Welcome to The Mental Mediator, your trusted partner in outpatient mental health counseling. Our experienced team of counselors is dedicated to providing you with the support and guidance you need on your journey to mental wellness. We offer a safe and confidential space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions, and work towards positive life changes.
Dr. Lajewski is a dedicated physician who embraces a holistic approach to healthcare, emphasizing the importance of overall body wellness. He earned his medical degree in Internal Medicine from Rutgers University Medical School in 1999 and completed his residency at Yale University Medical Center in 2002.
A decorated Lieutenant Colonel Chief Medical Officer/Flight Surgeon and Army Ranger in the United States Army, Dr. Lajewski served with distinction through 4 combat deployments before being honorably discharged in 2013 having attained the distinction of Army Ranger. His military service reflects his leadership, resilience, and deep commitment to patient care under the most challenging conditions.
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He also brings a wealth of experience as a private healthcare consultant for the past 25 years, where he provides expert guidance to improve patient care and enhance patient outcomes. He is widely respected for building strong, trusting relationships with his patients and for his unwavering dedication to quality care and continuous improvement. Passionate about long-term health and well-being, he remains at the forefront of medical advancements, ensuring his patients benefit from the latest evidence-based treatments and best practices.
Dr. Wayne (MD)
Makaela (LAC)
Under Supervision
Makaela earned my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Monmouth University, where she truly cherished her time and completed a specialty in Spirituality Counseling. Her primary therapeutic orientations are psychodynamic, existential, and somatic therapy, and she also incorporates DBT, CBT, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy when they’re the right fit for each individual.
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At the heart of Makaela's work is a commitment to meeting clients exactly where they are and providing a genuinely nonjudgmental, grounded space. She believes the therapeutic relationship comes before any specific technique—healing happens when clients feel safe, understood, and connected. Therapy isn’t about forcing a process; it’s about walking alongside you as you uncover what you want for your life, offering tools and support that help you move toward your most authentic and fulfilling path.
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You can come to Makaela with anything—from a rough morning and a botched Starbucks order, to experiences of deep pain or trauma. She especially loves working with individuals who have experienced trauma, struggle with self-worth, come from families affected by addiction, or are navigating grief.
Makaela is here to hold space, support your growth, and help you create a life that feels meaningful and true to you.
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Speak with our administrative staff to see if you are in-network.
Out-of-Network, (reimbursed by most insurance companies)
​Self-pay
Under Supervision
Chad (LPC)
Chad retired from the Air Force in 2022, after serving for 20 years. He understands the unique stressors and challenges associated with military service and how these can impact family dynamics. Chad is ready to help both military personnel and their family members navigate these challenges.
In 2020, Chad earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grace College and was recently awarded his Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license. He offers online video sessions using HIPAA-compliant software, based on the client’s needs.
Chad primarily operates from a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) framework, but also incorporates techniques such as solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness. He has experience working with children, teenagers, adults, and couples. His goal is to create a safe environment to help you achieve your goals and manage your stressors.
Robert (LPC)
Robert has been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2018. He graduated from Seton Hall University with Masters in Counseling and an Educational Specialist in Mental Health Counseling in 2012. He has experience working with clients whom have co-occurring mental health conditions and addiction for Rutgers University: University Behavioral Health Care since December of 2014. He also worked part time in their Acute Partial-Hospitalization Program as a habilitation counselor and clinician doing individual and group psychotherapy as well as experience in their Employee Assistance program working with college students, teachers, first responders (EMTs), and couples. Additionally, he has experience maintaining evening telehealth counseling via his own practice; The Motivational Counseling Center of New Jersey. Robert specializes in motivational interviewing as well as Mindfulness and acceptance based therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Cognitive Behavioral therapy in helping clients work on manage ways to define and work towards their own goals.
Samantha (LPC)
Samantha is a Licensed Professional Counselor and received her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rowan University. Samantha has clinical experience in an intensive outpatient setting for clients struggling with substance abuse issues. She assisted clients in building motivation, developing healthy coping skills, and creating relapse prevention plans.
Samantha utilizes various techniques in her counseling approach in order to fit your individualized needs. As Samantha believes counseling is not a "one-size-fits-all" approach, she collaborates with you to determine the most effective treatment modality. Samantha combines a client-centered approach with CBT and mindfulness techniques in order to assist clients with distorted thinking while validating them in the process. Samantha's primary clinical focus is treating anxiety and depression.
Samantha works with a wide variety of client issues, including but not limited to: Autism/ADHD, anger, anxiety, bipolar and unipolar depression, behavioral concerns, grief and loss, trauma/PTSD, relationship distress, stress management, communication building, and divorce reaction.
Samantha believes a strong therapeutic alliance is the most predictive aspect of a client's prognosis. Her goal is to validate your thoughts and emotions while assisting you in creating attainable goals and providing techniques and interventions to aid in achieving them!
