Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Edison, NJ

"As a youthful clinician, I bring a fresh and modern perspective to the counseling experience. "

Nicole Schaefer is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over four years of clinical experience providing counseling services to adolescent and adult clients who were experiencing depression, anxiety, relational conflict, life transitions, and difficulties coping with stressors.

Nicole completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Rutgers University and received her Master of Arts in Forensic Mental Health Counseling from the City University of New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She also received an Advanced Certificate in Victimology Studies. She has worked in academic and residential settings with clients of varying backgrounds. Nicole utilizes an eclectic evidence-based approach with her clients to adjust services to best meet the needs of the individual client. Nicole’s therapeutic modality draws upon cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, motivational interviewing, and positive psychology.

With a sense of genuineness and compassion, Nicole is committed to creating an atmosphere of safety and support, through which clients can feel comfortable opening up and working through the difficulties that brought them to counseling. Her mission is to support clients on their journey toward healing, self-discovery, and personal growth in order to achieve desired goals, reduce distress, and improve overall functioning. Nicole looks forward to supporting you on your own therapeutic journey.

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"I am here to be supportive, empathetic, and knowledgeable as you move through difficult times. "

Tara Garie is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in New Jersey and Pennsylvania with over 9 years of experience providing therapeutic services. She helps teens, adults, and seniors to better cope with stress, life transitions, depression, anxiety, and many other types of disorders. Tara also has experience working with grief and gender identity issues.

Tara achieved her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from East Stroudsburg University and her Master's degree in Counseling and Human Services from Lehigh University. She often utilizes mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy (PCT), and motivational interviewing.

Tara is passionate about working with adults and adolescents on their path to make positive life changes and work towards overall mental wellness. She believes that therapy is a collaborative journey that the client and therapist take together. If you're interested in working with Tara to address your mental health needs, schedule your first session today.

"I know it can be nerve-wracking to meet a new therapist, so I thank you for taking the step to come in."

Reena Pawar is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in treating clients who are going through life changes, including divorce, career changes, adapting to college life as a young or older adult, and more. Reena’s background has equipped her with skills that are attuned to listening and working with individuals. She completed her Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling at Saint Peter’s University.

Reena’s superpower is being a good listener, offering understanding, and being patient. She believes you can build empathy by not interrupting the client, not dismissing the client’s beliefs, not being judgmental, and not talking too much in general.

Jerome Scaturro is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor in the state of New Jersey who has eight years experience with adults, couples, teenagers (15 to 19) seeking help with addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, men’s and women’s issues as well as relationship issues. He completed his Master in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and currently working towards his Doctorate in Professional Counseling. Jerome utilizes identifiable, collaborative, compassion and empathy based, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness based, solution focused approaches to therapy continually searching and seeking for the individual awareness of the issues to best address the needs for each individual and couple to grow and ultimately heal. Jerome’s main goal is to establish a trusting, respectful and authentic relationship with you in order to allow you to share your vulnerabilities, feelings and thoughts that will be the freedom towards healing and growing and living the most meaningful and best life you value and wish for.

Anthony Rizzo is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has great enthusiasm for patient-centered care. Anthony has worked with clients in settings ranging from in-community to residential to inpatient, picking up valuable experience with a wide variety of different age ranges.

Anthony completed his bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Rutgers University and his Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Kean University. After working on the frontlines of the mental healthcare system, Anthony realized that he would be in a better position to serve patients in a clinical position. After years of working in the field, he is finally in the position that he has always wanted to be in.

Anthony feels that the most important person in the room is the client and takes great care to make sure that they are fully integrated in each step of the counseling process.

"I am a strong supporter of marginalized populations, such as people of color and those within the LGBTQ+ community."

Gabriella Tavarez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) of Puerto Rican descent and is a strong supporter of marginalized populations, such as people of color and those within the LGBTQ+ community. She enjoys working with adolescents and adults to help them navigate through different life circumstances in a way where they feel understood and empowered. Gabriella specializes in anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, women’s issues, and self-esteem issues.

