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.
Dr. Stella Diai
Welcome! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of New Jersey. I have a doctorate degree in Psychology and Behavioral Health with a specialization in Education and Counseling Psychology. The primary focus of my practice is to help my clients to reach their potentials. I have been privileged to work in the helping profession for the past fifteen years. I believe that the entire process begins by identifying those stumbling blocks in the lives of the individuals that prevented them from achieving their desired goals. I maintain a high level of openness with my clients having realized over the year that what matters most in therapy is the client /therapist relationship. I truly believe that it is the relationship that heals. My practice incorporates the client-centered, non-directive approach, the cognitive behavior approach and the eclectic approach. This is important to me because every individual is unique and should be treated as an individual by entering into each clients own world. The use of compassion, empathy and unconditional positive regard are the core elements of treatment in my practice. I specialize in psychotherapy with individuals of all ages with various mental health diagnoses and behavioral issues. I have extensive experience working with families and children and I also have a great interest in community development. Additionally, I run Anger management courses, Parenting courses and Coping skills courses for interested individuals and also for those who are mandated by the legal system to do so. I look forward to working with you.
Aura Seidler
I have more than 20 years treating trauma, early childhood issues, and relationship problems. I graduated with honors from New York University in Master of Social Work with concentration in Clinical Social Work. I am what they call "a seasoned therapist", with many years of experience providing psychotherapy while keeping up my knowledge and training in the latest evidenced based techniques and theories. I have an excellent success record and I hope you give the opportunity to work together in finding your path to peace, tranquility and success. I have assisted adolescents to find their way to succeed in school, socially and in the relationships with adults during the past 20 plus years of my professional life. A great part of my work with adolescents ( and adults) has been in trauma, loss and separation issues too. Trauma significantly hampers the chances of success and happiness at personal, emotional, and economic levels. Trauma has been linked to serious mental and physical illnesses making its treatment a priority.
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.
Anne Boyd Hinton
Hi, if you are reading this ,it means you are seeking assistance in taking better control of your life to feel good about yourself and develop the skills necessary to solve what you view as problems. Today, many people are now seeking and receiving help to better control their lives. So, you are not alone. My goal will be to help you focus on the things that you see as impediments to your progress with expectation of assisting you in reordering your thoughts, and how and why your current thought process has led to where you feel you are emotionally today. I believe this approach can aid you in learning new ways to handle feelings and new ways of viewing the world around you. In other words, place a focus on your understanding affective stance and assist you in acquiring additional skills that possess the potential to help you be happy, healthy and have a good life. I formerly worked for twenty years at Rutgers University as a therapist serving clients who were working on successfully reintegrating into society. As such I had regular on-going collaborative relationships with State and Federal Authorities. I am a New Jersey based Licensed Based Counselor (LPC) with 26 years’ experience as a Mental Health Therapist. While I started at Better Help in 2021, I had to limit my involvement until 2025. My experience includes behavioral health centers, correctional institutions, schools, and in-home situations. My therapeutic approach focuses on assisting clients through focusing on evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Counseling.
Dr. Gagan Luthra
Hello, I am Dr. Gagan Luthra (Ph.D), licensed professional counselor (LPC), Certified Social Worker (CSW) and Board Certified in Addictions (CCS). I am trained in psychiatry and addictions with over 35+ years of experience in this field. I have worked at the largest hospital in NJ as the head of psychiatry, addictions, and practice evidence approach when addressing mental health issues. I am a trained in Trauma -Informed Care in Behavioural Health services and cover several aspects of therapeutic issues that you had suffered during this Pandemic environment . I will encourage all of you who are facing extreme stressors to contact me and prevent rise in use of addictions and other serious mental health issues that may impact your lives . LGBT Affirmative Therapy is effective way of treating the issues of this community. I want LGBTQ clients to know that I support them and their families and have treated couple issues related to their own relationships as well their children school concerns successfully . PTSD Diagnosis is very common with our Veterans and their challenging mental health issues are well recognized by me . Addiction is one of my strong skills and i have helped many clients . Those clients who are struggling with ADDICTIONS , I will be able to introduce them to alternative successful M.A.T approach / Recovery Models etc. I also use Brief therapy models for 8-12 sessions for Sexual abuse, Grief, Anger management , Stress , Social media :Depression & Anxiety etc. Very knowledgeable about Teenage issues and ran several programs at the request of school systems related to Addictiona as well LGBTQ concerns. . My goal is to give you the understanding of different perspectives to your issues to make you feel empowered when you leave the session with new options . I provide the clients the model of therapy like Texting chat , phone call and video chats which is comfortable for them .
Henry Meyerson
I earned my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston with a specialty in clinical psychology and a subspecialty in the psychosocial aspects of physical disorders. I began my clinical private practice after having acquired a firm foundation from my internship at the University of Chicago Hospitals and Clinics. In addition to my 20 years in private practice i was also consultant to various psychotherapy clinics and long term physical rehabilitation facilities. While my private practice was general (parent (child issues, marital discord, separation and aging), I also maintained a focus on the psychological effects of chronic autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, as well as other chronic disorders. I feel that a cognitive behavioral therapy approach , within a framework of client-centered and emotionally supportive interactions, is the most conducive to helping my clients to deal with their life's conflicts and hurdles.
Kristina Banks
I am licensed in New Jersey with 33 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Edward MacNish
I am licensed in New Jersey with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Natalie Menendez
I am licensed in New Jersey with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.
Jodi Feldman
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey with over 12 years of experience supporting adults through anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, self-esteem issues, and life transitions. Many of the people I work with are high-functioning on the outside but feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected internally. My approach is warm, collaborative, and straightforward. I focus on helping clients understand patterns, build emotional regulation skills, and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. Therapy is a supportive space where you can be honest, reflect, and work toward meaningful, lasting change. Reaching out for help takes courage. Whether you’re navigating stress, self-doubt, or wanting to break long-standing cycles, I’m here to support you as you move toward greater clarity, confidence, and balance.
Dr. John Hudome
I am licensed in New Jersey with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, bipolar disorder, & depression. 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.
Jessica Hammond
As a licensed therapist in New Jersey, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on helping clients develop deeper self-understanding and resilience, with particular expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, stress management, and LGBTQ+ experiences. The focus of my practice is teenage and adolescent clients. I am deeply committed to creating an affirming, compassionate therapeutic environment where individuals can explore their authentic selves. My work focuses on empowering clients to cultivate self-love, navigate sexuality, and heal from family dynamics and interpersonal challenges. Drawing from over a decade of clinical experience, I offer evidence-based strategies tailored to each person's unique journey. I approach therapy as a collaborative process, honoring each client's individual strengths and supporting their path toward emotional wellness and personal growth. My practice is rooted in understanding, respect, and genuine care. I welcome individuals from all backgrounds who are seeking meaningful support and transformation in their lives.
Dr. Michele Forte-Perry
As a licensed therapist with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional journey has been dedicated to helping clients address challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem issues. I understand that each person's path to healing is unique, and I approach therapy with deep compassion and personalized care. My therapeutic approach is rooted in creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. I draw from evidence-based practices to help individuals build resilience, understand their emotional patterns, and cultivate stronger, healthier relationships with themselves and others. Whether you're struggling with stress, processing past experiences, or seeking to enhance your overall emotional well-being, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy, expertise, and genuine care. Together, we can work towards understanding your strengths and creating positive, sustainable changes in your life.
Find a Therapist Near You in Ridgefield , 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.
With a population of New Jersey_POPULATION, 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_COUNTIES, 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 New Jersey_COUNTIES.
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.