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60 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 child therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
As one who has experienced personal trauma and loss, I have an authentic understanding of how we are impacted by painful life circ...
About
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.
Education and training
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As a seasoned individual, I have found that age and experience allows us to see things with a different perspective and recognize ...
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.
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.
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 helping kids in child therapy is DBT. I find the best benefit in DBT is that many different coping skills can be taught through it. The coping skills could help with many different diagnoses and symptoms.
I teach the following tools in child therapy: 4 square breathing, weighing pros and cons, searching for 5 things of a specific color, searching for 5 things of a specific shape, counting, TIPs, worry stones, “Aaron's Putty” and journaling (I explain how journals and diaries are different), and giving clients the words to help identify genuine emotions.
I know a client is making meaningful progress in child therapy when they are able to identify triggers associated with their symptoms and they can use the different coping skills as if they are second nature and there are positive results.
Clients can supplement their time in child therapy by practicing the different coping skills learned in sessions, doing the assigned DBT homework, and writing down questions they may want to address during the next session.
To prepare for their first child therapy session, a child can attend the session with an open mind and understand that the therapeutic atmosphere is a judgment-free zone. Come prepared to ask questions.
Child therapy, also known as counseling for kids, helps young individuals better understand and manage the challenges that affect their mental health. Common challenges amongst kids include behavioral issues, trauma, bullying, depression, and anxiety. All ages of children can attend and benefit from child therapy at Thriveworks Toms River.
Child therapy works by using multiple techniques tailored to fit the child’s needs based on their age group, their challenges, and the severity of their challenges. It might involve play therapy for younger kids or cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, Thriveworks child therapists in Toms River, NJ have the expertise and experience to help kids at their level.
Child therapy is a type of therapy meant for clients within a specific age group, while play therapy is an approach to therapy that helps children with self-expression and stress relief, among others. Play therapy is a technique that is often used in child therapy to help children express what’s running through their minds when they do not have the words to express their thoughts and emotions. It can get children to express what’s wrong, what might be causing unwanted behaviors, or what they might need in a way that is accessible to them so that therapists can then work to treat the issue.
It’s not always obvious when a child should see a therapist for their behavior, though in the midst of challenges like divorce, loss, bullying, and other mental health conditions, it’s often a good idea to seek it out. Common behaviors that can indicate a need for child therapy include separation anxiety, bedwetting (at inappropriate ages), and agitation/excessive irritability — especially if it reaches a point of physical violence.
Cognitive behavioral therapy at Thriveworks in Toms River, NJ is one of the best types of therapy for children. However, it can be administered in child therapy sessions in a variety of ways that are more accessible to young minds, such as play therapy.
Child therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The length of child therapy depends on your child’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, child therapy sessions will last for several months.
At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.
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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60 therapists available in New Jersey, including 6 in Toms River
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