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63 licensed therapists & providers in New Jersey—6 in Toms River. Available as soon as today, in person and online
Our providers work with individuals, couples, families, & teens for anxiety, depression, grief, & more
We accept UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, BCBS Plans, Humana, Aetna, & many more. Self-pay options available, no membership fees
94% of patients feel truly understood by their provider. 3 out of 4 see improvement in depression & anxiety symptoms within 3 months
Discover how starting anxiety therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
As a seasoned individual, I have found that age and experience allows us to see things with a different perspective and recognize ...
About
As a seasoned individual, I have found that age and experience allows us to see things with a different perspective and recognize that there is hope in the future.
Scot King is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) with many years experience partnering with individuals in order to help them find more fulfilling lives. He is passionate about helping adolescents, adults and couples to recognize and confront the challenges before them in order to live a more satisfying existence. He specializes in anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues as well as major life transitions.
Scot completed his Bachelor's degree in Communication from Rutgers University. He hold two Master’s degrees in Education from MaryGrove College, and Administration/Supervision from New Jersey City University, and a Master's degree in Counseling at Cairn University. He utilizes an eclectic approach to sessions.
Scot’s education and life experiences allows him to connect, empathize and support his clients. Scot has the unique ability to listen, empathize and support no matter what our challenge is. He believes that with support, each individual has the ability to gain new outlooks and recognize their potential. Schedule your session today.
Education and training
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One of my gifts is the ability to build a rapport with the individuals who participate counseling with me....
One of my gifts is the ability to build a rapport with the individuals who participate counseling with me.
Michelle Nirenberg is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Additionally, Michelle is a certified Trauma Counselor (TC) for adults, adolescents, and children. With over 16 years of experience also has a strong affinity for working with first responders and individuals who have either witnessed or experienced various forms of trauma.
Michelle earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) with a specialization in Trauma and Crisis, and a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling (MHC). She utilizes an eclectic treatment approach.
Michelle looks forward working with you to address your mental health needs as a team. If you're ready to schedule a session, reach out to book with her today.
We have been living in challenging times for quite awhile. It seems to be getting even more difficult--just when we think that it...
We have been living in challenging times for quite awhile. It seems to be getting even more difficult--just when we think that it can't get any harder. Family, financial and social stressors can impact our everyday functioning and take a toll on important aspects of our lives. I have seen this with so many individuals for some time, and understand the effect.
Staci DiMattia is a licensed independent practitioner in New Jersey with over 25 years of professional work experience in multiple clinical settings–with 17 of those years as a therapist; helping clients with a variety of concerns, including but not limited to stress and anxiety, mood disorder-related symptoms, substance abuse and recovery, relationship issues, coping with life changes, pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum difficulties, as well as interpersonal and family conflicts. Born and raised in New Jersey, Staci completed her undergraduate and graduate work at Rutgers University, New Brunswick and Monmouth University, respectively. She has worked in a variety of settings throughout her career as a behavioral health clinician, and when she isn't working, dedicates a great deal of her time within her community. A common theme throughout both her professional and private life is in providing assistance and support to individuals, children and families by meeting them wherever they are, with the hope that she will leave them in a better place from when they initially found each other.
Staci works with her clients to create a relationship of trust within an open, inclusive and safe environment, where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step toward seeking a more fulfilling and happier life is a STRENGTH--as it is an important and healthy step toward wellness! She is here and will be glad to support you with this process--if you are willing to reach out and ready to do some work, schedule an appointment with Staci today!
My own experiences with trauma allow me to offer deeper empathy and understanding, and because I know the courage it takes to seek...
My own experiences with trauma allow me to offer deeper empathy and understanding, and because I know the courage it takes to seek help, I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where every client feels heard, valued, and appreciated.
I am an LCSW, LCADC, CCS, and SAP with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Substance Abuse Counseling from Ramapo College of NJ (2012), and a Master's degree in Social Work with a concentration in Substance Abuse Counseling from Rutgers University. I have extensive experience across inpatient, IOP, and PHP levels of care, working with individuals ages 10 through adulthood, and progressed from therapist to Clinical Director. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders, and am committed to providing compassionate, client-centered care.
I utilize a range of evidence-based modalities, primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing. Through compassion, empathy, and collaborative effort, I support individuals in their healing process and am honored to walk alongside them on their journey toward lasting wellness.
Taking the first step toward support can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. I strive to create a warm, safe, and supportive space where you feel heard and valued. Healing is possible, and together we can work toward meaningful growth and lasting change at a pace that feels right for you.
As one who has experienced personal trauma and loss, I have an authentic understanding of how we are impacted by painful life circ...
As one who has experienced personal trauma and loss, I have an authentic understanding of how we are impacted by painful life circumstances and building new life skills can empower us once again.
I strive to provide a warm and relaxed atmosphere that fosters trust in order to facilitate meaningful discussion of the issues that may be eroding one's well-being and optimism. In this calm and trusting environment, individuals, couples, and families can work toward understanding the root causes of trauma, negativity, depression, anxiety, and conflict. Together we will work to build coping and mindfulness skills, flexibility, resiliency, acceptance, and a positive communication style vital for healthy relationships and a more meaningful, fulfilled life.
I use CBT, TFCBT, DBT, Nurtured Heart, Nurturing Parenting, Mindfulness, Seeking Safety, and HRT with CBIT to treat: PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, ODD, Tourette syndrome, Asperger's syndrome, autism, grief, family conflict, divorce, self-harming, sexual/physical/emotional abuse, life transitions, parenting, and women's issues.
