

Seeking therapy in Forked River? Headway's network includes providers across the area ready to support your mental health journey. With free intake consultations and availability within two weeks, you can start your path to wellness without the stress of navigating costs alone.
Stimulants, Suboxone and Benzodiazepines are prescribed in this practice with DEA guidelines. Dr. Padilla is a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the New York tri-state area and has over 30 years of experience in healthcare. He treats children from 6 years old through adulthood, focusing on psychiatric medication management. He specializes in mental health and has extensive experience in the field of psychiatry. Dr. Padilla takes a “start low and go slow” approach to prescribing, paying special attention to medication potency and potential interactions with other medications prescribed by other providers. Dr. Padilla earned his Doctorate in Clinical Practice Nursing from Rutgers University–New Brunswick. He also holds bachelor’s degrees from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and the University of Miami, as well as an associate’s degree from Bergen Community College.
My name is Marie. I am an advanced practice nurse dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey toward mental and emotional well-being. I hold an MSN from Walden University I have about 5 years of experience working in the mental health field as a nurse. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse populations, which has enriched my understanding and approach to therapy.
Akosua C. Ababio MSN, APRN,PMHNP-BC.FNP-C is a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. She trained at Northern Kentucky University in both medication management and psychotherapy. She is licensed to treat patients of all ages, from children and adolescents to adults and seniors.
My name is Khadija Fofana, and I am from West Africa. I have been in the mental health field for over 6 years and I have worked as psychiatric NP for 2+ years. I know I may not heal/solve all of your difficulties but it will be my pleasure to help you regain your stabilization. Remember mental health treatment is a process and it is one that we can achieve together. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy.
Hello, I am glad you are here. Taking the first step towards your mental health is a big step, and I want you to know that you will be welcome with kindness, understanding, and zero judgment.
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a unique background. Before becoming a provider, I spent 9 years as a registered nurse working closely with people experiencing mental health challenges. That experience taught me the importance of listening, understanding each person’s story, and treating the whole person not just the diagnosis. I earned my degree from Walden University and provide care for adolescents and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and bipolar disorder. My goal is to create a safe space where you feel heard, supported, and involved in your care.
Seeking help can feel overwhelming, especially when you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, or simply feeling stuck. My goal is to provide a space where you can show up exactly as you are—without judgment, pressure, or the feeling that you need to have everything figured out.
With advanced training in both Clinical Psychology and Psychiatric Nursing from Columbia University, along with over a decade of experience in behavioral health, I specialize in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD/trauma, and substance use disorders. I understand that symptoms rarely exist in isolation, which is why I take the time to understand the whole person—not just a diagnosis or a list of symptoms.
I believe the best outcomes happen when treatment feels like a true partnership. You bring your lived experience, and I bring clinical expertise, guidance, and support. Together, we'll work to understand the patterns behind your struggles, identify what's keeping you stuck, and develop a personalized plan that helps you move toward the life you want to live.
Whether you're looking for therapy, medication management, or a combination of both, my approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your individual needs. My goal is not only to help you feel better in the short term, but to help you build lasting insight, resilience, and confidence so that you can continue thriving long after our work together.
I’m a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with nearly two decades of experience supporting individuals and families through behavioral health and substance use challenges. My approach is grounded in trauma‐informed care, cultural sensitivity, and meeting people exactly where they are. I believe healing happens when people feel seen, heard, and supported without judgment.
I completed my Master of Science in Nursing at Monmouth University and have worked across inpatient, outpatient, community, and addiction treatment settings. My background includes detox and MAT services, crisis stabilization, care coordination, and leading interdisciplinary teams. I also serve as a clinical instructor for BSN students, which keeps me connected to education, mentorship, and the next generation of nurses.











Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Finding the right psychiatrist in Forked River starts with understanding what kind of care you need. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and in some cases provide talk therapy. If you're looking for help with anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, or medication management, a psychiatrist may be the right fit. Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) can also prescribe and manage medication and are another option available through Headway.
Because Forked River is a smaller community in Ocean County, the number of psychiatrists practicing locally is limited. Many residents also consider providers in nearby areas like Toms River, Manahawkin, and Barnegat — or look for virtual appointments with licensed providers elsewhere in New Jersey. Reading a provider's bio can help you understand their approach, specialties, and whether they see patients in person, virtually, or both.
Psychiatry sessions in the Forked River area can be expensive without insurance. Using your in-network benefits is one of the most reliable ways to lower your out-of-pocket costs. On Headway, you can enter your insurance details to see estimated session costs upfront, and many patients pay as low as $0 per visit. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans, making it easier to find a psychiatrist who is both the right clinical fit and covered by your plan.
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