geometry-shapes iconDomestic Abuse, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, Women’s Issues, Autism, ADHD, Sexual Abuse, Addiction
In Person & Online in Toms River, NJ
4 years in practice
Ages served: 18-65+
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Accepted insurance & self-pay

Maribelles accepts 9 insurers
Aetna
Anthem
Cigna | Evernorth
Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network
Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)
Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey | BCBS - HMO
Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey | BCBS - PPO
United Healthcare | Optum
United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (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 Maribelles

I am a Licensed Associate Counselor in New Jersey with 4 years of experience. I work with children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, and mood disorders with psychotic features. I also specialize in supporting neurodiverse individuals, including those on the autism spectrum, helping them strengthen coping skills, emotional regulation, and self-confidence through empathy and collaboration.

I earned my Master’s in Counseling from the University of Phoenix. My approach is person-centered, blending cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness-based strategies. I strive to create a warm, inclusive space where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered to achieve emotional growth.

I bring personal and professional insight to my work. I understand the challenges families face and help them find balance, connection, and hope. My goal is to guide each client toward peace, confidence, and meaningful, lasting change.

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"Drawing from my experiences as a mother of 3 children (1 of whom is on the autism spectrum)and my own journey through loss and teenage depression, I understand firsthand the importance of compassion, resilience, and hope in the healing process."

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Get to know Maribelles

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

When I was a teenager, I experienced depression and engaged in self-harm. Getting the help, I needed changed my life and inspired me to help others do the same. I began my career in the ABA field, supporting children and families, and discovered my passion for guiding parents through challenges with understanding and care. This led me to pursue my master’s in clinical counseling, where I gained experience working with individuals facing mental illness, addiction, and mood disorders. After completing my internship, I became a Program Manager and later a counselor working with children and teens struggling with depression. Seeing growth not only in my clients but also within their families confirmed that this is my true calling, to help others heal, grow, and find hope again

What types of clients do you work best with?

I connect most deeply with children, teens, and adults who feel lost or hopeless and are looking for support, understanding, and a way forward toward healing and growth.

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

That healing takes time.

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

During the first session, my focus is on getting to know you and completing the intake process. This allows me to understand your background, current challenges, and goals so that we can begin developing a personalized plan to support your growth and well-bein

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

Having personally experienced depression as a teenager and being a mother to a child on the autism spectrum, I bring empathy and understanding to my work. I value compassion, collaboration, and empowerment, which guide me in creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard and can work toward meaningful change. I also am able to provide Christian counseling, drawing on my lifelong faith to support clients who wish to explore mental health and personal growth through a faith-based perspective, integrating spiritual values with evidence-based counseling techniques.

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

I tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs by first listening carefully to their experiences, concerns, and goals. I provide a safe space with a no judgment environment. I assess their emotional, behavioral, and social needs and select therapeutic techniques that fit their individual situation.

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Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesDomestic Abuse, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, Women’s Issues, Autism, ADHD, Sexual Abuse, Addiction, Bipolar Disorder, Sleep / Insomnia, Relationships, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD, Self-Harming, Caregivers, Developmental Disorders, Domestic Violence, Emotional Disturbance, First Responders, Learning / Intellectual Disabilities, Marital & Premarital, Mood Disorders, Neurodiversity, Obesity, Panic Attack, Peer Relationships, Performance Anxiety, Personality Disorders, Psychosis, Seniors & Geriatric, Social Anxiety, Teen Violence, Weight Loss, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Anger Management, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), Spirituality, Alcohol Use, Substance Use, Family Conflict, Parenting, School Issues, Divorce, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Suicidal Ideation
ApproachesChristian Counseling, Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Gestalt, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Family / Marital, Psychotherapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBCT), Person-Centered Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Faith-Based Counseling, Psychoanalytic, Psychodynamic
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Education and training

Years in practice
4 years
Graduating institute
University of Phoenix
Graduating degree
Master of Science in Counseling
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Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
EnglishSpanish
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NPI number1649146465
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State of practiceNJ
Practice location

Practice information

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Maribelles Maldonado

Licensed Associate Counselorshe/her