Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Edison, NJ

"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 Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) 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.

"The thing that is really hard—and really amazing—is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself."

Cindy Karnell is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. She has assisted people in liberating themselves from the traumatic events that they have experienced. The mind and body are connected; as a result, we can rewire our brains through therapy. Cindy provides individual treatment that can help with depression and anger that may have become a part of your life, as well as mood disorders, depression, and stress management struggles. Cindy graduated from Caldwell University with a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling and earned her BA in Psychology from Santa Fe College.

Cindy will utilize a variety of counseling techniques and has experience with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), mindfulness, solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), and motivational interviewing alongside person-centered and psychodynamic approaches.

Cindy knows how difficult it can become to ask for help when life and everyday tasks become overwhelming and it seems as though there is no one you can talk to who can help you to sort your thoughts out in a positive and constructive way. Cindy is here to help—schedule an appointment with her today.

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.

"As a young mother and an individual in the workforce, I understand the challenges that arise while trying to maintain a healthy balance at home and at work!"

Stephanie Mastorio is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with numerous years of experience in the mental health field. She has a passion for helping adolescents and adults address their unique challenges to help them live more meaningful, fulfilled lives. Stephanie specializes in stress management, anxiety, depression, and grief/bereavement counseling. 

Stephanie completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Monmouth University in 2014. She is a former healthcare social worker with extensive experience in navigating the highs and lows of life, which enables her to provide the guidance and support her clients are seeking. Stephanie utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivation interviewing, and solution-focused therapy.

We are all faced with hardships at some point in life, which can give rise to feelings of anger, sadness, anxiety, and fear. Stephanie is confident that she is able to support you on your journey to tap into your own resilience and gain new perspectives and techniques that allow you to cope with these struggles. If you are ready to conquer these challenges, schedule an appointment with her today!

"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.

"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.

"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.

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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.

"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.

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.