geometry-shapes iconDepression, Anxiety, Women’s Issues, Self Esteem, Men’s Issues
In Person & Online in Paramus, NJ
14 years in practice
Ages served: 18-65+
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Accepted insurance & self-pay

Vanessa accepts 4 insurers
Blue Cross Blue Shield
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)
JP Farley Corporation
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 Vanessa

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor in New Jersey. I graduated with my master's degree in Counseling: Drug and Alcohol from Kean University and my bachelor's degree in Psychology from Rutgers University. I have experience in inpatient and outpatient settings and have worked in the community as an Intensive in Home Clinician. I've worked with clients of different cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, and sexual orientations, helping them overcome negative thinking patterns, low self-esteem, relapse, depression, anxiety, and general life challenges.

I work from a place of genuine concern and respect for the clients I serve. I use humor, honesty, and useful techniques to help clients achieve their goals. I strive to create a nonjudgmental space for clients to share openly and freely.

I use an eclectic approach because no two people are the same. However, I frequently draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.


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"Therapy can offer a healing space to foster awareness, insight, and growth. "

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Get to know Vanessa

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

I chose to become a counselor because I am deeply passionate about helping clients to address and work through life's most difficult challenges. Every day, I see how overwhelming things like anxiety, perfectionism, and self-doubt can be for working professionals and students. What fuels my work is the opportunity to guide my clients through those struggles, helping them break negative patterns and build the resilience they move forward. 

What types of clients do you work best with? 

I work best with clients who are ready to engage in therapy and are committed to the process.

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

If there is one thing I wish clients knew about therapy, mental health or the healing process is that it takes time.

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

What clients can expect in their first session, and in the early stages, of working with me, is that I really work to create a harmonious safe space, that is conversational. I also work hard to be professional.

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

What personal experience and values that inform my practice as a provider is to be honest with clients and not provide false information that is not based on actual research. 

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

I tailor each clients unique needs, is by reviewing the clients history and where they are, and most importantly where they want to go. Knowing this helps me to create treatment plan that is realistic and sustainable.

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Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesDepression, Anxiety, Women’s Issues, Self Esteem, Men’s Issues, School Issues, Racial Identity, Alcohol Use, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Gender Identity / Transgender, Social Anxiety, Peer Relationships, Mood Disorders, Codependency, Relationships, Life Transition, Addiction, Coping Skills, LGBTQIA+
ApproachesPsychodynamic, Psychoanalytic, Multicultural, Culturally Sensitive, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBCT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Humanistic / Rogerian
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Education and training

Years in practice
14 years
Graduating institute
Kean University
Graduating degree
Master of Counseling: Drug & Alcohol
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Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
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NPI number1083085732
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State of practiceNJ
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License number37PC00938000
Practice location

Practice information

Book your first session

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

Vanessa Zelaya

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)she/her