Living close to New York city has its ups and downs. The advantage is that you’re a hop, skip, and a jump away from many attractions the city has to offer. The disadvantage is the traffic. Most people who live in South River, however, are used to the ups and downs and find living here enjoyable.
Some people though, struggle with the ups and downs - not just of living in South River, but also the ups and downs of life. If you find yourself having a hard time coping with hard times, and enjoying the good times, you may benefit from talking to a South River-area mental health professional.
Melissa Nadler
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor who uses several therapeutic styles including cognitive/behavioral and reality therapies. My strengths include empathy, compassion, humor, and sensitivity to any issue that is brought to the "couch." My job is to help you help you and in doing so I am along for the ride and journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. I work with a varied clientele covering many different issues and feel that my approach is both inviting and invigorating in terms of allowing clients the opportunity to find a healthy path that was designed especially by them for them. I have experience with many different clientele and therapeutic settings including private practice, community agency, legal system, and college counseling center. I have worked in the prison/court systems, private practice, and college counseling center, and feel that I have the perspective that is necessary and desired for a successful therapeutic relationship. I am involved in the Veterinary Community of Central Florida as a consultant, therapist, and wife of a local veterinarian. I have a Bachelor of Science majoring in psychology. I also have both a Masters and Specialist Degree in Education with a focus in Mental Health Counseling. All three of these degrees are from the University of Florida. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida and New Jersey.
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.
Roberto Diaz
Hello my name is Robb. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida, with over 20 years experience. I have worked with clients with a wide array of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, mid-life crisis, acculturation issues, and men's and young adult issues. I also have experience working with victims of abuse and trauma. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I feel everyone should be treated with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I don't believe in labeling people and also feel it is important to provide resources and recommendations (books, workbooks,therapeutic assignments etc.), I would describe my approach as eclectic; combing solution focused , cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and psycho-dynamic therapy. I'll individualize our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek help and take the first steps in obtaining that help and start making changes. I am here to support and assist you in that process. I look forward to helping you help yourself!
Sherrie Kaelin
Welcome! My name is Sherrie Kaelin. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida and a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey, Georgia, Arizona and Texas as well as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Nevada with over 24 years of experience. I enjoy working with other therapists and health care professionals to offer support given my my 25 plus years of experience and helping with compassion fatigue and stress. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including narcissistic abuse, emotional eating, ADHD, depression, anxiety, parenting problems, career challenges and coping with life changes. I also help people cope with hurricane stress and disaster fatigue. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client centered and solution focused counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
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.
Paul Clark
Hello and thank you for reaching out, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Virginia who received my Bachelors and Master’s degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University (NSU) School of Social Work. I am a retired Chief Petty Officer with 20 years of active duty service, grew up in the Washington D. C. area who recognizes and embraces difference and ethnic diversity. I am well known for being an extremely knowledgeable, compassionate, and caring mental health professional who has worked with clients including active duty military and Veterans with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. My clinical experience includes the use of Solution Focus, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, and other evidence-based theoretical models and perspective. My counseling style is warm, interactive but, straight forward. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. My goal is to provide World Class Service, collaborate, and empower you, the client, and build upon what is working for the client by using various therapeutic models and perspectives tailored to meet the clients individual and specific needs. I am here to support and assist you as you work towards reaching your desired goals. I look forward to working with you!
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.
Jacqueline Hendrickson
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!
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.
Evelyn Pappoe
I am a Bilingual (English and Spanish speaking) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of clinical experience. I grew up in Bronx, New York and was raised, along with my siblings and a host of extended relatives, by my Honduran parents. Growing up in an immigrant and blended family, including becoming a teen mother and experiencing the effects of my parents’ divorce, has influenced my decision to become a therapist to help people who are experiencing distress, life transitions, and systemic challenges. I have dedicated my life to destigmatizing mental health and creating a safe space for people to be seen, understood, and feel less alone. I provide individual, couple, and family therapy for people of all walks of life. Most of my clients present to therapy seeking support to address issues related to anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship stressors, grief, pregnancy loss, and adjustment to life transitions. Therapy is an effective way to work through unexpected life challenges that can catch us by surprise, roadblocks that can keep us stuck or get in our own way, learn about our past, understand our patterns, our development, and learn new healthy coping skills to help us manage our emotions and live more fulfilling and rewarding lives. I believe change happens when life’s circumstances place a demand on us to shift (i.e., the death of a loved one, loss of employment, divorce, etc.) from one chapter to a new chapter in our lives. Change happens when we accept that change is inevitable, and it is part of the cycle of life. Change occurs when we are open to learning something new that will enhance our quality of life mentally and emotionally, and enable us to become a better version of ourselves.
Themistoklis Bakelas
Hello! I'm Tohm and I’m a LCSW in New Jersey. I have worked in various psychiatric hospitals since 2012. My passion in counseling is to create a relationship built on safety, trust, and hope, where people feel accepted, heard, and challenged to grow in new and meaningful ways. I specialize in working with individuals aged 18 and older who struggle with depression, stress, grief, trauma, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and life changes. It's my privilege to assist someone through their difficulties and help them experience healing and relief. I believe therapy is most productive when it is supportive and casual, with a conversational tone and an open mind toward different strategies to address challenges. The key is a collaborative approach between both client and therapist. I offer lunchtime, evening, and some weekend hours. All sessions are virtual. Reach out for my exact availability. My counseling style is supportive, strength-based and rooted in direct inquiry. I believe in the dignity and worth of each person, and that the human spirit is quite resilient. As Kurt Vonnegut once boldly wrote, "It is hard to adapt to chaos, but it can be done. I am living proof of that: It can be done."
Amanda Brindle
*Currently accepting new clients for asynchronous messaging and live chat support only. * I support individuals and families navigating traumatic grief, sudden loss, and the complex emotional layers that follow when life changes without warning. My approach is warm, steady, and grounded. I help clients make sense of their loss, reconnect with themselves, and find a path forward that honors their story.
Michael Frampus
Life can get serious and messy. Let me help you to learn to smile through the pain and become your greatest version of self! I have a master's degree in social work with more than 17 years' experience in the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders! You are in the driver's seat! I focus on empowering my clients by helping them to recognize their own strengths with a focus on changing maladaptive thinking patterns. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and substance use. I keep the mood light and humorous, but we can cry and laugh all in the same session! I want each client to know that no matter what challenges we may face, we WILL make it through and learn to turn even our deepest hurt into a source of power! My desire is for every client to develop strong coping skills to deal with the ebb and flow of life on life's terms. You are never alone!
Nicole Osti
I am a licensed clinical social worker with almost a decade of experience ranging from clinical practice to case management. I work with clients who experience a wide range of symptoms and concerns, including depression, anxiety, transitional and relationship issues, and work-related issues. I have worked with children, teens, and young adults for the majority of my practice and am currently entering the field of geriatrics. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral and rational-emotive therapy, with a solution focused mindset depending on the client. I will tailor our treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Find a Therapist Near You in South River , 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 South River.
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.