Frances Merz
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey with over 19 years of experience working as a clinical counselor. I believe that when individuals seek counseling it is because they want to make changes in their lives. They may want to improve a life situation, solve a particular problem, make a decision, or achieve a greater understanding of life or personal circumstances. I utilize a variety of counseling techniques from an eclectic collection of theoretical orientation, based on the needs and strengths of the individual client. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including low self-esteem/self-confidence, social anxiety, anxiety, parenting problems, career challenges , and everyday stress that we experience. I enjoy working with college students, as well as individuals trying to work through transitions in their lives. I do not work with marriage counseling, relationship counseling,, or serious mental illness online. I am also interested in working with individuals who are contemplating weight loss surgery or are post weight loss surgery patients and are looking for a counselor experienced in this area. I also like working with clients who need assistance with medical advocacy. This is when a client is having health issues and is not sure how to maneuver the medical field, brainstorm questions to ask medical providers, and to cope with the overall issues of dealing with a medical situation. I have been involved in medical field through personal experience since I was a teenager and have learned some helpful tips along the way that I would like to share with others. Counseling is a joint effort, which can not be successful without your hard work, energy, and courage. I do not use a cookie cutter approach to treatment. Meaning treatment techniques are chosen based on your needs, strengths, and weaknesses. Not every approach works for everyone and I believe in being flexible so that my clients have the opportunity to get the most out of their time in counseling. I look forward to be able to support and empower you in your therapeutic goals. I look forward to working with you! A note on my availability: I want to let you know about my general availability for counseling. I think it is important to let my clients know when I’m available so they can know when to expect a reply to a message. I am available Monday-Thursday. I will usually return messages within 24 hours. I do not have evening appointments on Betterhelp.
Francesco Rizzo
As a licensed therapist in New Jersey, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients address stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, and personal growth. I bring deep expertise in LGBTQ+ experiences, addiction recovery, and supporting individuals through life transitions. My therapeutic approach is compassionate and affirming, with a focus on helping clients develop self-love, improve communication, and overcome barriers like social anxiety, isolation, and personal limitations. I work collaboratively to explore underlying emotional patterns, supporting healing across diverse experiences including workplace stress, relationship dynamics, and personal identity challenges. I am committed to creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their unique journeys, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal transformation. Whether you're struggling with life transitions, interpersonal challenges, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm here to support your path toward emotional wellness.
Julia Montoto Eguino
I am licensed in New Jersey with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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.
Dina Vitorino
I am licensed in New Jersey with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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.
Dimitris Meredith
I am licensed in New Jersey with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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!
Barbara Angstadt
I am licensed in New Jersey with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence and 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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.
Kimberlee VanBurch
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New Jersey with over 12 years of experience working with individuals and families. I will work collaboratively with you to facilitate a process of change and to help you to reach your personal goals. I help individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to develop effective coping skills and resolve core concerns. I believe in a person-centered process and use an eclectic approach based on the individual. My philosophy is that good mental health only occurs within a cultural context. I employ a strength-based culturally sensitive approach that allows me to support you through conflict and change. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Carolyn Appell
I am licensed in New Jersey with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients coping with substance use disorders, as well as relationship issues. 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. 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.
Ebony White
I am licensed in New Jersey with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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. 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.
Taralynn Peak
As a licensed therapist in New Jersey, I bring over a decade of dedicated experience supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My clinical focus centers on helping clients heal from trauma, manage mood disorders, and address challenges related to addiction, stress, and impulsivity. I specialize in working with military veterans, first responders, and individuals experiencing posttraumatic stress. My approach is compassionate and strength-based, designed to empower clients in developing resilient coping strategies and rebuilding emotional well-being. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, understand underlying patterns, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, or working through past traumatic experiences, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional expertise. My therapeutic work is grounded in respect for each individual's unique journey, recognizing that healing is a collaborative and deeply personal process. I'm dedicated to helping you discover your inner strengths and develop tools that support lasting positive change.
Michael Vaillancourt
I have extensive clinical experience providing both individual and group psychotherapy to diverse populations.
Safiya Telesford
As a licensed therapist in New York and New Jersey, I specialize in supporting women of color in navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients address depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and self-esteem concerns with compassionate, culturally responsive care. I am deeply committed to creating a healing space that honors the unique experiences of women of color and individuals seeking understanding and growth. My approach focuses on cultivating self-love, addressing isolation, exploring attachment dynamics, and empowering clients to develop deeper self-understanding. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I work collaboratively with clients to develop personalized strategies that support emotional resilience and meaningful personal transformation. My therapeutic style emphasizes genuine connection, respect, and a strengths-based perspective that recognizes each person's inherent capacity for healing and growth. I understand that seeking therapy takes courage, and I am dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy, expertise, and unwavering support as you navigate your personal journey.
Find a Therapist Near You in Atlantic Highlands , 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 Atlantic Highlands.
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.