Board certified badge iconBoard certified
geometry-shapes iconDomestic Abuse, LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Sleep / Insomnia, Life Transition, Anxiety, Depression
3 years in practice
Ages served: 14-65+
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Accepted insurance & self-pay

Ashley accepts 26 insurers
Aetna
Anthem
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Optum Serve
United Healthcare | Optum
AmeriHealth Administrators
AmeriHealth Medicare Advantage
AmeriHealth New Jersey
Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)
Carelon
Clover Health Medicare Advantage
Compsych
Connecticare
First Health Network
Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey | BCBS - HMO
Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey | BCBS - PPO
Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)
Humana Medicare Advantage
Independence Blue Cross | BCBS
JP Farley Corporation
Medicare NJ
Multi Plan PHCS
Oxford Health Plans
Quest Behavioral Health
Tricare East | Out of Network Provider
United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage
Uprise EAP
SELF-PAY COSTS
Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.
$300
first session
$210
subsequent sessions
About Provider

About Ashley

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 13 years of nursing experience. My career began in the emergency room, where I spent a decade caring for patients and families during moments of crisis. Those experiences taught me that every individual’s story is unique, and healing requires more than a one-size-fits-all approach. Today, I bring that same perspective into psychiatry, creating a space where clients feel supported, understood, and empowered on their path to wellness.


I earned my Master’s in Nursing from Walden University, and I provide psychiatric care with a focus on individualized treatment planning. My approach blends clinical expertise with compassion, ensuring that I understand each client’s unique needs, strengths, and challenges while working together toward meaningful progress.


My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where clients feel truly heard. I strive to partner with individuals in developing treatment plans that fit their lives and empower them to achieve lasting wellness. I believe in walking alongside each client, offering support, encouragement, and a personalized path to healing.

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"I believe that every patient’s journey is unique and deserves a personalized approach to healing."

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Get to know Ashley

Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?

I chose to become a psychiatric provider because throughout my nursing career I saw how deeply mental health affects every aspect of a person’s life, yet how often it was overlooked or stigmatized. I wanted to be in a role where I could spend time listening to people’s stories, not just treating symptoms, and help them find a path that feels right for them. For me, psychiatry is about seeing the whole person—their strengths, struggles, and goals—and partnering with them to create meaningful change. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of that journey.

What types of clients do you work best with?

I work best with clients who are open to collaboration and willing to be honest about what they’re going through, even if it feels messy or complicated. I value working with people who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to start, because I enjoy helping them break things down into manageable steps. I’ve found that when clients are willing to engage in the process—whether that means trying new strategies, exploring their story, or giving feedback—we’re able to make meaningful progress together.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?

One thing I wish all clients knew is that healing isn’t a straight line—it’s normal to have ups and downs along the way. Progress can look different for everyone, and even small steps forward are meaningful. Needing support doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you’re human. The process takes time, but with patience and the right tools, change is absolutely possible.

What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?

In the first session, clients can expect a warm, supportive space where I take time to really get to know them—their history, current concerns, and what they hope to gain from treatment. I focus on building trust and making sure they feel heard and understood. In the early stages, we’ll work together to create a plan that feels manageable and tailored to their needs, whether that includes therapy, medication management, or both. I also like to check in often to make sure the approach feels right and make adjustments as needed. My goal is for clients to leave even the first session feeling that they don’t have to go through this alone and that they have a partner in their care.

What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?

My practice is grounded in the values I carried from my years as a nurse: compassion, respect, and meeting people where they are. I’ve seen how every person’s story is unique, and that shaped my belief that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. Personally, I value patience, curiosity, and collaboration—I see treatment as a partnership rather than me telling someone what to do. Those values guide me in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can feel understood and supported while we work toward their goals.

How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?

I start by really listening to each client’s story—what brought them in, what their goals are, and what has or hasn’t worked in the past. From there, I collaborate with them to create a plan that feels realistic and supportive for where they are right now. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach; some clients may need a focus on medication, others may benefit from therapy strategies like CBT or mindfulness, and often it’s a combination. I also check in regularly and adjust as we go, because people’s needs can change over time. My goal is to make sure every client feels seen, respected, and actively involved in their care.

Does CLINICIAN prescribe medications effective for the treatment of ADHD?

Yes - when clinically appropriate, CLINICIAN may prescribe both non-stimulant (all ages) and stimulant (adults only) medication for the treatment of ADHD.

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Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesDomestic Abuse, LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Sleep / Insomnia, Life Transition, Anxiety, Depression, Agoraphobia, Body Dysmorphia, Body Image Issues, Caregivers, Codependency, Domestic Violence, Emotional Disturbance, First Responders, Gambling, Impulse Control Disorders, Infertility, Marital & Premarital, Mood Disorders, Neurodiversity, Obesity, Panic Attack, Peer Relationships, Performance Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Sports Performance, Step-Family / Blended Family Issues, Gender Identity / Transgender, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Anger Management, Career Counseling, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), Chronic Illness/Pain, Spirituality, Family Conflict, Parenting, Racial Identity, School Issues, Divorce, Grief, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Relationships, Suicidal Ideation
ApproachesFeminist, Narrative, Positive Psychology, Family Systems, Behavioral Therapy, Family / Marital, Psychotherapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Person-Centered Therapy, Prolonged Exposure (PE), Strength-Based Therapy, Art Therapy, Culturally Sensitive, Expressive Arts, Multicultural, Psychoanalytic, Psychodynamic, Psychological Testing and Evaluation, Somatic
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Education and training

Years in practice
3 years
Graduating institute
Walden University
Graduating degree
Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
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Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
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NPI number1841903515
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State of practiceNJ
Practice location

Practice information

Book your first session

Medication/Psychiatry
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Ashley Fernandez

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)she/her