Grief counselors and therapists in Newark, NJ

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 9 years of medical & behavioral health social work experience supporting a wide range of issues including life transitions, health issues, grief, caregiver stress, and emotional challenges. As an LCSW, I take a whole-person approach - recognizing that our mental health is shaped not just by what's happening inside us, but also by our relationships, environment, culture, and life experiences.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a deep commitment to helping individuals and families thrive. I have extensive experience supporting diverse communities across various mental health settings and take pride in creating safe, compassionate spaces for healing and growth. Known for being a collaborative team member with strong organizational skills, I bring a background in individual and group counseling, community outreach, case management, advocacy, and crisis intervention.

My approach to therapy is holistic, client-centered, and strengths-based, recognizing the connection between mind, body, and spirit in the healing process. I integrate evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and solution-focused strategies, while also encouraging self-care, balance, and personal growth beyond the therapy space. I value cultural responsiveness and view each person through a lens of resilience and possibility.

I’m passionate about empowering others to reach their fullest potential through empathy, connection, and effective, evidence-based support.

Beginning therapy is a wonderful challenge and opportunity, one that I am committed to partnering in. My work often focuses on helping clients enact change, manage symptoms, cultivate meaning and live authentically. Additionally, my therapeutic stance is open, empathic and collaborative, creating a non-judgmental space to connect in the valued areas of your life. I am committed to considering the multifaceted aspects of your identity, in understanding your lived experience and moving towards your goals.

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.