Therapists in Highland Park, NJ

Board-Certified Psychiatrist | Forensic Specialist | Psychotherapist With over 15 years of clinical psychiatry experience, including a decade in forensic psychiatry, I deliver comprehensive, patient-centered mental health care. Board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, I bring expertise in psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication management to my practice. Specializations: Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Medication Management Philosophy: Most psychiatric illnesses are treatable, and high-quality, consistent care can significantly improve symptoms and overall functioning

 I help people manage life’s transitions with less worry. Anxiety can often cloud our sense of who we are and make relationships and decisions difficult. With support and tools, together we can work to find coping strategies and sort through the tricky parts of being human. It is my goal to provide a warm, compassionate, sometimes humor-filled space to do this emotional work. I work from a supportive, client-centered, strength- based perspective. I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and am a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional.  

My approach is grounded in providing empathetic and informative support. I aim to empower individuals with knowledge and practical tools. I am dedicated to practicing cultural humility and remaining sensitive to cultural differences. I strive to treat everyone with respect, compassion, and an open mind, fostering a safe and inclusive space for all.

I am on a continual search for understanding what it truly means to be human.​ I believe that each of us carries an inner wisdom that guides us toward growth and authenticity. In a world full of distractions and external pressures, it’s easy to lose touch with that voice. In our work together, I’ll help you reconnect with yourself, uncover what really matters to you, and make choices that reflect your values and needs.

Welcome! I’m Dr. James Samala, your dedicated partner in mental health care. With eight years of experience, my goal is to empower you by creating a space where your choices guide the journey. Blending medication with lifestyle changes such as nutrition and exercise, I honor your independence every step of the way. Supporting children, teens, and young adults facing today’s challenges like school stress and social media, I am here to guide families in establishing open communication and resilience. Whether it's anxiety, depression, Autism, ADHD, or behavioral issues, I am fully committed to crafting personalized plans to nurture self-esteem and strength. In my practice, open dialogue is essential. I ensure your voice is always heard, giving you confidence in your treatment journey. Together, let's cultivate a fulfilling and emotionally vibrant life for you and your family. Treatment philosophy: My treatment philosophy is centered on a holistic and compassionate approach to mental health. I believe in partnering with my patients, addressing not just symptoms but their overall well-being. Communication and trust are essential; I create a warm environment where patients feel safe to share. I focus on individualized treatment plans that combine therapy, medication, exercise, nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle changes. By educating families and promoting informed decisions, we tackle challenges together. With experience in various psychiatric conditions, I adapt evidence-based therapies to meet each person's needs. My goal is to empower patients and support them on their journey to recovery.

Meet Michael, a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a focus on compassionate and patient-centered care. Michael has been a vital part of the Compassionate Care Mental Health Services team since March 2024, providing thoughtful evaluations and essential treatment for conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, and ADHD. He not only manages medications but also offers supportive therapy to ensure his patients feel heard and valued. Michael also contributes to Oasis Mental Health Centers, specializing in major depression, panic disorder, anxiety, OCD treatments with medications, and also utilizing advanced methods such as Spravato nasal spray and TMS evaluations. With a keen eye for patient follow-ups and progress, he ensures that every individual receives personalized attention. Previously, as a Staff Nurse at St. Mary's General Hospital, Michael excelled in patient assessments, medication management, and wound care. He provided critical education and support to patients and their families, making healthcare accessible and understandable. His ability to respond effectively in emergencies and collaborate with healthcare teams sets him apart. An active member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Michael is known for his patience, kindness, and dedication to evidence-based outcomes. With Michael, you're in caring and capable hands, committed to your well-being every step of the way.

I am a creative arts therapist, trained in Psychological Counseling, Expressive Therapy, and Music Therapy. I have been working with clients in different settings, including inpatient psychiatry, school, and private practice since 2003. I use music, the arts, talk therapies, and mindfulness practices to help my clients deal with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, life transition, grief and loss. Through my empathetic and client-centered counseling programs, I will help you find inner growth, self-awareness, focus and structure in your life. Are you feeling down and depressed because of seemingly insurmountable challenges in your personal or work life? As a music therapist and licensed creative arts therapist, I can offer you a unique opportunity to transform your life through music and the arts in ways that will uplift and encourage you to overcome issues that are hampering your progress. I aim to build a safe and therapeutic space for you to explore your day-to-day life experiences, emotions, and thoughts through creative processes that will enable you to achieve your lifetime goals and establish structure, purpose, and contentment in your life. We will work together to develop mechanisms to cope with issues and bring about positive change. I am an in-network provider for Cigna and 1199SEIU

Welcome, I'm glad you're here. You're taking a big step for yourself. My main ways of thinking that I lean towards are: compassion-focused, psychodynamic, attachment styles, and emotion-focused. I've been described by clients as patient, having a positive unconditional regard, and being able to challenge them to help them take steps toward growth. This process isn't always easy. My goal is to create a place where you can feel seen, safe, challenged, and supported, so that we can create lasting change. My approach leans toward being more direct and inquisitive, but with compassion. For releasing emotions, beliefs and trauma from the body I use the somatic and neurological technique of Brainspotting.

Hello there! I'm Dr. Henrietta O. Okpala, your friendly neighborhood Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I'm all about giving you the kind of mental health care that feels like it's made just for you and your loved ones. My mission? To be there for everyone who needs help, especially those in tough spots like shelters or with limited means. My nursing career kicked off with top honors, and I didn't stop there—I went on to master the world of psychiatry and even got my Doctorate. But it's not just about the diplomas on my wall; it's about making sure you get the latest and greatest in mental health care. Since 2015, I've been at the helm of Bridge to Care, steering us towards cool tech like video chats for therapy sessions—because getting help should be easy, wherever you are. And don't worry about insurance headaches; we've got that covered with a bunch of providers. I've worked in all sorts of places, from big city hospitals to cozy clinics, helping everyone from kids to grandparents—and everyone in between. No matter what you're dealing with, I've got the tools and know-how to help you tackle it head-on. I'm a big believer in looking at the big picture; your mind and body go hand-in-hand. So when we team up, you'll get a care plan that's as unique as you are, mixing different ways to get you feeling your best. In short: I'm here to back you up with top-notch care and support as we walk the road to wellness together. Ready to start feeling better? Let's do this!

Finding a safe space where you can let go of worry about being judged or accepted is hard. I hope to provide you the ease, comfort, and safety in the virtual therapy room you've been seeking. I am a licensed psychotherapist and certified yoga instructor with a virtual private practice based in New York State. I specialize in LGBTQIA+ matters, women's obstacles, and race and identity concerns. My work entails deconstructing white supremacy, patriarchy, capitalism, and colonization as it relates to your identity. I offer a unique and holistic approach to therapy by integrating yoga and meditation into your experience. Each session with me begins with a personalized yoga practice, transitions to talk therapy, and closes with a guided meditation. As a compassion-focused therapist, I hope to help you develop a compassionate self while building hard skills you can use in your day to day.