Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Dumont, NJ

"As your therapist and fellow traveler on life's journey, I’m here to support you on your path toward well-being and a life filled with meaning."

Shua Waxman, a licensed social worker with three years of experience in the mental health field, is dedicated to guiding individuals on their journey toward mental well-being and fulfillment. With a warm and empathetic approach, Shua collaborates with clients to explore their unique struggles and aspirations, helping them gain insight into barriers and pathways to mental wellness. Shua brings genuine curiosity, active listening, and practical tools into each session, ensuring clients feel truly heard and understood.

Shua holds a Master of Social Work with a clinical focus from Wurzweiler School of Social Work and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Social Work at Long Island University. Specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues, Shua utilizes a blend of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, and internal family systems. These approaches empower clients with practical tools and insights to manage their mental health more effectively.

Feeling overwhelmed by stress and mental health struggles is a normal part of the human experience, but you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Shua is here to support you and help you explore positive changes for a better life. Take that first step today—schedule a session and start your journey to well-being.

"Having come from the foster care system, I can relate to and understand the importance of mentorship, resilience, acceptance, and access to social supports."

Alexander "Alex" Arici is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 4 years of experience, who specializes in the treatment of individuals experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, depression, personality disorders, and more. He is passionate about serving the needs of youth and young adults, as well as any who are navigating the struggles of managing life transitions throughout middle and late adulthood.

Alex was able to complete a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Montclair State University. He is a former foster care youth with personal experiences of navigating "the system" with all of its ups and downs. His eclectic approach draws from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy (PCT), mindfulness, and motivational interviewing (MI).

Life is complicated and hard enough as it is with all its joys and hardships. Therapy can be a place for you to be and express yourself without having to worry about what anyone else thinks about you. It's a place for you to safely self-reflect and build the life you desire. Alex cares about your growth and well-being. Go online or give the office a call to start working with him: You'll learn the tools, techniques, and strategies that you'll need to navigate this thing we call life.

"With over 20 years of experience, I look forward to supporting you on your journey toward peace, healing, and self-acceptance. "

Patricia Ruggiero is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. She has managed community programs, led clinical teams, and provided psychotherapy in agency and private settings. She works best with individuals seeking guidance, structure, and a supportive space to grow. Her ideal client is someone ready to explore meaningful change, improve emotional resilience, build greater independence in their life, and thrive.

Pat earned a Master’s in Social Work from Kean University. She uses a solution-focused, person-centered approach rooted in cognitive behavior therapy to help clients identify strengths and set goals with clarity. Her crisis intervention and advocacy experience allow her to support complex needs with compassion and structure for real-life progress.

Pat understands how overwhelming life can feel when you’re trying to navigate challenges alone. Therapy is a space where you don’t have to have it all figured out. She offers a calm, supportive environment where you will work at your pace. She would be honored to walk with you toward greater peace and confidence.

"As a licensed clinician, I draw from over 10 years of professional experience working with individuals navigating and healing from the effects of depression, anxiety, grief, abuse, trauma, and relationship issues."

Mary Swims is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience. She spent 5 years working in treatment centers for those with co-occurring disorders such as addiction and various mental health issues. Since then, she has transitioned to solo online private practice and has worked with individuals who have experienced depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, issues with interpersonal relationships, dating, work/life balance, abuse, family discord, life transitions, grief, and health concerns.

Mary earned her Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University. She uses a variety of evidence-based interventions and is a cognitive behavioral therapist at her core. She has experience utilizing psycho-education to teach clients about the brain and psychology behind behavior and emotions.

Talking with someone in a non-judgmental, neutral, and confidential space allows one to “unload” and find solutions to life challenges. Therapy is a great way to practice self-care and give time and attention to the concerns one has without being judged or advised from a biased perspective. Reach out to Mary today!

"As a seasoned individual, I have found that age and experience allows us to see things with a different perspective and recognize that there is hope in the future."

Scot King is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) with many years experience partnering with individuals in order to help them find more fulfilling lives. He is passionate about helping adolescents, adults and couples to recognize and confront the challenges before them in order to live a more satisfying existence. He specializes in anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues as well as major life transitions.

Scot completed his Bachelor's degree in Communication from Rutgers University. He hold two Master’s degrees in Education from MaryGrove College, and Administration/Supervision from New Jersey City University, and a Master's degree in Counseling at Cairn University. He utilizes an eclectic approach to sessions.

Scot’s education and life experiences allows him to connect, empathize and support his clients. Scot has the unique ability to listen, empathize and support no matter what our challenge is. He believes that with support, each individual has the ability to gain new outlooks and recognize their potential. Schedule your session today.

"As a psychotherapist, I am someone who is patient, kind, non-judgmental, friendly, and understanding. I will collaborate with you and work with you at your pace helping you to share your story, your struggles, and how to gain the skills you need to be confident and comfortable in being authentically who you are meant to be."

Betty Rivera is a bi-lingual (English/Spanish-speaking) Licensed Professional Counselor and certified rehabilitation counselor. She is comfortable working one-on-one with people of all ages and varying levels of ability. She applies a non-judgmental approach to identifying and analyzing mental health needs as well as exploring and recommending academic accommodations as needed for individuals with learning disabilities attending college.

Betty has a doctorate in clinical psychology, a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, and a bachelor's in communication disorders from Marymount Manhattan College. Betty uses psychoeducation as well as cognitive processing therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and person-centered therapy.

Betty's experience working and studying at the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico gave her the unique opportunity to see disability from both sides of the table—both as a student observing the struggles and challenges that students with varied disabilities face in school and as a clinical psychologist intern and licensed rehabilitation counselor.

"Life constantly presents challenges and complexities; however, when met with the empathy and support of a therapist, they are never faced alone."

Lauren Nickerson is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of New Jersey with over 2 years of experience in mental health care. She is passionate about providing therapeutic care for adolescents and adults who are seeking coping skills and support to manage life’s difficulties. Lauren specializes in anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions, women’s issues, and more. At Rutgers University, Lauren earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) following the completion of her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Lauren utilizes a variety of evidence-based therapies based on the client’s needs, including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic, and internal family systems. Lauren’s approach to treatment is person-centered and culturally sensitive, as her goal is to ensure that each client feels understood, validated, and respected.

Starting therapy is a vulnerable experience, but it does not have to be intimidating. Lauren strives to offer a welcoming, collaborative environment where you begin to realize your strengths, inherent value, and worth as you find your most authentic self. When the time feels right, Lauren is ready and eager to meet you!