Travis (LAC)
Under Supervision
Travis is a Licensed Associate Counselor as well as a National Certified Counselor ( NCC) who holds his Master's degree in Counseling from Stockton University. He also holds his Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a Mental Health concentration, also from Stockton University. Travis has experience working with a range of populations including: LGBTQ+, older adults, and individuals with anxiety and depression.
Being a disabled wheelchair user and part of the LGBTQ+ community himself, as well as being neurodivergent, Travis knows what it’s like to be told who he is by others. He also understands the complexities of the human experience, and how the many intersections of our lives create our identity, but also may be overlooked in society. Travis wants his clients to be comfortable and confident in being their authentic selves. Travis provides a person-centered and feminist approach to counseling. He believes that his clients have the power within themselves to create the life that they desire.
​Travis also looks at the messages in society that may be influencing us, such as gender roles and gender norms, and he creates a warm space where empathy is at the forefront. Travis provides a safe space for growth, healing, and discovery. He is happy to be with you on your journey.
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Speak with our administrative staff to see if you are in-network.
Out-of-Network, (reimbursed by most insurance companies)
​Self-pay
Under Supervision
Ashton received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from Midwestern State University in 2019 before getting my Master of Social Work, with a concentration in mental health and substance abuse, from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2021. She has experience working with a variety of clients, including those who struggle with anxiety disorders, depression, grief and loss, and complex medical needs. She meets her clients where they are by providing a safe space for them to be vulnerable and together, you are able to address the barriers that are impacting their quality of life. She recognizes that each individual has unique goals and needs, so her approach to therapy is person-centered, which recognizes the client as the expert in their own life. Her preferred treatment modalities include CBT, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and motivational interviewing.
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Speak with our administrative staff to see if you are in-network.
Out-of-Network, (reimbursed by most insurance companies)
​Self-pay
Ashton (LCSW)
Ashley (LAMFT)
Under Supervision
Ashley wonders if you ever feel like you’ve become a side character in your own life? People, places, or situations can seem to take center stage. It’s time to change that. Our history cannot be re-written, but our future has the potential to be meaningful and exciting.
Ashley is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT). She is a graduate of Capella University with an MS in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy. Throughout the years, she has worked as a nanny, case manager, and career readiness instructor. What do these jobs have in common? Each involves working with individuals of various backgrounds, addressing challenging life situations, and assisting those with a desire for change. Whether working towards reconnecting with a partner, trying to understand your adolescent better, or reunifying family members, Ashley works with individuals, couples, and families to navigate the different “-ships” in their lives. Ashley has experience with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults working through various challenges: ADHD, Autism, ODD, Adjustment disorders, Anxiety disorders, Depression, Grief, Ineffective communication, and more.
Counseling/Therapy can provide a safe space to begin working towards resolving past hurts, communication issues in all areas of one’s life, and an avenue to manage all that life throws at you while striving for a hopeful future. Ashley is a champion for opportunity and believes in supporting people in taking accountability for their own decisions and lives her life encouraging others towards the changes they desire to see in their lives.
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Speak with our administrative staff to see if you are in-network.
Out-of-Network, (reimbursed by most insurance companies)
​Self-pay
Under Supervision
Linda (LPC)
Linda's journey started in the Navy providing support to the National Science Foundation in Antarctica. This experience afforded me the opportunity to connect with people from all different backgrounds, and also led me to develop an interest in understanding more about human development.
I have worked for over 20 years with families who faced challenges navigating their lives in settings like Social Services, Mental Health and Outpatient Facilities, Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), and schools.
I hold a Master of Arts degree in Counseling and Human Services from Montclair State University, and a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from William Paterson University. Later on, I was certified as a Mental Health Counselor. I am also certified in Adult Protective Services.
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My treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness Techniques which are utilized through Telehealth.
I believe that we all have a divine purpose here on earth and my hope is that this can be achieved when you allow yourself to tap into your inner self.
Michelle
(LSCW, Clinical Supervisor)
Michelle is known to be a family oriented compassionate person known to bring healing to individuals and family systems.
Her career was initiated at Rutgers University where she graduated with her Bachelor's degree in social work. Michelle then continued her studies at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ where she completed her Master's of Social Degree in Clinical Direct Practice. From there she obtained her License in Clinical Social Work (LCSW).
Michelles’ career led her to work in direct practice with promotion to administrative roles. Her work was primarily in acute medical settings for over 26 years. She knew her professional journey would lead her to providing therapy, which was Michelles’ initial passion.
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Her therapy work has been with complex geriatric clients, behavioral health clients, and medically disabled clients. Michelle provides emotional supportive counseling based upon the unique circumstance of the case.
She is an active listener, compassionate, empathetic, and has a strong commitment to her profession for providing counseling services to the aging population.