Gabriella completed her Bachelor's degree in Sociology at Rider University and her Master's degree in Social Work at Rutgers University. She utilizes an evidence-based approach in order to tailor her practice to best match your individual needs, resulting in an effective and client-centered treatment process. Gabriella involves different treatment modalities within her treatment, including mindfulness-based approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed (TIF) practices.

Gabriella’s form of treatment is founded on a strong therapeutic relationship, and ensuring that clients feel safe whenever in her care. As a therapist, it is her goal to help people become the best versions of themselves whatever that may look like. She looks forward to helping others achieve their therapeutic goals and live prosperous lives.

Cassie Repert is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of New Jersey who has over 3 years of valuable experience working one-on-one with adolescents and adults in settings ranging from shelters, transitional housing, and college counseling environments. Throughout this time, Cassie has worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, mood disorders, low self-esteem, PTSD, and trauma.

Cassie completed her Bachelor’s degree in Family Science and Human Development from Montclair State University and went on to earn her Master’s degree in Social Work from Monmouth University soon afterward. Cassie takes a humanistic approach to therapy, understanding that the client is the master of their own life. While cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) are Cassie’s specialties, she pulls from many therapeutic approaches and adjusts based on the need of the client.

Cassie understands that taking the first step and choosing to seek therapy can be frightening and wants to make sure that all her clients feel as safe and as comfortable as possible during each session. She will ensure that you feel in control and leave with lifelong skills to improve your mental wellbeing going forward.

"As an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I am determined to be there with you, regardless how bad the day is."

Kyra Baumstark is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 8 years experience viewing people as just that, people. She specializes trauma, anxiety, depression, and general life challenges.

Kyra received her Master's degree in Social Work with a Concentration in Clinical Practice with Children and Families from Monmouth University. She knows that every step you take is a big one, therapy might even count as two.

Take those two steps and schedule an appointment with Kyra. Then sit back and be proud of yourself that you did. She looks forward to working together as a team.

"As an identical twin with non-traditional masculine personality traits, I empathize with complicated family dynamics and gender roles."

Scott is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 12 years of experience in the field. As a therapist that has worked in minority communities assisting victims of violent crimes and trauma, he is a cheerleader for navigating grief and anxiety that is associated with deep personal and systematic issues. Scott specializes in trauma, anxiety, family work, domestic violence, depression, adjustment challenges, and relationship complications.

Scott completed his Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling at Monmouth University. As a pet lover with two dogs, a former musician, and a travel enthusiast, Scott finds passion for experimenting with different aspects of life. His energy and enthusiasm, mixed with his humanistic and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) skills will inspire clients to discover and embrace their desires and goals.

Life difficulties come with a huge array of emotions. Scott will laugh with you in session, while listening to deeper emotions wholeheartedly. His humorous personality, matched with his sensitivity, will allow clients to recognize that they can engage at a pace that they are comfortable with. Scott's animated and peaceful qualities will allow client's to open up and build rapport within the first few sessions. Book with Scott and watch powerful, new possibilities unfold.

Danielle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the State of New Jersey. Danielle has 20 years of experience working with young adults, adults and families seeking support for addiction, depression, anxiety, life transitions such as divorce or career change, women's issues, relationship issues and self-esteem. Danielle received her BA in Psychology from Mount Saint Mary College and her MSW from Fordham University. Danielle utilizes various evidence-based approaches in her work including cognitive behavioral, strengths based and psychodynamic. Her hope is to work together to identify feelings, increase awareness and implement coping tools that will create the meaningful changes you are seeking. Danielle believes the cornerstone of the healing process is a strong therapeutic relationship. This is achieved through creating a safe and supportive environment where change can thrive. As your therapist Danielle will listen to your needs and work in collaboration with you to develop strategies that best meet your goals. Danielle understands the decision to seek therapy is difficult. She further understands the challenges surrounding change and is eager to guide you in navigating these challenges.

"As a licensed clinical social worker with experience working with diverse populations including adolescents, teens, young adults, and adults 60 and above in community-based, inpatient, outpatient, and school settings, I have an in-depth understanding of the impact of psychosocial challenges on individuals across the lifespan."

