Mountainside has been ranked as one of the best places to live in the state due to its peaceful nature and close-knit community. You may feel as though living in such a place requires you to have a good life. However, even in the best of living situations problems do arise and can do so in any part of your life.
If you are facing problems in your life that are due to life events, situations, thoughts, and feelings, or simply stress, there is help available to you. Mountainside-area counselors can help you find your way through the quagmire and to a better life. Contact a confidential therapist today.
Bonita Hutchinson
Hello, my name is Bonita Hutchison. I am a Nationally Certified Trauma Therapist and hold dual licensure in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counseling in North Carolina / International Certification in Alcohol and Addiction Counseling / New Jersey Professional Mental Health Counselor Licensure and my License in California for Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counseling . Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio is where I earned my Masters Degree in Agency and Community Counseling in 1998. Over the years, I have learned that many people who come in for depression or anger sometimes have drinking, eating or substance use issues they are also struggling with or have used to cover up their pain. Each year to better serve you and provide the help needed to live and feel better I have continued to master additional skills to support your needs and recovery. These methods and approaches to counseling include Mindfulness, Couples Counseling, Psychodynamic therapy, Motivational Interviewing and how to improve Sleep Habits. My career as a Professional Counselor started with caring for children and teaching them to make better choices. I learned how I could help Parents and their children address challenges and barriers to success in facilitation of groups, individual and family therapy. After attending the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and earning Post Graduate Certification as a Drug Counselor in 2010, then my North Carolina License Professional Counselor (LCMHC #7953) credential and in 2020 due to the pandemic New Jersey Temporary Licensure (LPC # 010006) to provide mental health Counseling and Alcohol and Addiction treatment ( LADC # 014783) I applied recently to the California Board for Behavioral Health Licensure and Continue to hold International and National credentials to support you where ever you find yourself. In September of 2022, after over two years of temp licensure in New Jersey the Board of Marriage and Family Therapy issued my Permanent NJ license as a Professional Mental Health Counselor. I’m a good listener and educator that provides a warm and person centered approach to counseling that allows others to feel safe and supported in therapy. I work with consumers from all over the world and hold the IC&RC International Certification (ICAADC) to provide therapy and coping skills to better manage life situations as a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. My work through mental health Counseling and as a Clinical Supervisor (LCMHC-S #S7953) in North Carolina is very rewarding and teaches me how to reduce your anxiety, manage depression symptoms, cope with ADHD, move past Guilt and Shame, process Grief and Relationship/Family issues. My Substance Abuse licensure in North Carolina (LCAS #2313) and California (LAADC #RA8620417) as well as Mental Health Professional Counselor in New Jersey (#37PC00850200) has allowed me to help people struggling with abuse, problems and explore the questions you have about relationships, eating disorders or emotions. Alcoholism, Mental Health and Drug Addiction do not discriminate and working in this field has allowed me to support and assist many people and families from a variety of cultural and spiritual backgrounds, races and relationship situations that were keeping them from reducing mental health symptoms, maintaining recovery or sobriety. I might be able help and I look forward to working with you!
Barry Wasser
Barry earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Yeshiva University, his Master of Social Work (MSW) from Touro College's Graduate School of Social Work, and specializes in the treatment of individuals with histories of anxiety, depression, trauma, and severe and persistent mental illness. He has over 7 years of experience working with adults, the elderly, and their families. He utilizes various therapeutic techniques and methods during his sessions in order to meet his clients' needs and establish a trusting and comfortable relationship. In turn, Barry aims to provide clients with a safe environment in which they feel comfortable expressing themselves and exploring obstacles that hinder quality of life, all while working towards the achievement of their short and long term goals. He has worked with adults of various ages across different settings including a mental health homeless shelter and a transitional residence for adults with mental illness. He also has experience facilitating group therapy sessions and mental health case management, both of which have proven to be beneficial to both clients and their families. Barry's experience has helped him focus on taking into account all factors that influence the well-being of his clients. Barry values supportive therapeutic partnerships, assertiveness, and open-mindedness; these form the foundation of his therapeutic style. Each therapy session or family meeting is viewed as a new opportunity to find ways to achieve and promote sustained personal growth.
Jaime Grunfeld
Life's hardships sometimes deplete our emotions. Loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, and confusion consume our inner resources, and we might need help from a "neutral" person to detect what's going on and help us restore our inner peace, so we should be capable of having passion and delight in work, relationships and feel good about ourselves. I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the States of New York and New Jersey and a trained Psychoanalyst. In psychoanalytic therapy, you'll gain mastery over your emotional world and feel empowered to deal with life's circumstances.
