Maria Abada
Welcome! My name is Maria and I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of New Jersey. I have over 16 years experience working in the mental health field. I have worked in a variety of settings including residential, partial care, outpatient, in-home, and addictions. Although that seems like a mouthful, it simply means that I have had experience working with a broad range and severity of clinical issues. I have the most experience working with anxiety, family/relationship conflicts, life transitions, and complex trauma/abuse. In the last 5 years I have also worked with individuals with perinatal mental health issues. My dedication to the field of mental health stems from my personal experience with it. I grew up with close loved ones living with mental illness and I have personally overcome some mental health challenges, too. I know firsthand that getting help can be a challenge. There is still so much stigma around having mental health issues, the process for getting help can be overwhelming, and it can feel so frustrating and lonely. However, I also know from experience how much life can change for the better when you find support and take steps towards taking care of yourself! I use a person-centered, holistic, multicultural, and integrative approach in treatment. This means I begin where you are and tailor the treatment approach to your needs while being sensitive to how your individual cultural identities and lifestyle choices impact your experience. I use evidence based techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused counseling. I also incorporate trauma-informed care into my work with clients. However, I do incorporate more "classical" approaches to counseling as well. I would describe my style as warm and supportive, and I am ready to help you tackle your struggle head-on. Collaboration is important - together we can work on establishing concrete goals and steps for you to help overcome your current problems. If you are looking for quick fixes, I am not the best counselor to work with. I believe in taking time and working on wellness slowly, holistically, and consistently. Just as physical health takes time and consistency, so does mental health. I look forward to helping you in any way I can! Please be advised I am currently available to provide services only to female clients. Thank you again for taking time in learning more about me.
Karen Coupe
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in New Jersey. I have been working in the counseling field for over ten years. I have worked in many different types of settings over the years including inpatient, outpatient and private practice. I have worked with both adults and adolescents. I have worked with many types of issues including depression, anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders, developing life skills, conflicts resolution, including conflict resolution with parents and trauma resolution issues. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe rapport and trust are at the heart of a good counseling relationship, as everyone should be treated with respect and that the counseling environment should foster growth individually, in addition to helping to resolve what brought you into counseling initially. It takes courage and strength to contact someone for counseling to help you make changes in your life, no matter how big or small those changes may seem to you or to those in your life. I hope to see you soon!
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.
Laura Bodrog
I am a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) with an Anxiety Treatment Professional with Children and Adolescents Certification and a Certified School Social Worker. I am currently a School Social Worker working in a High School. I have about 20 years of experience working with youth in settings ranging from youth residential facilities, hospitals, and both alternative and public school settings. I also hold an Educational Supervisor Certification. I would like to note that at this time, I am only seeing clients via Chat Therapy. I take the time to really get to know my clients so that a treatment plan that works for them can be utilized. My approach is warm and caring and I think it is extremely important to actually take the time to get to know who I am working with. I enjoy getting to know my clients so that they can feel comfortable participating in therapy. I believe the most important thing in a therapeutic relationship is to build that relationship and trust and to remember to have a conversation with your client; to treat them with respect and compassion. Making them feel validated for their feelings and that there is someone that is ready and willing to listen, is something that I feel is one of my strengths. I am here and willing to support you in your courageous step towards a more positive future.
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.
Lisa Leong
My approach is supportive and practical, focused on making real, steady progress in ways that feel sustainable. I work with individuals navigating a range of concerns, including anxiety, workplace stress, social anxiety, low self-esteem, communication challenges, conflict avoidance, perfectionism, people pleasing, relationship dynamics, identity questions, grief, and life changes. My goal is to help you feel more connected to yourself and more grounded in the life you want to create. Together, we’ll find tools that work for you so you can meet future challenges with more clarity and confidence. People are complex, and each person brings their own history, strengths, and struggles. I meet you where you are, stay steady through the hard parts, and keep the work collaborative and respectful.
Paula Alexander
I am licensed in New Jersey with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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.
Dr. Sugandika Subawickrama
I am licensed in New York, New Jersey, and Arizona,Oregon , Nevada and Virginia with 20+ years of professional work experience in national and international settings. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, trauma, relationship challenges & coping 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Winifred ODriscoll
I am licensed in New Jersey with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management, bipolar disorder & 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! Therapy can be an exciting experience. You have an opportunity to go back to zero and rebuild your life on your own terms. Developing the incite needed to make the changes you want as well as the needed coping skills. Learning that you can be happy on purpose and that you are not limited by the past.
Maria Poston
I am licensed in New Jersey with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I integrate various approaches to therapy including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral therapy (including DBT and ACT), mindfulness, solution-focused, and skills-based approaches. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Penelope Prosperi
I am licensed in New Jersey with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, & 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!
Beth Stewart
I am a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a passion for helping individuals and couples navigate life's challenges and achieve emotional wellness. With 34 years of experience in the field of social work and counseling, I bring a compassionate and empathetic approach to therapy, focusing on creating a safe and supportive environment for healing and growth. Online therapy offers a flexible and accessible approach to mental health care, allowing us to connect virtually. My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and strengths-based perspectives. I tailor each session to meet the unique needs and goals of my patients, fostering a safe and supportive environment where healing and growth can occur. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with diverse populations in various settings, including community mental health centers, crisis agencies, and hospitals. My experience spans individual therapy, group therapy, and couples counseling. I have successfully helped clients address issues related to anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, and life transitions. I am dedicated to continuing education and staying updated on the latest research and therapeutic techniques to ensure the highest standard of care for my clients. My goal is to create a therapeutic alliance built on trust, respect, and empathy, guiding you towards a more fulfilling and balanced life. I invite you to take the next step towards improving your mental health by scheduling a confidential online therapy session with me. Let’s embark on this therapeutic journey together.
Kimberlee McCollough
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 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.
Lorraine Santos-Anaya
I am licensed in New Jersey with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Find a Therapist Near You in Chester , New Jersey
Finding a licensed therapist near you in New Jersey can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
New Jersey is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in New Jersey, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in New Jersey (NJ). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across New Jersey, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across New Jersey with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in New Jersey
When searching for a therapist near me in New Jersey, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across New Jersey, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across New Jersey.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in New Jersey want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in New Jersey
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in New Jersey without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in New Jersey (NJ)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in New Jersey
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across New Jersey, including residents in Chester.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in New Jersey do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.