Optum Therapists in Rahway, NJ

Educational Background: I earned my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Montclair State University, and my Bachelor's degree in Psychology, with a minor in Cultural Anthropology. Throughout my graduate and undergraduate internships, I gained experience working with a variety of ages and populations, from children and adults with developmental disabilities, to adults of all ages with chronic mental illness. I have over 10 years of experience in Case Management, as well as supervisory experience in the field of Human and Social Services.

My ideal client needs help with the services I specialize in. I typically consider the client's current habits and strengths to guide us on where to start goal setting. Showing up to therapy is a huge step, and I commend any client who takes that initiative.

My ideal client is a young adult aged between 18-30. Their issues and needs may look like learning how to control anxiety symptoms, increasing emotion regulation and distress tolerance while improving mindfulness. This client is motivated and willing to work with the therapist to learn how to change their life to meet their goals.

Hello! My name is Dr. Chelece-Atavia Brown, a Pre-Licensed Social Worker (LSW) for New Jersey and a certified facilitator in Teen Mental Health First Aid by the National Council of Well-Being. I have experience in providing therapeutic services for children, teens, adults, couples, and groups. I assist high-achieving Black women and men with navigating life stressors. I'm passionate about bridging the gap between faith and mental health to increase an individual's quality of life.

My Ideal client would be someone willing to put in the work to achieve their goals. My ideal client may be struggling with self-esteem, body image, or relationship issues. They may be in a relationship that contributes to their low self-esteem and want to find the strength and confidence they need in order to leave it behind.

My ideal client is female, male, or nonbinary and is kind and generous, has good ethics, and loves to help others. They have been experiencing low self-esteem and have been numbing out emotions through food, technology, work, or other distractions. Their numbing-out practices have held them back from being their authentic self, productivity with work, maintaining healthy and loving friendships and relationships, having enough energy, and their overall self-esteem. They are ready to commit to putting in the work in therapeutic services to help them develop and maintain healthier coping skills.

Are you feeling overwhelmed due to challenges with navigating stressors in life? Are traumatic experiences preventing you from moving forward in life? Are you feeling misunderstood and feel that your voice isn't being heard? Are you stuck and not sure which direction to turn to? Therapy is about being in a safe and non-judgmental space that will consist of addressing these concerns. I will be here to support you in taking proactive steps to improve your overall quality of life.

My ideal client is someone motivated to improve their life & well-being. They would be open to exploring various therapeutic techniques and strategies to better help them understand their issues, whether it be communication, relationships, anxiety, or depression. My clients will want to cultivate skills to help them navigate their challenges and take more control over their lives. Additionally, my clients will value a therapist who provides support and a nonjudgmental environment but also challenges them.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor with over 20 years in the clinical setting. My mission is to help individuals and their families become healthier in order to have a better quality of life. I use a holistic approach, blending elements from different modalities in order to tailor treatment to clients' individual needs. I treat a wide range of mental health and addiction issues, though my expertise is in mood and anxiety disorders as well as substance use disorders.

My ideal client is one who is willing to explore uncomfortable areas in their life and understand that vulnerability is part of the process. One of the most important parts of therapy to me is highlighting accountability and what roles we play in our own lives. I enjoy working with clients who are struggling with relationship issues, self-esteem, irrational thinking, and life adjustments. A client who can pinpoint what they would like to improve in their life and request a little bit of guidance along the way is an ideal client. Their goal is not to be perfect but to improve their day-to-day life a little more each day.

Common feelings like "I don’t feel heard” or “I can’t seem to do anything right” are expressed by the couples I work with. Individual clients feel overwhelmed and stressed, “My life is changing dramatically and I’m not sure what to do next.”

I specialize in Anxiety, Depression, and relationship issues, but I also treat a multitude of issues. My ideal client is anyone on their journey, no matter how big or small. We all have wants and needs, and our feelings are valid. It takes bravery to start the therapeutic journey. Clients are here to understand, be open-minded, and find themselves.

My ideal clients are moms struggling with anxiety and looking for support through their transition to motherhood. These women are looking for encouragement and need support as they learn to trust their own intuition.

My ideal client would be a middle-aged woman struggling with depression and anxiety and grieving the loss of a child, husband, or a close family member. I would start by assessing her needs and using the Beck depression inventory scale and the Beck depression anxiety inventory scale. I would use grounding techniques and CBT, such as scheduling activities, positive affirmations, and psycho-education on depression and anxiety. I would also encourage journaling, writing five things for which they are thankful daily, and writing letters to the deceased person.

My ideal client could range in any issues. What is more important to me is they are ready and willing to do the work in navigating their challenges and is ready to better themselves. My ideal client is ready to talk and explore different angles of their struggles and is willing to express what is working and what doesn't work for them so we can find tuned treatment and continue to show progress.

I am a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) specializing in the treatment of trauma and addictions. I am passionate about walking clients through the healing journey, and believe that through facing our struggles we are able to find and embrace our unique strengths and purpose.

My ideal client is at a place where they are ready and willing to accept their issues and want to do therapeutic work. They may have issues with depression, anxiety, or substance use. They may need to work on self-acceptance, medication management, or developing and implementing coping skills.

My ideal client is simply a client who is ready to make a change. No matter the presenting problem, all I need from my client is an open mind and a readiness for change.

My ideal client is someone who feels like their life just isn’t working - maybe they’re struggling with unresolved anxiety and depression or leaning on alcohol or marijuana a little too much to cope with everyday stressors. Maybe they’re going through a big life transition or just aren’t satisfied with their relationships. Whatever their current issues are, this person wants to feel better but doesn’t know how to get there. They are open to therapy and ready to see where it could lead them.