Licensed to practice in 2 states and accepts 45 insurances. Specializes in Addiction, Anxiety, Trauma and PTSD and 8 more.
Hi! I'm Crystal Ortiz, and I'm so glad you're here. Finding a therapist can feel a little like online dating, you read a bunch of profiles hoping one person feels like the right fit. My hope is that, whether we work together or not, you find someone who makes you feel safe, understood, and genuinely supported. I'm a licensed therapist/EMDR-trained clinician who loves helping people navigate anxiety, trauma, PTSD, life transitions, relationship challenges, and those moments when life just feels...a lot. I work with teens in my full-time role, and in my private practice I primarily support teens, young adults, and professionals as they learn to understand themselves and create meaningful change. My approach is trauma-informed and rooted in attachment theory, EMDR, mindfulness, CBT, and narrative therapy. While I use evidence-based techniques, I never believe therapy should feel cold. Every person has a unique story, so I tailor our work to fit you—not the other way around. My goal is to help you understand the patterns that have shaped you, heal from the experiences that no longer serve you, and build a stronger, more compassionate relationship with yourself. I've also sat on the other side of the therapy couch, as a client. I know how vulnerable it can feel to open up to someone new. That's why I strive to create a space where you don't have to pretend to have it all together. You can show up exactly as you are—messy thoughts, awkward silences, nervous laughter, tears, and all. At the end of the day, I believe healing isn't about becoming a different person, it's about reconnecting with the version of yourself that's been there all along. My hope is that our work together helps you feel more confident, more connected, and more at peace with who you are.
Your first session is all about getting to know you; no pop quizzes, no lying on a couch while I analyze your dreams (unless you really want to talk about them!). Think of it as a conversation where you can show up exactly as you are. We'll go at your pace, talk about what's been weighing on you, what brought you to therapy, and what you're hoping to get out of our time together. You don't need to have the perfect words or a clear plan, that's what we're here to figure out together. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable enough to be yourself, whether that means laughing, crying, venting, sitting in silence for a moment, or doing a little bit of everything. Therapy can be hard work, but it doesn't have to feel heavy all the time. I believe healing often makes room for humor, too. Most importantly, you don't have to do this alone anymore. We'll take it one step, one conversation, and maybe one awkward "Where do I even start?" at a time. (Trust me, it's a very common way to start!)
I'm fully invested in helping you grow, and I'll be right there cheering you on, gently challenging you, and celebrating every win along the way.....even the ones that don't feel like wins yet. I'll hold you accountable with kindness because growth happens when we feel supported, not judged. I'm a real person, and I believe therapy works best when we can be authentic with each other. I'll bring the evidence-based tools, clinical knowledge, and experience, but I'll also bring my heart, my curiosity, and yes, my sense of humor. Healing can be hard work, but that doesn't mean we can't laugh sometimes, too. You won't hear me asking, "And how does that make you feel?" every five minutes (I promise!). Instead, we'll have honest conversations that help you better understand yourself, your relationships, and the patterns that may be keeping you stuck. When it's helpful, I'll share relatable insights—not because the session is about me, but because sometimes knowing someone genuinely understands can make all the difference. One of the greatest privileges of this work is watching clients grow into versions of themselves they never imagined were possible. When former clients thank me, I always remind them of one thing: YOU are the one doing the brave work. YOU're the one showing up, being vulnerable, and choosing growth. I simply get the honor of walking beside you. So whether you're feeling hopeful, overwhelmed, skeptical, or wondering if you're going to cry in the first five minutes (totally normal, by the way), you're welcome here. We'll take it one conversation at a time, and together we'll help you build a life that feels more connected, confident, and authentically you.
To my dream client — you’re someone who feels deeply, who’s been carrying so much for so long, and who’s finally ready to start healing. You may have been the strong one for everyone else, but inside you’re craving peace, understanding, and a sense of safety within yourself. You’ve been through things that changed you, and even though part of you still feels stuck, another part is ready to grow, to breathe again, and to believe that healing is possible. I see you — the part of you that’s tired of surviving and longs to start truly living. You and I share the belief that we are not defined by our pain, but by our courage to face it. Through trauma-informed and attachment-based therapy, I’ll walk beside you as you rebuild trust with yourself, release old wounds, and rediscover your confidence and joy. You deserve to feel whole, loved, and secure — not just with others, but within your own heart. Healing isn’t just possible for you — it’s waiting for you.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cash - $85 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
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Medicare
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
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
Attachment-based
I love using attachment theory in my work because it helps people really understand how their relationships—both past and present—shape the way they see themselves. When we don’t have a healthy connection with ourselves, we tend to reflect that in how we connect with others. Through attachment-based therapy, I help clients build self-compassion and security from within. It’s such a beautiful process watching someone learn to love and trust themselves again!
Narrative
I love using Narrative Therapy because it empowers clients to see that they are more than the challenges or experiences they've faced. So often, people begin to believe the difficult stories they've been told about themselves or the ones they've created through painful life experiences. Through Narrative Therapy, I help clients separate themselves from their problems, recognize their strengths, and rewrite their stories in a way that reflects their resilience, values, and hopes for the future. It's incredibly rewarding to watch clients discover a renewed sense of confidence, purpose, and hope as they realize they have the power to author the next chapter of their lives!
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I love using mindfulness-based therapy because it helps clients slow down and truly reconnect with the present moment! So many people who struggle with mental health get caught up in worries about the past or future, and mindfulness brings them back to right now—where healing starts. Through breathing, grounding, and self-awareness exercises, clients learn to calm their minds and listen to their bodies. It’s such a beautiful way to help people feel more centered, peaceful, and in control of their emotions!
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I love using CBT therapy because it helps clients see how powerful their thoughts truly are! So often, we get stuck in negative thinking patterns that make us feel overwhelmed or discouraged. With CBT, I help clients challenge those unhelpful thoughts and replace them with more balanced, empowering ones. It’s amazing to watch their confidence grow as they realize they can shift their mindset and feel better from the inside out!
3 ratings with written reviews
December 7, 2025
Felt very comfortable with talking with Crystal.
November 18, 2025
A genuine kind soul who is so attentive and validating but also honest and real. Absolutely book a session with her. She is wonderful. <3
October 25, 2025
I feel like I really connected with Crystal, we’re both on the same page and I really love spending some time with her and I can’t wait to do it again! Thank you, Crystal!