What therapy is and how it helps
Therapy, also called talk therapy, psychotherapy, or counseling, is a confidential, structured conversation with a licensed clinician who helps you understand what you are going through and build practical skills to feel better. People come to therapy for many reasons: anxiety, low mood, stress, relationships, big life changes, or simply feeling stuck. You do not need a diagnosis or a crisis to benefit. At Family Psychiatry & Therapy, our therapists work alongside our psychiatrists, so that if medication ever becomes part of the picture, talk therapy and medical care stay coordinated rather than handled in separate silos.
Types of therapy we offer
Our licensed therapists use proven, evidence based approaches, matched to what you actually need. Common approaches include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings, and behavior
- Supportive and talk therapy for stress, grief, and life transitions
- Skills based work for anxiety, mood, and managing strong emotions
We provide therapy for individuals, and also family therapy and couples therapy and therapy for children, teens, and young adults.
Therapist, counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist: which do you need?
These titles are often used interchangeably, but they describe different roles. A quick guide:
- Therapist or counselor. A licensed clinician, such as an LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) or LPC (licensed professional counselor), who provides talk therapy. This is the core of what our therapy team does.
- Psychologist. A doctoral level clinician (PhD or PsyD) who provides therapy and formal psychological testing. Psychologists in New Jersey do not prescribe medication.
- Psychiatrist. A medical doctor (MD or DO) who can diagnose mental health conditions and, when appropriate, prescribe and manage medication.
At Family Psychiatry & Therapy, therapy is provided by our licensed therapists and counselors, and our psychiatrists handle diagnosis and medication when it is needed. If you are not sure which kind of care fits, our intake team can help you figure out where to start.
Our therapists
Your care is delivered by experienced, licensed clinicians, including licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), licensed social workers (LSW), and licensed professional counselors (LPC). You can read more about the people who provide your care on our meet our care team page.
A therapist near you, in Bergen County and across New Jersey
Our practice is based at 351 Evelyn Street in Paramus, New Jersey, in the heart of Bergen County. We offer in-person therapy for patients in Bergen County and the surrounding area, and secure telehealth sessions for patients throughout New Jersey and New York. For many people, telehealth removes real barriers, such as driving, parking, and time away from work, while still providing a thorough, unhurried session from the comfort of home.
If you have been searching for a therapist near you, our intake team can talk through scheduling, insurance, and whether in-person or telehealth makes the most sense for your situation.
What a first therapy appointment looks like
Your first session is an unhurried conversation about what brought you in, your history, and your goals. Your therapist will work with you to understand what is going on and to shape a plan that fits your life. There are no wrong answers, and there is no pressure to commit to anything beyond understanding what would help. Much of our care is delivered through secure telehealth, which works well for ongoing therapy, and in-person visits in Bergen County are available when that is a better fit.
Concerns we help with
People work with our therapists on a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression and low mood, stress and burnout, ADHD, relationships and family dynamics, grief, and life transitions. If medication might help, a psychiatric evaluation is a simple next step to explore that with one of our psychiatrists.
Insurance and getting started
Family Psychiatry & Therapy is in-network with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna, and works with several other carriers. Many patients with Medicare or other plans also have coverage for therapy. Our intake team can verify your benefits and explain expected costs before your first appointment, so there are no surprises.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a therapist near me in New Jersey?
If you live in New Jersey, you can meet with one of our licensed therapists in person at our Paramus office in Bergen County, or by secure telehealth from anywhere in New Jersey or New York. The simplest first step is to call our intake team, who can match you with a therapist and answer questions about insurance and availability.
What is the difference between a therapist, a counselor, a psychologist, and a psychiatrist?
A therapist or counselor is a licensed clinician, such as an LCSW or LPC, who provides talk therapy. A psychologist is a doctoral level clinician who provides therapy and psychological testing and does not prescribe medication in New Jersey. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication. At Family Psychiatry and Therapy, our therapy is provided by licensed therapists and counselors, and our psychiatrists handle diagnosis and medication when it is needed.
Do you offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?
Yes. Our therapists use evidence based approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), along with supportive and skills based therapy, matched to your goals and what you are working through.
Can I do therapy online in New Jersey?
Yes. Much of our therapy is delivered through secure telehealth, which works well for ongoing sessions across New Jersey and New York. In-person therapy in Bergen County is available when that is a better fit.
Do you accept insurance?
Family Psychiatry and Therapy is in-network with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna, and works with several other carriers. Many patients with Medicare or other plans also have coverage for therapy. Our intake team can verify your benefits and explain expected costs before your first appointment.
How soon can I start therapy?
New patients are often seen within about a week. Availability varies, so the best way to get a specific time is to call our intake team, who can find the soonest appointment that fits your schedule and your insurance.
Start therapy with us
If you have been putting off getting help, you do not have to sort it out alone. Talking with a licensed therapist is a clear, supportive first step. Call (201) 977-2889 or visit familypsychnj.com to schedule with our intake team. We offer in-person therapy in Bergen County and secure telehealth across New Jersey and New York.