Our therapists provide depression counseling in Edison, NJ

Reena Pawar is a Licensed Professional Counselor 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.

My name is Lilah Souza. I am a licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and licensed professional counselor (LPC) who works with a variety of different backgrounds including children, teens, young adults, adults,  LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodivergent individuals, and so on. 

I consider my approach to be warm, empathetic, client-centered, and eclectic. I do CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and expressive arts based therapy with my clients to help them get to a place where they can cope with life's challenges and feel like they're enough. 

Reaching out for the first time is always the hardest step. Thank you for taking the time and the courage to reach out and I hope we can work as a team in your mental health journey. 

I am an experienced Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Doctoral degree from Rutgers University. I have almost 10 years of experience in psychiatry where I've worked with children, adolescents, and adults addressing anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, autism, substance use, life circumstances, and more. 

My practice is to collaborate with clients to find the best solution that fits their needs. I provide therapy and medication management. I utilize evidence-based techniques in the care of all patients. 

Every client is unique and deserves an individualized plan of care to improve their quality of life. As a provider, I hope clients find that I serve my community with compassion, empathy, encouragement, and consideration. 

Hi, I'm Nahshira McKay, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families. I work with clients navigating identity, relationship concerns, emotional regulation, and life transitions, and I strive to create a space where you can show up as your full, authentic self—without fear of judgment. I earned my Master of Social Work from Rutgers University. Working with diverse populations facing anxiety, depression, trauma, and co-occurring challenges has shaped my ability to meet you where you are—whether you're overwhelmed, stuck, or looking for support, clarity, and growth. 

My approach is warm, collaborative, and strengths-based. I believe you already have the capacity for change, and my role is to help you tap into those strengths while building practical tools along the way. I incorporate evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), tailored to your unique needs.  

I'm especially passionate about working with individuals exploring their identity, as well as couples and families who want to improve communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen their connections. My goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered to create meaningful, lasting change in your life.

Aunteryo Malcom is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia and New Jersey with 10 years of experience supporting adults, teens, couples, and families experiencing depression, anxiety, adjustment challenges, mood disorders, family conflict, and relationship concerns. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Albany State University and his Master of Education in Counselor Education from Georgia Southern University.

Aunteryo takes an integrative, person-centered approach, grounded in the belief that the therapeutic relationship is foundational to growth and healing. He incorporates elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, systems theory, and strengths-based approaches, tailoring treatment to meet each client’s unique needs.

Cassie Repert is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of New Jersey who has over 3 years of valuable experience working one-on-one with adolescents and adults in settings ranging from shelters, transitional housing, and college counseling environments. Throughout this time, Cassie has worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, mood disorders, low self-esteem, PTSD, and trauma.

Cassie completed her Bachelor’s degree in Family Science and Human Development from Montclair State University and went on to earn her Master’s degree in Social Work from Monmouth University soon afterward. Cassie takes a humanistic approach to therapy, understanding that the client is the master of their own life. While cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) are Cassie’s specialties, she pulls from many therapeutic approaches and adjusts based on the need of the client.

Cassie understands that taking the first step and choosing to seek therapy can be frightening and wants to make sure that all her clients feel as safe and as comfortable as possible during each session. She will ensure that you feel in control and leave with lifelong skills to improve your mental wellbeing going forward.

Laura Stark is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and National Certified Counselor with over 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She has over 10 years of clinical experience providing care for adolescents and adults in residential treatment centers and hospitalization programs. Laura also spent 5 years as a special education teacher and program coordinator for emotionally challenged students. She has an interest in mood, anxiety/panic disorders, ADHD, late-diagnosed ADHD, OCD, adjustments to life changes, Tourette Syndrome, and neurodiversity.

Laura obtained a Bachelor of Arts at the University of North Texas and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Amberton University in 1997. She became a licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in 2007. Laura utilizes an eclectic counseling approach. She finds CBT, REBT, experiential, and systems therapies to be most successful with the clients she works with.

Laura’s therapeutic process assists clients in gaining more self-awareness while navigating through life’s challenges and struggles. She provides support and guidance as clients learn about themselves and patterns in their lives. She brings awareness to healthy coping skills and strategies to help with healing and then continued growth.

Patricia Ruggiero is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. She has managed community programs, led clinical teams, and provided psychotherapy in agency and private settings. She works best with individuals seeking guidance, structure, and a supportive space to grow. Her ideal client is someone ready to explore meaningful change, improve emotional resilience, build greater independence in their life, and thrive.

Pat earned a Master’s in Social Work from Kean University. She uses a solution-focused, person-centered approach rooted in cognitive behavior therapy to help clients identify strengths and set goals with clarity. Her crisis intervention and advocacy experience allow her to support complex needs with compassion and structure for real-life progress.

Pat understands how overwhelming life can feel when you’re trying to navigate challenges alone. Therapy is a space where you don’t have to have it all figured out. She offers a calm, supportive environment where you will work at your pace. She would be honored to walk with you toward greater peace and confidence.

