OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions Therapists in New Jersey

I value authenticity, empathy, and self-awareness, both for myself, my clients, and as a critical part of the therapeutic process (I also take advantage of the healing power of laughter whenever possible!). I aim to normalize and validate my clients’ experiences without judgment, and above all, provide the most basic of human needs: to feel seen and heard. My name is Stephanie (or Stevie, either is fine) and I have been providing therapy in NJ exclusively via telehealth for about the last 5 years (prior to that, in person). I have a deep passion and respect for the power of therapy to change lives, which I have been privileged to witness in my work with clients, as well as in my personal life, both through the consistent use of therapy as part of my own self-care, as well as having spent the last 20 years raising two children with special needs. If you have been struggling with symptoms of depression or anxiety, particularly if they are related to a traumatic experience, I would love the opportunity to work with you to reduce your symptoms and help you experience a present that is not overshadowed by your past. I love working with women ages 20 to 30-something who are still in academia or just starting out in their careers, but also love working with women of any age. I frequently work with survivors of child sexual abuse, as well as those struggling with issues related to self-worth, but work with other conditions as well.

It takes courage to seek a new path, especially when it feels incredibly hard to simply exist in the world right now. I believe therapy should be a safe space where you feel completely held, accepted, and heard. Our sessions are an active, compassionate conversation—I don't just sit and nod. I’m FranCina, a licensed professional therapist in NJ and PA, and a Board Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC®) in PA. Together, we will view you as a whole person—not a problem to be fixed—using narrative, somatic, and creative tools tailored entirely to what feels comfortable and supportive for you.

I’m a therapist who works at the intersection of emotional intelligence, attachment, identity, and the messy, complicated realities of relationships. My clients come to me when things feel overwhelming but they’re not willing to give up on themselves. They’re smart, self-aware, and intuitive, they just need someone who can meet them where they are, without judgment or sugarcoating. I am here to do that.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in New Jersey. I received my Masters in Social Work from New York University and I have been practicing for over 13 years in the NY and NJ region. I strive to create a safe, affirming space for my clients to explore challenges, identify their strengths and find their way to happier, healthier versions of themselves.

Natalie Menendez, Licensed New Jersey Psychotherapist, is known among her peers and clients as a devoted professional with a passion for the disciplines of psychology, psychotherapy, and their applications within marriage and family therapies. With extensive experience across a wide range of roles in the mental health field, Natalie brings a deep, well-rounded understanding of human behavior, emotional healing, and clinical practice to her work. Natalie’s background includes providing direct counseling, facilitating group therapy, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and supporting individuals across diverse populations and settings. This breadth of experience allows Natalie to draw from multiple perspectives, adapt her approach to meet each client’s unique needs, and foster a compassionate, solution-focused environment. Natalie’s comprehensive insight into the mental health system enhances her ability to guide clients with empathy, professionalism, and genuine care- qualities which clients are most drawn towards. With a diverse background across various areas of the mental health field, Natalie brings a rich blend of experience, empathy, and skill to her work as a therapist. Over the years, she has held roles supporting individuals, families, and groups in a variety of clinical and community settings. This range of experience has given her a deep understanding of how to meet clients where they are, recognize their strengths, and guide them toward meaningful growth. Known for her compassionate approach and practical insight, Natalie creates a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to make lasting change. Since the beginning of her studies, Natalie has been a member of The National Honor Society for Psychology, The Eastern Psychological Association and The Society of Industrial-Organizational Psychology since 2005. Natalie has also served as the president for Monmouth University’s Psychology Club President and has won numerous community service awards and has been hand-selected to participate in elite leadership programs.

Jamil O. Lawrence, LCSW, SIFI ,ASPI, CBT- SUDs is a dedicated and results-oriented social worker with over 10 years of experience providing transformative care to individuals, veterans, and families, facing mental health challenges. His extensive background spans to coaching, mental health counseling, program coordination, and professional training, with a particular focus on recovery-oriented care and suicide prevention. Professional Experience As Local Recovery Coordinator (LRC) at VA New Jersey Health Care, Jamil is responsible for integrating recovery-oriented practices across mental health programs. He collaborates with providers, veterans, and families to implement recovery-focused services, provide training, and improve quality of care for veterans with serious mental illness. In his concurrent role as Compact Act Program Coordinator, Jamil leads the implementation of this lifesaving initiative, ensuring veterans in crisis receive comprehensive care. He manages program operations, delivers stakeholder training, and develops policies to enhance program impact. Previously, Jamil served as a Substance Abuse Treatment Program Social Worker, delivering evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders (CBT-SUDs), to veterans navigating recovery. His earlier roles include inpatient clinical social work at Mount Sinai Health Systems and behavioral health services at Bronx Community College, where he implemented short-term evidence-based treatments to support mental health and academic success.

