Licensed to practice in New Jersey and accepts 23 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Coping Skills, Depression and 1 more.
Sandra Dornelus
About me
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New Jersey with over 10 years of experience providing mental health services to adults experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, serious mental illness, substance use, and other co-occurring disorders. My clinical approach is person-centered and strengths-based, utilizing evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Trauma-Informed Care, crisis intervention, and psychoeducation to support clients in achieving their goals.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During our first session, you can expect a welcoming, supportive, and judgment-free environment. We will discuss what brought you to therapy, your current concerns, personal strengths, and any goals you would like to work toward. I will ask questions about your mental health history, relationships, support systems, and other areas of your life to gain a better understanding of your needs. Together, we will identify priorities for treatment and develop a plan that feels meaningful and achievable for you. My goal is to ensure that you feel heard, respected, and comfortable as we begin working toward your wellness and recovery goals.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What makes my sessions unique is my ability to combine clinical expertise with a warm, person-centered approach that meets clients where they are. With extensive experience in crisis intervention, community mental health, and recovery-oriented care, I understand that healing is not one-size-fits-all. I tailor each session to your individual needs, strengths, and goals while creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can openly explore challenges and growth. I incorporate evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Trauma-Informed Care, while also focusing on practical tools that clients can use in their daily lives. My approach emphasizes empowerment, resilience, and building on existing strengths rather than focusing solely on problems
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal client is an adult who feels overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or stuck despite continuing to show up in their daily life. They may be managing anxiety, depression, trauma, or chronic stress. They are seeking a therapist who can provide a calm, steady presence, explain the therapeutic process clearly, and offer practical tools they can use. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and collaborative space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered. Together, we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you while working toward meaningful, lasting wellness and recovery.
Specialties
Top specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
Other specialties
Family Conflict
Identifies as
Black / African American
Christian
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Licensed in
New Jersey
Accepts
Aetna
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Lucent Health
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Arlo
Cash - $120 per session
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
Evernorth
GTEB
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Amerihealth
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Tufts Health/Cigna
Location
Virtual
1 rating with written reviews
July 26, 2026
First session was AMAZING!!!