I hope to find a trusting and safe space and relationship to support you in moving forward in your life in the best possible way by providing you tools to do so. I encourage you to take the next step in scheduling an appointment with me to see if we would be a good match in working towards your emotional goals.
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 tee...
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.
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.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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My go-to approach for treating anxiety is to first calm down the nervous system that is in survival mode. The second would be to identify and understand what is triggering the anxiety. Then, I would dig deeper into understanding how these triggers came to be something anxiety-provoking. Finally, I would address these triggers not only through cognitive exploration but also by delving into the emotional, somatic, and relational dimensions.
I teach the following tools in anxiety therapy: psychoeducation, emotion regulation, cognitive reframing, distress tolerance skills, reality testing, some tools from ERP (exposure response prevention), parts work, and trauma processing.
I know a client is making meaningful progress in anxiety therapy when they are able to sit with their anxiety, face it, and work through it, and as a result experience a decrease in anxiety response to triggers.
Clients can supplement their time in anxiety therapy by practicing mindfulness and regulation skills outside of therapy, engaging daily in activities that calm down one's nervous system, since it is really helpful in treating anxiety (for example art, yoga, massages, nature walks, etc.). In addition, spending quality time with friends and families, and utilizing support groups.
To prepare for your first anxiety therapy session, you can just come in with an open mind, curiosity, and a desire to learn and heal.
Anxiety therapy helps people better understand and manage their anxiety. Anxiety therapists at Thriveworks in Toms River, NJ can develop a treatment plan that will help you better manage your day-to-day anxiety or your anxiety disorder.
Anxiety therapy involves talking to a therapist about symptoms, potential causes, and more. Thriveworks Toms River therapists will then work with you to determine where your anxiety might stem from and teach you effective coping mechanisms.
One of the best ways to deal with anxiety is to learn about your own anxiety: your symptoms, what triggers it, and what coping mechanisms have been effective in the past. When you learn what your anxiety is tied to, it can help you be mindful of what’s really happening as well as prevent and mitigate symptoms by processing and working through the issue in therapy. Other strategies that have been shown to help manage anxiety are meditation, challenging anxious thoughts, exercising, and journaling.
Common symptoms of anxiety include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be incredibly effective in treating anxiety and anxiety disorders. Other effective techniques include exposure therapy, Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and EMDR therapy.
Anxiety therapy is conducted both in person and online, depending on the individual’s preferences and their therapist’s availability. We suggest choosing the option that best suits your needs.
On average, people can tend to attend 15 to 20 session of anxiety therapy (five or more months). However, this number is heavily dependent on the type of anxiety that’s being treated and its severity, with many choosing to attend anxiety therapy for a longer period of time to ensure its effectiveness long-term.
Yes, it is worth going to therapy for anxiety. If you are struggling with regular anxious thoughts and feelings that are affecting your day-to-day life or you suspect that you have an anxiety disorder, you should seek expert anxiety help.
Anxiety is not a fun experience. When it is chronic or severe, it can be crippling. It can change your thought patterns, emotions, behaviors, and your simple enjoyment of life! Having chronic and/or severe anxiety is like an alarm bell living in your head that doesn’t turn off. It’s exhausting!
There is hope, though. Anxiety is treatable- it’s one of the most treatable mental illnesses out there. With Thriveworks Toms River, you don’t have to live with anxiety. Therapy isn’t magic, it’s still hard work and processing and perseverance, but it can speed up your recovery process and help build a brighter future all together.
Call 732-852-4977 for more information or to schedule an appointment today.
There is no one answer to this question. Anxiety will look different in every situation and with every person. Some people experience what is called ‘specific anxiety’, often signs of an underlying phobia. These people might experience anxiety only in specific situations, such as seeing a dog, driving, or talking to strangers. Then there is the more common and generalized form of anxiety called Generalized Anxiety Disorder. This is where there is a pervasive sense of danger throughout your life without a ton of patterns. It just exists, no matter what you do.
As always, the first step is to recognize the problem. Common symptoms of anxiety are:
The basis of counseling is the client-therapist relationship. It’s not easy opening up about mental health struggles, and it’s even harder to take steps to overcome it. Having a counselor, you trust is vital for the therapeutic process. That’s why at Thriveworks Toms River we take extra care to practice a client-first mentality. Your goals, worries, personality, dreams, fears, and lifestyle will all help shape and guide every session of our practice. After all, therapy is about you and where you want to go with your life.
At a Thriveworks Toms River anxiety counseling session, you might discuss:
Anxiety is one of the most common mental disorders, and it’s also highly treatable. That doesn’t mean it is easy or enjoyable. No one deserves to live with anxiety. Counseling in Toms River is just one tool you can use to break free of anxiety and live the happy, fulfilling life you deserve.
Thriveworks Toms River wants to thank you for the courage and vulnerability it takes to even think about reaching out. It’s not an easy step, but it’s a step that can change your life for the better. If you are ready to leave anxiety behind, give us a call at 732-852-4977. We offer evening and weekend sessions, and accept most major insurances. In addition, most new clients can meet with their provider within the same week as scheduling.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Toms River is located near Allen Street and Main Street, off Route 37. It is near the Ocean County Courthouse and Huddy Park.
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63 therapists available in New Jersey, including 6 in Toms River
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