Find a psychiatrist in Ramsey, NJ — covered by insurance

At Child and Adolescent Psychiatry of Southern New Jersey, we specialize in psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults, and we've spent decades doing this work at every level — from a child struggling to focus in school, to complex cases involving severe autism, suicidal behavior, substance use, and everything in between. We don't cherry-pick the easy cases. We show up for the hard ones.

What makes us different: We're not content to offer what every other practice offers. We are constantly evolving — because psychiatry is evolving — and we believe our patients deserve access to the most advanced, effective tools available anywhere.

With over 28 years of nursing experience, I have dedicated my career to providing

compassionate, patient-centered care across a variety of healthcare settings. Emergency nursing

was my passion for much of my career, where I developed strong clinical skills, critical thinking

abilities, and a deep commitment to supporting patients and families during some of life's most challenging moments.

As my professional journey evolved, I discovered a profound interest in psychiatric nursing and

the transformative impact of mental health care. This passion led me to advance my education

and become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

Today, I specialize in the treatment of grief, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders,

recovery, and more. I am committed to creating a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where

individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered in their healing journey. My approach

combines clinical expertise with empathy, helping patients develop the tools and resilience

needed to achieve improved mental wellness and a better quality of life.

Drawing on nearly three decades of nursing experience, I strive to provide comprehensive,

evidence-based care that addresses the unique needs of each individual while fostering hope,

growth, and lasting recovery.

-Hello! I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over five years of experience working with individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health conditions. Since becoming certified in 2021, I have been dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered mental health care.

I work with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults (ages 6 and up), and I have experience treating conditions such as ADHD, major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and panic attacks.

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.

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.

If you're a parent worried about your child, or a young person trying to keep it together — I see you, and I'm here to help.

Maybe your child is melting down in ways you can't explain. Maybe your teen is shutting down, struggling at school, or carrying something heavy that nobody's been able to name yet. Maybe you've tried to get help before and it didn't quite fit. Whatever brought you here, you're not overreacting — and you don't have to keep navigating this alone.

Brenda is a certified psychiatric mental health practitioner with 25 years of experience working in nursing. Her nursing philosophy centers on providing compassionate, comprehensive, patient-focus care using a holistic approach. She believes in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms of their mental illness.