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.

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.

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.

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.

Let me guess: You've been thinking about therapy for a while now. Maybe months, maybe years, but something kept stopping you. Too busy, too expensive, "it's not that bad yet," or maybe just the fear of opening up to a stranger who might judge you or not really get it. Here's what I want you to know: You don't need to wait until things get worse, you don't need permission to ask for help, and you don't have to figure this out alone. That's why I'm here. As a board-certified bilingual therapist, veteran, and founder of www.TalkHealRepeat.com , I've spent over 10 years supporting thousands of clients through trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions that once felt impossible, from crisis units and corrections facilities to refugee shelters and quiet therapy rooms, working with chronic mental illness, personality disorders, abuse, trauma, ADHD, OCD, addictions, and some of the hardest moments of their lives. Here's what I know for sure: healing doesn't require perfection, it requires honesty and someone who actually gets it. You're not broken, you're dealing with hard things, and you deserve help that feels supportive, not cold, not judgmental, not like one more thing you're supposed to "fix" about yourself. 🔺If you can’t find a time on my calendar, message me. I’ll move things around, lose a lunch break, get creative. You showing up here already tells me everything I need to know about you.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey with 20+ years of experience providing formal and informal therapy in a variety of settings and areas of concern. I have provided services in private homes, traditional office settings, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and other program settings. I have worked with people with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, compassion fatigue, motivation, and self esteem. I also have experience working with people with disabilities and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). I strive to meet people where they are, and believe that all people deserve to be treated with kindness, dignity and respect. My approach is person centered, and combines cognitive-behavioral, person centered and solution focused therapy principles. All treatment plans are tailored to meet your individual and specific needs. First steps are often the hardest, but with courage and determination, all things are possible. When you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Hello there, my name is Joe Sampson, and I would like to take this moment to acknowledge you for your courage in seeking therapy. Your decision to seek therapy, illustrates that you are ready to take an important step towards creating a future where your current struggles are no longer the driving force in your life. My role in this this process is to provide and create a therapeutic relationship by offering a listening ear for you to tell your story and collaboratively work towards your desired goal. As a licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), I am here to support you with evidence-based techniques and strategies to address issues of life stressors, anxiety, depression, familial struggles and significant trauma. Therapy does not have to be a scary process, when you work with the right therapist, it can be a wonderful journey of discovery and healing.

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.

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.

Most importantly I am a good listener. If I do not understand, I will ask. I believe in becoming uncomfortable to accept growth and change. I am patient and kind, but I will hold you accountable if necessary. I am here for you. I will do my best to understand what your needs are in order and develop a treatment plan based on that order: emotional, physical, reminders, etc... and how to be ready to move through the week ahead. A goal or an intention or again whatever word you will choose to use will be set, as to see success in small steps.

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.

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.

Have you ever felt that your past or present are holding you back from experiencing happiness? If you answered "Yes" to this question, I am here to tell you that the feeling of happiness is still within you and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I am just here to help you find those tools and remove all the clutter. I am here to help you face the difficult challenges that life is throwing at you and face them with confidence and better understanding of what you can do to live your life the way you want to.

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 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.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who graduated from the University of Maryland. I have extensive experience helping clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, grief, and major life transitions. I believe in the power of a collaborative therapeutic relationship and am committed to building a supportive connection with clients. I offers compassionate and non-judgmental support, guiding you towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.

My ideal client is one who wants to change but needs guidance on how to do so. I am a warm, engaging, person who will support you through your challenges and celebrate your success. I enjoy helping clients learn new skills and change unhealthy patterns into positive personal transformation. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship as a catalyst for change.

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’m a Licensed Professional Counselor providing virtual therapy for adults and couples who are ready to move beyond feeling stuck and begin creating meaningful, lasting change. Many of the clients I work with appear to be managing on the outside, while internally navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm, relationship strain, or difficulty expressing their needs. If you find yourself overthinking, reacting instead of responding, or repeating patterns that no longer serve you, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. My approach is structured, intentional, and insight-oriented. I focus on helping you strengthen your emotional intelligence—how you understand, manage, and communicate your emotions—because this is the foundation for healthier relationships, clearer decision-making, and improved overall well-being. Together, we will identify patterns, explore the root of your challenges, and develop practical tools that help you respond with clarity and confidence rather than impulse or avoidance. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, life transitions, self-esteem challenges, and emotional fatigue, as well as couples working through communication breakdowns, trust concerns, and disconnection. Therapy with me is an active process. It requires honesty, consistency, and a willingness to do the work, but it also creates the opportunity for real, sustainable growth. If you’re ready to invest in yourself, better understand how you operate emotionally, and begin showing up differently in your life and relationships, this is a space where that work can begin.

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.

Me - Dr. Amy Rhoades, PhD, MSW, LCSW, BSN, RN - I live a life of service to others. My ideal client? It's you! Whether you are 18 or 88, I want to work with you. Have childhood trauma? That is one of my specialties. People say you are hard to work with? I got you. Geriatric concerns? I can help you navigate the senior moments. As a registered nurse, I can also help you with any medical conditions/diagnoses you or a loved one may have that is causing strife in your life. Whatever you are experiencing, right here, right now, I will walk beside you in it. I am an experienced provider who thinks outside of the box and have a bit of an eclectic style. I am well versed in many treatment modalities and will work with you on finding what best fits your needs in this moment. Feel lost? I will help you find yourself. It only takes one phone call to start getting your life back in order. I care about you and what you are experiencing. Together, we will work it out. My Specialties include: Trauma and PTSD Borderline Personality Dual Diagnosis I provide treatment for: ADHD Addiction Alcohol Use Alzheimer's Anger Management Anxiety Behavioral Issues Bipolar Disorder Career Counseling Chronic Illness Chronic Relapse Codependency Coping Skills Depression Drug Abuse Geriatric Specialty Grief Hoarding Queer/Sexual/Gender/Racial/Cultural Identity Relationship Issues Self Esteem Self-Harming Spirituality Stress Substance Use Suicidal Ideation Mental Health Elderly Persons Disorders Mood Disorders Personality Disorders Psychosis Client Focus on Ages: Elders (65+) Adults Teen *Earlier or later appointments require a conversation with me*

Honesty is the most important part of a successful therapeutic relationship. Together, we will create a safe space where you can openly share your thoughts and feelings without judgment. By understanding your unique challenges, we can develop personalized strategies to overcome them. I believe in a collaborative approach that utilizes humor, empowerment, and a solution-focused mindset to support your growth and well-being.

Hi! I am Jaclyn. I have an extensive history working with individuals of all ages, functioning levels, and settings. I received my bachelor’s degree from Monmouth University where I studied Psychology. I then received my Master’s degree from Chestnut Hill College where I studied Clinical and Counseling Psychology. Since graduating, I have worked alongside my clients to address past traumas and symptoms of unresolved experiences.

Hey! I am a licensed therapist (LCSW) in New Jersey. I have been providing individual therapy for 6 years and working with adolescents and young adults for over 15 years. Before working in outpatient, I was a therapist at high school, providing group and individual therapy to adolescents. I help teens and young adults navigate difficult periods of transition in their life and relationships.

The journey of healing begins with a strong therapeutic alliance based on trust and mutual respect. My worldview and core values determine my approach to therapy and engaging with you. I strongly believe in a holistic approach to therapy: I consider the art and science of healing to support the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. I have decades of rich and varied life experiences which inform my practice. I have worked in schools with children as an educator with a great understanding of human development, I am a grass-roots level community development social worker and a mental health clinician in community behavioral health.