My work is grounded in the belief that genuine human connection is at the heart of healing. I strive to create a space filled with empathy, trust, and compassion, where you feel safe to explore your emotions and discover your inner strength. I believe therapy is not "one size fits all." Together we will develop a plan customized to your unique needs, preferences and goals. I will teach you healthy ways to process your feelings, improve communication and empower you to take care of yourself.

Hi, I’m a Indo-Caribbean-American therapist who understands how hard it is to talk about emotions when you’ve been raised to suppress them. Growing up, I was told that feelings weren’t valid—and that mental health struggles were a sign of weakness. Now, I help people unlearn those harmful messages and create space for healing. In my practice, I challenge the stigma around therapy in Caribbean and immigrant communities and offer a space where you don’t have to explain your culture—you can just be. Let’s gaff about what’s going on and explore whether we’re a good fit.

I practice trauma informed care, utilizing a strength based, client centered approach to treatment with a focus on developing a strong working alliance. My treatment modalities are eclectic, there is no one size fits all. My goal is to help you remove barriers, to enhance your mental, physical, and spiritual well being. I am an animal and nature lover. I practice yoga and mindfulness.

Hi! My name is Sandra Apgar. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am Board Certified by the American Board of Clinical Social Work. I have over 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents, couples, families and adults on a variety of issues. From hospitals, to schools, intensive outpatient programs and private practice. I am licensed in New Jersey and Florida

My journey into therapy began with a desire to help the hurting individuals I worked with in a group home, and a genuine passion for helping others find strength through life’s most difficult moments. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting people facing a wide range of challenges—experiences that have shown me just how powerful and transformative therapy can be. These moments have only deepened my commitment to walking alongside others on their path to healing. I’m continually inspired by the belief that every person holds the capacity for growth, resilience, and change. We can change and heal. Sometimes we just need a little help along the way. I treat adults age 18 and up.

My name is Dr. Allie Hennis. I'm a compassionate, open, and collaborative therapist who believes deeply in the power of the therapeutic relationship. Since 2002, I've helped adults struggling with anxiety, overthinking, people-pleasing, relationship concerns, fear of rejection or abandonment, difficulty setting boundaries, low self-esteem, and attachment or family-of-origin issues. I especially enjoy working with insightful, growth-oriented clients who want to better understand themselves, heal old hurts, and create healthier patterns in their lives and relationships.

You don’t have to keep holding everything together on your own. When life feels heavy, uncertain, or overwhelming, it can be hard to know where to start. My goal is to offer a calm, supportive space where you can pause, make sense of what you’re carrying, and begin finding your way back to yourself. Together, we’ll explore what’s been getting in the way of feeling balanced and connected, using evidence-based approaches and genuine collaboration to help you heal, grow, and rediscover a stronger sense of self. Hi, I’m Heather Schmauk MS LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor). With over a decade of experience supporting individuals through challenges related to mental health, addiction, and personal growth. I help adults navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, and major life transitions. My approach is grounded in compassion and collaboration by meeting clients where they are, while helping them reconnect with their authentic self. I provide a supportive and inclusive space for healing and growth.

Once a previous skeptic, the quality of my personal and professional life significantly improved through therapy once I learned to trust the process and invest in myself. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a master's degree in Counselor Education. I am a US Army veteran and have worked extensively with Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Issues, and challenging adolescent behaviors with civilian and military families.

Life can be extremely busy and trying at times, especially now with all of the stressful changes in our lives, and we can feel as though we have too many roles to fill at once. This can create anxiety, depression, stress, and family issues. Having someone to help work through these difficulties can be extremely beneficial. I have many years of experience providing counseling services to children, adolescents, adults, and families who have needed assistance with child behavioral issues, parenting, family conflict, parent-child conflict, relationship issues, stress related to life transitions, self-injurious behaviors, depression, anxiety, infertility stress, and trauma. I like to build a good rapport with the client, sometimes through humor, to help them feel comfortable sharing their stories with me.

I grew up and currently live on a farm in Western Pennsylvania. I pride myself in being transparent and a regular person just like each one of my clients. I'm laid back and not perfect by any means. However, I am real and transparent. I love hunting, fishing, sports, and anything outdoors. I am able to get along and work with anyone, even if we disagree or don't share the same values and/or views.

I am a Bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in NJ. believe in a holistic approach to therapy, which means I aim to understand you as a whole person, including your physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual well-being. I take into account your past experiences, current stressors, trauma, and unique circumstances. My approach isn't a one-size-fits-all; I use a variety of therapeutic techniques.

