Find a therapist in East Brunswick, NJ — covered by insurance

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 19 years of experience, I provide culturally sensitive care to those navigating depression, anxiety, life transitions, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

My ideal client is someone who has been carrying a lot of anxiety that feels constant, sadness that lingers, or the impact of past experiences that still shape their day-to-day life. They may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves. What they want most is to feel understood, supported, and capable of navigating life with more ease. They want relief from the weight they carry, but they also want to reconnect with their strengths, build confidence, and live in a way that feels authentic to them. My ideal client doesn’t need to have all the answers they just need the courage to take the first step.

Hello, I'm Jackelyn Alvarez, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in New Jersey. I earned my Masters of Social Work degree from Rutgers University in 2017. With several years of experience, I've worked across diverse settings including Respite care, Supportive housing, Outpatient clinic, and Intensive In Community Counseling. Fluent in Spanish, I also have extensive experience conducting telehealth sessions. I've worked with individuals of all ages, from children to geriatric populations.

I follow the concept that therapy can heal emotional pain, improve relationships and increase self-understanding. Beginning therapy can often be intimidating, but can make a big difference in your ability to cope with challenges or make sense of what has happened so you can gather the skills to move forward. I am open to addressing unresolved or present barriers in your life, guide and help you make sense out of your own thoughts ideas and conflicts (situational).

Welcome! Allow me to introduce myself! I am a dually licensed professional counselor and I use a combination of CBT and client centered approaches to help my clients! - it wouldn’t be unlike me to ask what your “theme song” is! I’ve been working in the mental health field for over 20 years using play, music and art to facilitate growth! Occasionally my kitty Booger likes to pop up and say hi!

Hi, my name is Tammy Payne, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy. I offer telehealth therapy to adults throughout New Jersey and work with individuals navigating a variety of life challenges, including relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, infertility, and other stressors that can impact emotional well-being and daily functioning.

I believe that one of the most important aspects of therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel comfortable being yourself. Clients often describe me as warm, approachable, and easy to talk to. I strive to provide a balance of compassion, honesty, and practical guidance while helping clients gain insight, build resilience, and create meaningful change in their lives.

Welcome! I specialize in evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders, ADHD, Autism, trauma-related concerns, grief, and life transitions. I work with clients across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, adults, first responders, veterans, and families seeking structured support and meaningful change.

I use compassion, warmth, and a touch of humor to help clients feel safe, understood, and at ease during our work together. I also strive to create a supportive environment where clients can explore challenges without judgment and reconnect with their strengths.

Therapeutically, I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed practices, psychodynamic approaches, DBT skills, mindfulness, and strengths-based coaching to support clarity, healing, and growth at each client’s pace.

Inspired by the Tibetan Buddhist concept of the Four Immeasurables—happiness, joy, compassion, and equanimity—my practice reflects a commitment to cultivating emotional resilience and deeper wellbeing in everyday life.

Whether you're seeking support through stress, trauma, neurodivergence, identity development, or life transitions, my role is to walk with you, guide you, and help you discover meaningful change from the inside out.