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've been a licensed clinical social worker for over twenty five years, and in that time I've learned that most people don't come to therapy because they want to talk about their problems. They come because they're ready for something to actually change. My training is in trauma, and EMDR has been a core part of how I work for a long time now, but the bulk of my practice is with women navigating a major shift, dating again after years out of the field, going through a divorce or a breakup, becoming a mother, working through midlife issues, or dealing with work related stress and burnout. I also work with couples who are trying to figure out whether they can rebuild something or whether they're ready to move on, and either way, want to do it with more clarity than they came in with. What tends to set my work apart is that I never treat a person's background, whatever it is, as separate from what's actually going on with them clinically. That comes out of years spent developing a real depth in Jewish cultural competency the psychological impact of antisemitism , work I also train other clinicians and organizations in, but the underlying skill is the same no matter who is sitting across from me, understanding the full context someone is carrying and working with it, not around it. I've been in private practice since 2008. If you're looking for someone who takes what's going on seriously and has the years behind her to know what actually helps, I'd be glad to talk.

 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.