My name is Jennifer Leighton, LCSW. As a clinician, I have worked in a variety of settings, including psychiatric, outpatient mental health that provided individual, family, couples, and group counseling. I have extentive experience helping individuals and families facing substance abuse challenges, emotional struggles, relationship stress, trauma, depression, anxiety, and DCPP involvement. My approach is authentic, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs. I vale transparency and strive to be empathic, direct relatale and supportive. I work to creat an environment where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves openly without fear of judgement. I loook forward to supporting you in your journey towards emotional wellness.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who graduated from Rutgers School of Social Work. I have over 25 years of experience treating clients from diverse backgrounds and across various generations. I believe in acting as a guide as opposed to a leader and as such I am always open to my clients’ preferences or suggestions regarding how to proceed with treatment. I work in collaboration with them as a means of empowering my clients to adopt a proactive, as opposed to reactive approach to their clinical challenges.

Specializing In..... Child and Adolescent and Family Therapy * Individual Anxieties *School & Group Counseling * Children and Adolescent Counseling *Eating Disorder Counseling *Divorce Recovery and Peaceful Resolution of Family *Education Counseling for Elementary Students and Special Education Students and Parents *Educational Plan and IEP consulting * Social Skills and Conflict Resolution Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselo-dual Master's from University of Pennsylvania in School Counseling as well as Mental Health Counseling.She has her Bachelor's degree from St. Joseph's University in Education. Lauren specializes in working with children and adolescents and families as well as eating disorders, anxiety and school related issues. Lauren has experience as a school counselor at Hartranft Elementary School in Philadelphia, PA. She has private practice counseling experience at Starting Point in Westmont,NJ. Lauren also has experience in working with woman and girls suffering from eating disorders at the Eating Disorder Treatment Center in Marlton,NJ.

Hello! I am an Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey with 16+ years of experience working with individuals of all ages in outpatient, in-home, crisis and hospital settings. I aim to collaborate on building a safe space where individuals can feel free to express themselves and work on building the life they desire. I generally offer a laid back approach and calming space in order to foster healing and onward progress.

If you're navigating relationship issues, a breakup, divorce, or a major life transition and it's showing up as anxiety, depression, or an overwhelming sense of not knowing where to turn, you're in the right place. Hello, I'm LaQuita — a licensed therapist (NJ, MA & IL) and certified life coach with a background in corporate, medical, and healthtech startup environments. I received my Masters of Science in Social Work from the Columbia University School of Social Work and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northeastern University.  I provide culturally responsive, affirming care for individuals of all identities and backgrounds, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, and those in situationships, monogamous or ethically non-monogamous relationships.

When we experience loss, unwanted change, or trauma it can shake our foundations and lead to pain, confusion, and heartache. While we can't prevent life from happening or undo what we've been through, my practice is based on a deeply held belief in the ability for all of us to heal and resume living with meaning and purpose. Recognizing where you're feeling blocked, stuck, or hurt will inform where we focus our efforts. Granting ourselves full permission to feel and express the depth of our feelings is instrumental to healing and growth. My role is to bear witness to your experience while offering support and encouragement as you recognize and process your feelings. Through curiosity, presence, and attunement I seek to facilitate individual's getting back to living through effectively addressing, expelling, and moving past what has caused pain. Owning how we feel without asking for permission, learning how to internally validate ourselves, and developing self regulation strategies will help when we experience intense challenges. We can learn to change our narratives and work towards unconditional self love and acceptance. Please trust yourself and your wisdom when doing healing work.

Hi there! I’m Arey Lazarre, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York and Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey, with specialized training in perinatal mental health. I work with adults and couples navigating Becoming a therapist gave me the opportunity to create that space while helping clients better understand themselves, strengthen their relationships, and create meaningful change. My work in perinatal mental health has deepened that passion, particularly in supporting individuals and families through pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood, depression, relationships, pregnancy, postpartum, and major life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs. I’m currently accepting new clients, including daytime appointments.

Hi there, I am Rachel a licensed clinical social worker and therapist. Are you struggling to figure out the solution to your internal conflicts, but don’t know where to begin? You don’t like the way things are going, but have fallen into the cultural norm of just pushing through? Do you feel like you’re “just present” or on autopilot? Do you struggle to be intentional? Maybe it’s sleep deprivation from being awake all night with your newborn, the stress of your career is keeping you awake or even the struggle of balancing life, as they say “life keeps life-ing.” Let’s talk about it… My area of expertise includes pregnancy and postpartum support, conception, birth trauma, and loss. In addition, I work with clients experiencing fluctuating self-esteem, imposter syndrome, depression, anxiety and emotions surrounding intergenerational mobility (change in socioeconomic status/income) and generational trauma. Seeking therapy can feel scary but you're making the right choice. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques so you can overcome the hangups and habits holding you back. Let's work together!