Kimberly Puleo
I am a NJ licensed professional counselor (LPC) and NJ school counselor who has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a wide range of social and emotional difficulties. I completed my BA at William Paterson University in psychology with a minor in sociology. I went to graduate school at Montclair State University where I obtained her MA in school counseling. I graduated as a Chi Sigma Iota National Counseling Honor Society member. Subsequently, I became a certified NJ school counselor, National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I have worked in several school districts in NJ as a district wide school counselor, anti-bullying specialist, and social worker on a Child Study team creating Individualized Education Plans (IEP’s). I served on 504 committees, Intervention and Referral Services committee (I&RS), created behavior improvement plans, social evaluations, and is familiar with standardized testing. I have attended trainings on the NJ anti-bullying law, suicide prevention and risk assessment, cyber-bullying, crisis prevention and Division of Youth and Family Services (now DCP&P), relational aggression particularly among girls, mindfulness, among many other character building educational topics. I supervised a school psychologist and a school social work intern. I worked collaboratively as a team with Early Intervention, Perform Care-crisis assessment, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, food therapists, nutritionists, ABA trained behaviorists, among other related specialists and referring community resources. I can help with transition issues including college preparation and job coaching. In addition, I have multiple years of experience working for a psychiatrist specializing in addictions as well. My specialties include social skills groups, children with developmental disabilities, changing families/divorce, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, anger management, ADHD, adjustment disorders, grief and loss, academic difficulties, adoption issues, relationship issues, sibling issues, parenting issues, low self esteem, improving your confidence and self worth, addictions, personality disorders, increasing coping skills, among many other life stressors and difficulties. I am a married, mother of two young school aged children. I approach things as a solution focused therapist and use a variety of cognitive behavioral strategies, play therapy, and art therapy. Why get therapy? Because your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
Dr. Rochelle Dorney
I am licensed in Florida with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Elizabeth Anne Perry
Elizabeth Anne Perry, MA, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist practicing in five states, with over a decade of professional experience. Elizabeth is known for her direct, practical approach and her diverse range of therapeutic interventions, all designed to help clients achieve meaningful progress and improve their daily well-being. She has extensive experience treating individuals across the full DSM spectrum and is a recognized expert in codependency, supporting those affected by the addiction or mental illness of a loved one, colleague, or friend. Elizabeth deeply understands how codependency can influence childhood experiences, professional lives, and personal growth. By empowering individuals to recognize self-imposed barriers, unhelpful beliefs, and toxic thought patterns, Elizabeth guides adults in unraveling the challenges that hinder their health and happiness. Her ultimate goal is to inspire clients not just to "feel better," but to truly thrive.
Dina Kick
I am licensed in New Jersey with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Elizabeth Miller
I am licensed in New Jersey with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, family conflicts, & 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. 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.
Lydia Christian
I am licensed in Delaware and New Jersey with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, infertility, coping with grief, & coping with loss. I also have experience working with parenting 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.
Rudyard Maza
I am licensed in New Jersey and New York with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with despression. 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.
Shirley Panjabi
I am licensed in New Jersey with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & despression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.
Sharaya Wallace-Collins
As a licensed therapist serving New Jersey and Delaware, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life transitions, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. My approach centers on understanding each client's unique experiences, with a deep commitment to culturally responsive and empathetic care. I have extensive expertise in addressing relationship challenges, grief, self-esteem concerns, and career difficulties. My practice focuses on helping clients develop meaningful strategies for managing mood disorders, communication barriers, attachment issues, and multicultural experiences. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a compassionate and affirming therapeutic environment where clients can explore their challenges, build resilience, and cultivate personal transformation. My background as a therapist of color allows me to bring nuanced understanding and authentic connection to our work together. I believe in honoring each individual's journey, recognizing that healing is a collaborative process rooted in mutual respect, understanding, and genuine human connection.
Michael Shugrue
As a licensed therapist with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients address depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, family dynamics, and self-esteem concerns. I bring a compassionate, evidence-based approach to therapy, creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. My goal is to empower individuals to understand themselves more deeply and build resilience in facing life's challenges. Drawing from years of clinical experience, I work collaboratively with clients to identify their strengths and develop personalized approaches to emotional well-being.
Jacqueline Albertson
As a licensed therapist with over a decade of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients address depression, anxiety, stress, and family dynamics, with a compassionate approach to personal growth and healing. I am deeply committed to supporting individuals through challenging life transitions, particularly those experiencing isolation, struggling with self-worth, or seeking greater life purpose. My therapeutic approach centers on fostering self-love, working through feelings of guilt and shame, and developing meaningful pathways to personal forgiveness and emotional resilience. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their inner experiences, develop effective coping strategies, and cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves. My goal is to empower individuals to reconnect with their inherent strengths and move toward more fulfilling, authentic lives.
Find a Therapist Near You in Mountainside , 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 Mountainside.
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.