Licensed to practice in 4 states and accepts 53 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and PTSD and 10 more.
(she/her)
Hi, I'm Shantara, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Mental Health & Nutrition Clinical Specialist (CMNHS), and the founder of TEA Time Therapeutic Services LLC. I believe healing begins when we understand the connection between our Thoughts, Emotions, and Actions (T.E.A.). My goal is to provide a warm, supportive, and judgment-free space where you feel heard, challenged, and empowered to grow. My approach is collaborative, practical, and tailored to your unique needs. Using evidence-based therapies such as CBT, ACT, DBT, CPT, and Motivational Interviewing, I'll help you build healthy coping skills, gain insight, and create meaningful, lasting change. As a CMNHS, I also recognize the connection between mental and physical health, incorporating a holistic perspective when it supports your goals. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, grief, relationship challenges, or life transitions, I'm here to walk alongside you as you learn to pour back into your life.
Your first session is all about getting to know you. We'll talk about what brought you to therapy, what's been weighing on you, and what you're hoping will be different. I'll ask questions to better understand your experiences so we can create a treatment plan together that fits your unique needs and goals. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported. Clients often describe me as warm, easy to talk to, honest, down-to-earth, and someone who isn't afraid to laugh when it's helpful. I believe therapy should feel like a conversation—not an interrogation. You can expect a balance of compassion and practical tools. I'll listen without judgment, gently challenge unhelpful patterns when needed, and work alongside you every step of the way. Together, we'll explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while building skills that help you create meaningful, lasting change.
My approach to therapy is rooted in the belief that lasting change happens when we begin to understand the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and actions. At TEA Time Therapeutic Services, my goal is to help you slow down, gain insight, and develop practical tools that you can use in everyday life—not just during our sessions. Clients often describe me as warm, easy to talk to, honest, down-to-earth, and engaging. I believe therapy should feel like a safe conversation where you can be your authentic self. I will meet you with compassion, but I'll also gently challenge the patterns, beliefs, and behaviors that may be keeping you stuck. My role isn't to tell you what to do—it's to walk alongside you, help you see things from a different perspective, and empower you to make choices that align with the life you want to create. I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Every person has a unique story, so I tailor each session to your goals, strengths, and needs. I draw from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness techniques to provide care that is both effective and personalized. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Mental Health & Nutrition Clinical Specialist (CMNHS), I also recognize the important connection between mental and physical well-being. When appropriate, we may explore how factors like sleep, nutrition, movement, stress, and self-care are influencing your emotional health because healing often involves caring for the whole person. Above all, I want therapy to be a place where you feel heard, supported, and encouraged to grow. Whether we're processing difficult experiences, learning new coping skills, improving relationships, or building confidence, we'll work together to help you create meaningful, lasting change. My hope is that every session leaves you feeling a little more understood, a little more empowered, and ready to pour back into your life.
My ideal client is someone who is ready to invest in themselves—even if they don't have everything figured out yet. They may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, emotionally exhausted, or navigating a difficult season of life. They want more than just someone to listen; they're looking for practical tools, honest conversations, and a therapist who will support them while gently challenging them to grow. I enjoy working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families who are ready to better understand themselves and create healthier patterns. Many of my clients come to therapy because they're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, grief, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, life transitions, or stress from balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities. My clients are often the ones who have spent so much time taking care of everyone else that they've forgotten how to care for themselves. Together, we'll create space for you to slow down, process your experiences, reconnect with who you are, and build a life that feels more balanced and fulfilling. You don't have to be at your breaking point to start therapy—you simply have to be willing to take the first step. Whether you're looking to heal from the past, strengthen your relationships, improve your emotional well-being, or simply pour back into yourself, I'm here to walk alongside you with compassion, accountability, and practical guidance every step of the way.
Cash - $150 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Ambetter Health
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield - Medicare
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Florida Blue
Florida Blue - Medicare
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
Kaiser Permanente
Medicare
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)
UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
My experience in treating individuals using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been transformative and rewarding. Through the application of CBT techniques, I have witnessed the profound impact of addressing and reshaping thought patterns, behaviors, and emotions. This approach allows for a collaborative exploration of one's cognitive processes, enabling clients to gain valuable insights and develop effective coping mechanisms. I am dedicated to tailoring CBT interventions to the unique needs of each individual, fostering positive change and empowering them to navigate life's challenges with resilience and newfound clarity.
My experience in Christian counseling has been deeply rewarding, as it allows me to integrate faith-based principles seamlessly into the therapeutic process. By incorporating the teachings of Christianity, I aim to provide a supportive and spiritually grounded environment where individuals can explore their concerns and find solace. The integration of Christian values into counseling sessions enriches the therapeutic journey, offering clients a unique perspective that aligns with their beliefs and fosters a deeper connection between their faith and mental well-being.
In my experience with treating couples in counseling, I have found that a nuanced and empathetic approach is crucial. By creating a safe and open space for communication, I facilitate constructive dialogue to explore the underlying dynamics of the relationship. Integrating evidence-based techniques, including elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), allows for the identification and restructuring of harmful thought patterns and behaviors. Additionally, incorporating other therapeutic interventions tailors the treatment to the unique needs of the couple, promoting understanding, resilience, and positive relational transformation.
In my professional journey, I have accumulated extensive experience in treating trauma through the lens of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). My commitment to this therapeutic approach stems from witnessing its transformative impact on individuals navigating the aftermath of trauma. Utilizing TF-CBT, I have worked collaboratively with clients to provide a structured, empathetic, and evidence-based framework for healing. This experience has reinforced my belief in the resilience of individuals and the effectiveness of trauma-focused interventions in fostering lasting positive change.
3 ratings with written reviews
July 3, 2026
Shantara has been very easy to open up to and discuss our issues. She is very open minded, and easily is able to interpret what we are feeling and give us definitions to what we are feeling. Also how to find resolution. I feel very blessed to have such a positive experience on our first try.
January 3, 2026
Shantara was very personable and real—no big therapy words, no trying to placate me, and nothing that made me feel talked down to or inferior. She was very down to earth, and it honestly felt like talking to a friend. I felt like she truly understood what I’m dealing with. She listened without any judgment and made me feel safe right away. I felt comfortable opening up about my issues without feeling ashamed, which is not easy for me, and I really appreciated that.
December 19, 2025
I came to Ms. Bussey-Martin seeking assistance with overcoming clutter. One of the things that drew me to her is she offered faith-based approach as an option. I found her to be authentic, direct, and solution oriented. From day one, she developed a plan to help me address my reason for starting therapy. Each session we peel back another layer and I walk away more self-aware and encouraged to continue my therapy journey.