Michelle utilizes an eclectic approach in therapeutic counseling to achieve the best interventions for her clients. Being comfortable and feeling safe are priceless for those seeking assistance.
In her free time, Michelle loves being with her family and friends. She enjoys traveling. movies, a variety of music, and the gym.
Veronica (LAC)
Under Supervision
Veronica is a Licensed Associate Counselor who received her Masters degree in Counseling from Stockton University. She also holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health and a minor in Holocaust & Genocide studies.
Veronica has obtained a variety of diverse experiences in the field. She volunteered as a Crisis Counselor for Crisis Text Line for numerous years. She acquired experience working with individuals diagnosed with mental illness such as schizophrenia in a group home setting. She also gained experience working in public elementary schools assisting students in accordance to IEPS and 504 plans.
She provides a mostly person-centered approach to counseling with added components of CBT and mindfulness. Veronica works from the understanding that people are the experts of their own lives. She strives to create a warm, non judgemental, comfortable counseling space. She views counseling as a team effort between client and counselor that helps clients to achieve their treatment goals. Veronica is comfortable seeing clients of any age and a wide variety of client issues with special interest in anxiety, depression, stress management, and relationship struggles/boundary setting.
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Speak with our administrative staff to see if you are in-network.
Out-of-Network, (reimbursed by most insurance companies)
​Self-pay
Under Supervision
Biana (LCSW)
"There is no standard normal. Normal is subjective. There are seven billion versions of normal on this planet"
Biana is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received her Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University. Biana has clinical experience working with individuals of all ages ranging from 4 years old to over 65 years old in intensive outpatient, IIC, and outpatient therapy settings. Her focus is helping clients with anxiety and depression, as well as working with those who struggle with ADHD/ADD and Bipolar Disorder.
Biana utilizes a client-centered and strength-based approach utilizing evidence-based interventions using areas of CBT and mindfulness for clients to reach their full potential. She believes therapy is a safe place for all individuals to begin their journey to change where they are able to feel heard and understood.
Beth (LAC)
Under Supervision
Beth is a Licensed Associate Counselor who received her Master of Science in Education degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. Bonaventure University. Beth’s passion is to create a warm, down-to-earth, comfortable space for each client. Beth understands how scary starting counseling can be and what a huge step this is. Beth is here to provide a safe space for you to work on anything you need, the good and the bad. Beth strives to bring genuineness, empathy, and some humor to each session. She doesn’t judge and believes it is truly an honor to hear someone’s story.
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Beth has a very person-centered approach, which means you are the expert of your life, and she is there to collaborate with you about your specific needs and goals. Beth utilizes strategies from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy and mindfulness techniques. Beth can assist you to overcome dysfunctional thinking patterns and behaviors, utilize healthy coping skills, emotion regulation, and process past experiences to aid in better understanding yourself and creating the life you want.
Beth is comfortable working with children, adolescents, and adults. She has experience working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, life transitions, divorce reactions, behavioral issues, anger management, stress, relationship issues, and self-esteem.
Beth believes everyone has the power within them to get through their struggles and achieve their goals. Change and growth is a process, and healing is not linear. Beth is here to help guide you and support you through this journey!
“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.”- Brené Brown
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Speak with our administrative staff to see if you are in-network.
Out-of-Network, (reimbursed by most insurance companies)
​Self-pay
Under Supervision
Jesse (LPC)
​​Specialties Include: ADHD, ASD, Anxiety, Depression, Motivational Enhancement, and General Wellness.
Meet Jesse! Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stockton University. He is a graduate from Rider University with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Jesse has experience working with disadvantaged youths of the city population and mandated substance abuse cases. He is trained for all types of situations ranging from anxiety and other psychological disorders, anger management, different types of drug use, family matters, emotional distress, and more. Jesse can work with all ages. He uses a very person-centered approach, meaning there is a large focus on you with the utmost positive regard. Everybody is different, but nobody is alone. Jesse believes that challenges come and go, some harder than others and that is okay. Jesse is ready to help you find what you need, work with you, understand you, and achieve your goals with you. He doesn't judge. If you just need to vent about your spilled coffee or bellow out a whole plethora of stress, Jesse is here for it.
Madison is an LAC and LAMFT candidate who received her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a focus in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University, and she also currently holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rowan University. Madison has clinical experience in working with higher levels of care in an inpatient setting, as well as working in an outpatient setting that specializes in a trauma-informed care approach. With a passion for helping individuals, couples, and families navigate through life’s challenges, Madison combines her academic knowledge with empathetic, client-centered care. Madison integrates an evidence-based method approach addressing issues such as relationship dynamics, communication difficulties, and personal growth. She is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their feelings and develop effective strategies for positive change. ​
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Speak with our administrative staff to see if you are in-network.
Out-of-Network, (reimbursed by most insurance companies)
​Self-pay
Under Supervision