD, military veterans and families. I use an eclectic array of therapeutic skills including CBT and Trauma Focused CBT. My goal is to help you embrace and own your strengths as well as safely navigate through challenges. I believe in the power of a healthy therapeutic relationship. I look forward to being your therapist and walking with you on this journey.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Surf City

Finding the best therapist close by in Surf City 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 Surf City 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 Surf City. 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 Surf City, 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 Surf City 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 Surf City 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 Surf City 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 Surf City 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 Surf City, elsewhere in Ocean, 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 Surf City 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 Surf City 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 Surf City 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 Surf City 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 Surf City online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Surf City, 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 Surf City 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 Surf City 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 Surf City 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 Surf City?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Surf City 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 Surf City 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 Surf City 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 08008 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 Surf City counselor?

Before seeing your Surf City 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. Surf City 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 Surf City 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 Surf City 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 Surf City, 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.

Surf City 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 Surf City, New Jersey

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of Surf City 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:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Surf City.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Surf City:

08008

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