geometry-shapes iconLGBTQIA+, Behavioral Issues, Self Esteem, ADHD, Relationships, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD, Self-Harming, Agoraphobia
In Person & Online in Paramus, NJ
10 years in practice
Ages served: 18-65+
shield check with plus icon

Accepted insurance & self-pay

Briana accepts 34 insurers
Aetna
Aetna Medicare Advantage
Cigna | Evernorth
Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Cigna | Open Access Plus New Jersey
AmeriHealth Administrators
AmeriHealth Medicare Advantage
AmeriHealth New Jersey
Carelon
Clover Health Medicare Advantage
Compsych
Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network
First Health Network
HealthSpring | Medicare Advantage
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
Medica
Medicare NJ
Multi Plan PHCS
Optum Serve
Oscar Health
Oxford Health Plans
Quest Behavioral Health
Railroad Medicare
Tricare East | Out of Network Provider
UMR
United Healthcare | Optum
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.
$200
first session
$170
subsequent sessions
About Provider

About Briana

Briana Mahaffey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years of experience and a deep commitment to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and create meaningful change. She has experience working in mental health with individuals across the lifespan, - from children to adults. Briana specializes in working with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, PTSD, ADHD, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.


Briana received her Master’s of Social Work from New York University. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and a humanistic perspective that centers each client’s unique experience.


With a deep commitment to exceptional service, Briana believes in putting clients first, always. She strives to build lasting relationships by truly understanding each client’s needs and delivering thoughtful, personalized solutions. She strives to create a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space where her clients feel empowered to grow.


*Clients 11 years old and under must be seen for in-person sessions.

Provider background floral illustration
Briana Mahaffey's profile image

"I believe everyone has the capacity for growth, healing, and creating a life that feels more aligned."

chats icon

Get to know Briana

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


I've always been the person friends and family turned to in difficult times, and I found great meaning in listening, offering support and helping people make sense of their emotions and experiences.

What types of clients do you work with best?


I work best with individuals who are ready to engage in the process of self-exploration and growth- even when they are feeling overwhelmed, uncertain or stuck. I especially connect with clients who value a thoughtful, collaborative approach.

What type of clients are you most excited to work with?

I'm most excited to work with clients who are curious about themselves and open to the process of growth- even if that growth feels uncertain or challenging.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew?


I wish every client knew that they don't have to have it all figured out before coming to therapy. You don't need to be in crisis, have the "right words," or know exactly what you want to work on. Just showing up is a powerful step- and that's more than enough.

Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?


I chose to work at Thriveworks because of their commitment to accessible, high-quality mental healthcare. Thriveworks values align with my own- especially the belief that everyone deserves support from a compassionate, skilled therapist.

What inspires you?


Being a therapist allows me to witness transformation, connection and strength in all its forms- and that inspires me every day.

What can clients expect in their first session with you?


A welcoming space where I will being to ask questions to get to know you better. I'll ask questions to understand what brings you to therapy, your current challenges and what goals you have for yourself. There's no pressure to have everything figured out- this is a collaborative journey, and we'll move at a pace that feels right for you.

What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?


In my first session with an individual I want to get to know them- not just want brought them into session but who they are. I want to begin to create a space where they feel safe, heard and not rushed. I hope to explore what the individual is hoping to work on, talk through my questions or concern and start building trust together.

What should clients know about you before scheduling a first session?


I lead with empathy, a sense of humor and a genuine belief that connection matters. I care deeply about people- and I bring that same compassion into every session. I'm here to create a safe, non judgmental space where you can be yourself.

What do you do for fun/on your time off?


I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my family.

What's one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?


I am someone who leads with kindness, finds joy in laughter, and believes life is better when I'm surrounded by animals and good company.

Read more
Lady on bicycle icon

Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesLGBTQIA+, Behavioral Issues, Self Esteem, ADHD, Relationships, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD, Self-Harming, Agoraphobia, Codependency, Developmental Disorders, Impulse Control Disorders, Mood Disorders, Peer Relationships, Personality Disorders, Social Anxiety, Suicidal Ideation, Dissociative Identity Disorders (DID), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), Family Conflict, Parenting, School Issues, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Coping Skills, Women’s Issues, Sexual Abuse, Bipolar Disorder, Eating Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Divorce
ApproachesHumanistic / Rogerian, Biofeedback, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative, Play Therapy, Attachment-Based, Family Systems, Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBCT), Person-Centered Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Interpersonal, Trauma-Focused, Strength-Based Therapy, Art Therapy, Culturally Sensitive, Psychodynamic
Academic cap icon

Education and training

Years in practice
10 years
Graduating institute
New York University
Graduating degree
Master of Social Work
magnify glass with eyes icon

Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
file icon
NPI number1861284044
practice location icon
State of practiceNJ
license card icon
License number44SC06489600
Practice location

Practice information

Book your first session

Individual Counseling
Video
In-person
Want help booking? 
Existing client? and rebook
Briana Mahaffey's profile image

Briana Mahaffey

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)