Hi there, my name is Phyllis Darkwa, and I have been a clinician since 2017. I have helped many clients, each with their own stories and experiences, overcome much of what life throws at them. Clients who have experienced childhood trauma, painful heartaches, anxiety, depression, stress, and just by existing in this vast world of ours. I have worked with some over the past six years and seen a tremendous amount of growth from the day they started, and all the way up to now. 

I start by getting to know you and what is happening uniquely to you. Although therapists are all trained to understand how the mind and body work and how we are all interconnected — which is nice to know, as it means we are not all alone — I like to tailor my treatment approach to each unique story.

I am looking forward to meeting you and getting to know you. I encourage you to be as open as you possibly can and let's work together to help you help yourself.

Julie Burnett is a counselor with 11 years of experience. Her focus is working with clients ages 11 and older — individuals, couples, and/or families. Julie believes that all people deserve to be treated with respect and, therefore, respect is a foundational part of her counseling sessions. Julie specializes in general mental health, relationships, grief and loss, domestic abuse, and parenting. She believes that clients are the experts on their own lives, so they are the ones to choose the topics for each session while Julie brings various techniques that can help. Together they create healthy life goals and decide what techniques they want to try. Julie believes that she is here simply to be a helping hand, a listening ear, and a friendly guide as the client navigates through difficult times. In order to help clients find their way to healing on the other side of pain, Julie provides new insights, teaches new skills, introduces new knowledge, helps to broaden the client’s focus, and encourages clients to practice new skills. While Julie will never preach to the client or try to change their beliefs about faith, as a Christian, she views the world through a biblical lens.

Since she was young, Julie has wanted to help people work through their problems so they can have happier, healthier lives. She often found herself being the one her friends went to for help with their problems. She saw counseling as a way to help others. During her studies she was excited to learn that the best helping skill is listening non-judgmentally, the one skill she had been practicing since she was young. She also learned many other counseling techniques and skills that she integrates into sessions with clients. Since earning her counseling degree in 2011, she has served in a variety of settings. She has worked with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, with active and recently retired military personnel, and with high school students. She has also kept a private practice where she has been able to work with all ages and a variety of issues. As she has worked with clients throughout the years, she has found that, regardless of age, healthy relationships and boundary setting are typically common goals for clients as we all strive to live a healthy, productive life. Julie allows the client to lead the session while she helps keep it focused on the path toward healing and healthy life goals. Some of the therapies Julie uses include person-centered, Adlerian, cognitive behavioral, and mindfulness.

Julie understands that reaching out for counseling can be a scary time for clients. But she would like you to know that you have nothing to fear from her. Counseling with Julie is a safe space where all emotions are welcome, she will not judge you for your thoughts, actions, or emotions! Julie has been told that she is a very down-to-earth counselor, and she is excited to meet you and help you begin your journey on the path to a healthier and more joyful life.

Georleena Douglas is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) with 4+ years of experience practicing with adolescents and adults. Georleena specializes in anxiety, depression, sexual wellness and minor trauma, especially within the black community.

Georleena earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Queens College. She earned her Master's degree in North Carolina State University, where she received her Master's degree. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy (SFT), and holistic therapy, among other approaches.

Georleena will work with clients to address the source of their concerns and issues and how to use their strengths and mindfulness to overcome them. She looks forward to helping clients from all backgrounds, especially those in the black community. Schedule your session today.

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 began my career in behavioral health in 1998 as a nursing assistant at a state hospital. I earned my BSN in 2005 and my MSN as a family psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner in 2016. Since 2018, I have worked as an advanced nurse practitioner providing comprehensive psychiatric care to diverse populations. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and life stressors—many seeking clarity, symptom relief, and practical strategies to improve their well-being. My approach is holistic and collaborative, integrating medication management with psychotherapy to support each person's unique goals. 

I begin with a comprehensive evaluation covering psychiatric, medical, and social history. We then develop a structured, individualized treatment plan that addresses underlying causes—not just symptoms. I integrate medication management with therapeutic support and close follow-up, with ongoing adjustments until we reach stability and lasting progress.

Reaching out can feel like the hardest part, but you don't have to carry this alone. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply ready for a change, your story deserves to be heard with compassion and without judgment. When you're ready, I invite you to schedule an appointment so we can begin working together toward healing, clarity, and balance.

Rica Puazo is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered Art Therapist (LPC, RAT) who holds more than 4 years of experience working in residential treatment facilities and inpatient acute care with children, adolescents, young adults, college students, young professionals, adults, and geriatrics. She has experience working with individuals diagnosed with ADHD, bipolar disorder and mood disorders, schizophrenia, conduct disorders, depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, substance abuse, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and neurocognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Rica also has experience working with families, couples, the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with disabilities.

She received her Master’s degree in Counseling and Art Therapy from Adler School of Professional Psychology and her Bachelor's in Psychology from Baylor University. Rica’s approach to therapy is adapting the different theories, applying appropriate intervention, and finding the right tools and support for the client’s therapeutic goals. 

As an Art Therapist, Rica encourages exploring the art process to help individuals visualize inner struggles as well as encourage self-expression. Rica believes in building confidence in oneself to overcome and accept personal struggles. Work with her to start building self-confidence, happiness, and healthier relationships.

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.