Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Highland Park, NJ covered by United Healthcare

I previously practiced law for 17 years prior to going back to school to become a therapist after witnessing the 9/11 attacks from my office window. Most recently, I worked in a group psychotherapy practice prior to starting my own private practice where I provided therapy to adolescents (and their families) and adults who struggled with, among other things, depression and anxiety, using a variety of therapeutic techniques and approaches in order to tailor treatment to fit each client’s needs.

Helping You Navigate Change with Clarity and Confidence

Are you facing a major life transition and feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain? Whether you're starting college, navigating divorce, entering retirement, or working toward recovery from substance use, I offer a safe and collaborative space to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. My approach is grounded in DBT and tailored to your unique goals, so you can build resilience and become the best version of yourself.

Specialties

• Life Transitions (college, divorce, retirement)
• Substance Use Recovery
• Stress and Anxiety
• Self-Esteem and Identity Development

Client Focus

• Age: Young Adults (18–25), Adults, Older Adults
• Communities: Inclusive and affirming for all backgrounds
• Treatment Format: Individual therapy offered exclusively via secure virtual sessions

My name is Faith Ekpo, and I am Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to adolescents, young adults, older adults. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, life transitions, overwhelmed, over-thinking, poor sleep or other life challenges, my goal is to help you feel more balanced, empowered, and equipped with the tools you need to thrive. My approach integrates medication management with psychotherapy and individualized therapeutic interventions to support each client’s unique needs and goals.

Do you often feel anxious, overwhelmed, or uncertain? Life's challenges and transitions can leave us feeling stuck, emotionally exhausted, or unsure of the next step. You don't have to face them alone.

I believe everyone deserves a space where they feel safe, heard, and genuinely understood. I provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you can openly explore your thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment.

Together, we'll identify patterns that may be holding you back, build on your existing strengths, and develop practical coping strategies that support lasting growth. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, self-esteem, or major life transitions, my goal is to help you gain clarity, build resilience, strengthen confidence, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Healing isn't about becoming someone different—it's about reconnecting with the person you are and creating a life that feels more balanced, fulfilling, and aligned with your values. I would be honored to support you on that journey.

I'm a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LCADC), and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with over 14 years of experience working in mental health and addiction treatment across northern New Jersey. I work with individuals and couples who feel overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or disconnected whether navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, relationship challenges, or major life transitions. I provide a grounded, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where clients can openly explore their experiences and begin to understand what may be getting in the way of living more fully.

***Currently accepting patients for 2nd opinion/recommendations psychiatry evaluations only at this time. Not taking new medication management patients at this time.

Hello there! Are you navigating a major life transition and feeling like your mind, body, and spirit are all trying to catch up? Maybe you’re in the thick of perimenopause, a divorce, a new job—or all three at once. Or maybe you're experiencing burn out? You may look like you’re holding it together on the outside, but inside you feel tired, anxious, and are craving a deeper healing than just a simple prescription.

My practice is designed for adult women and children in New Jersey. I love to work with people who are ready to feel heard, supported, and treated as a whole person; promoting care that sees the full person, not just the symptoms.

I am passionate about working with people who are open to getting to know themselves better, or getting to know themselves at all, or again! If you’ve been dismissed or overlooked before, I want you to know that this space is different. Here, your process matters. Your story matters. And together, we’ll move toward something more grounded, more peaceful, and more you. If you’re ready to feel like yourself again or meet yourself for the first time, reach out—I’d love to support you!

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.

I've been working in the field for over 15 years, I spent a lot of that time in community mental health. This experience gave me a wealth of experience and made me a well balanced therapist.

In my free time, I love watching sports, traveling and spending as much time as possible with my sassy little toddler.