Talisah Harrison is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. She has worked in a variety of settings including inpatient, outpatient, and community-based programs. She is passionate about educating individuals and families on the challenges of living with or supporting someone with a psychiatric condition and how to manage stressors. She specializes in treating mood disorders, anger and stress management, self-esteem issues, interpersonal communication, and family issues. Talisah completed her Master of Social Work at Rutgers University and her undergraduate at Temple University.

Talisah offers culturally sensitive, client-centered treatment that helps individuals identify strengths and develop a sense of self-awareness and positive self-esteem. She utilizes integrative treatment modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, strength-based therapy, and solution-focused therapy.

Initiating therapy can be a significant step in developing positive relationships with yourself and those around you. Talisah understands that everyone is at a different place in life and may struggle with navigating life’s challenges. However, if you are willing to start the journey, Talisah will be there to guide you and support you along the way.

Christian Castano is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LPC, LCADC) with over 10 years of experience working in the substance abuse and mental health fields respectively. Chris is passionate about helping adult clients who are looking to address the unique challenges they face in an attempt to live more fulfilling lives. I specialize in the treatment of addiction, mood disorders, thought disorders, as well as couples counseling.

Chris obtained his Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling specializing in Marriage and Family from Monmouth University. He maintains an existential approach in therapy to assist clients in finding their search for meaning in their lives. His background stems from a behavioral health setting while also working within a substance abuse setting with co-occurring disorders. Our specific circumstances in life are unique and challenging in their own right.

Chris is confident that his expertise will provide the support you need on your journey to cope with any of the challenges you may encounter along your life journey. If you are ready to take the first steps, schedule an appointment so we can get started.

"As a clinician within the mental health and addiction field, I hope to provide individualized services that meet all of my clients' needs."

Janelle Joseph is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) in the state of New Jersey. She is passionate about working with adolescents and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, anger management, low self-esteem, behavioral issues, school issues, and family conflicts. Janelle completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University and her master's degree in mental health counseling at St. Elizabeth University.

Janelle is working toward her licensure and obtaining a dual license in addiction services. Janelle utilizes several evidence-based practices within her approach including person-centered therapy (PCT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing.

Therapy is not difficult, but finding the right therapist and feeling understood can be. Janelle strives to establish a rapport by emphasizing your strengths and providing unconditional support. Janelle looks forward to hearing from you and to working with you on your life goals.

"Therapy works best when you feel seen and supported, and I’m here to create a space where you can explore what matters to you with honesty, empathy, and zero judgment."

Rajini Kurian is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 8 years of experience supporting individuals through emotional and relational challenges. She has a deep background in medical social work, particularly with older adults and their families navigating aging. Rajini creates a compassionate space where clients feel heard, safe, and empowered to grow. She works with adults across the lifespan and brings a thoughtful, holistic perspective to her therapeutic practice.

Rajini earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers University, where she also completed a certificate in aging. She draws from cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, and humanistic approaches to provide personalized, client-centered care.

Clients describe Rajini’s approach as calm, warm, and grounded. Whether seeking support through a specific struggle or simply wanting space to reflect and grow, Rajini will walk alongside you with care, clarity, and compassion, helping you access insight, healing, and emotional strength.

Dr. Nicole Peniston is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP) in the state of New Jersey who has over 5 years of experience working with adults and children to assess and treat a variety of psychological and developmental disorders that are affecting functioning at home, school, work, or in the community. She specializes in assisting clients with stress management, low self-esteem, anxiety, identity issues, family conflict, depression, and more. 

She completed her Bachelor's and Master's degree in Forensic Psychology at John Jay College, part of the City University of New York in 2003, and obtained her Master's and Doctorate degree in Psychology from Widener University's Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology in 2015. Dr. Peniston utilizes a collaborative strengths-based approach and uses an eclectic toolbox including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, emotion-focused, and systems-based approaches to offer creative, flexible, honest, and empathic treatment to meet individual needs and gain a better understanding of self, others, and the world around us.

Dr. Peniston focuses on psychological, cognitive, and therapeutic assessment to help identify and clarify intellectual, social, or individual difficulties and offer recommendations for treatment. She also provides therapy to assist clients in tackling life stressors and interpersonal problems, meet personal goals, and enhance coping skills.