Find a therapist in Toms River, NJ — covered by insurance

Welcome! Thank you for being HERE, I imagine your journey thus far has been challenging and I am here to help! I proudly earned my Doctorate of Social Work and am a compassionate LCSW with almost 20 years experience in many different clinical settings including residential, school-based, community health, outpatient and higher education. Highly skilled to work with preteens, adolescents and adults from a trauma informed lens on many different mental health issues including anxiety, depression, at-risk behaviors, life changes and transitions, anger and behavioral issues, stress, grief and loss, and, interpersonal and school-based issues. I specialize in treating clients who have multi-layered, complicated, chronic and intersecting issues from all life domains.

Licensed in NJ and PA, I provide in-person and virtual care at my offices in Ewing, Mercer County, and Newtown, Bucks County. With over 20 years of clinical experience in mental health and substance abuse, I offer a welcoming, LGBTQ+ inclusive space for my patients. I specialize in treating addiction, relationship challenges, young adult life transitions, and mood and/or anxiety disorders.

I'm a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked with diverse individuals managing a variety of challenges. I earned my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from La Salle University and I've trained in a variety of mental health settings including community mental health, hospital based psychiatric programs, and behavioral medicine settings.

At Wildflowers Within Counseling & Wellness, we are a team of real people helping real people navigate real life. From the moment you reach out, our goal is for you to feel seen, supported, and never like just a number.

We take our work seriously because this isn’t just a job for us it’s part of who we are. Every therapist on our team is thoughtfully selected not only for their clinical skill, but for their ability to show up as a genuine, compassionate human.

We offer a range of specialties including anxiety, OCD, trauma, relationship concerns, and life transitions, and we prioritize matching you with a therapist who truly fits your needs not just whoever has the next opening. If we’re not the right fit, we will always help guide you to someone who is.

With 29 years of experience in the field, I remain deeply committed to helping individuals and families impacted by the far-reaching effects of mental illness and every day life stressors. I believe meaningful change begins when clients feel safe, seen, heard and supported. I create a nurturing, emotionally safe environment and emphasizes the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship as the foundation for healing. Known for my nonjudgmental, compassionate approach.

My work is collaborative and individualized, integrating evidence-based practices through a trauma-informed and attachment-based lens. I draw from cognitive-behavioral, strengths-based, and relational approaches while incorporating Sandplay Therapy, expressive and play-based techniques, mind-body practices, meditation, stress management, and psychoeducation. When clinically appropriate, these methods are thoughtfully blended into a comprehensive approach that supports healing, growth, and overall wellness.

I earned my undergraduate degree in Family Studies from the University of Maryland in 1998. After returning to New Jersey, I began working in community mental health while pursuing my Master of Social Work at Rutgers University, graduating magna cum laude in 2002. I completed three years of study and specialized training in Sandplay Therapy. I went on to provide intensive in-home family and individual therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and parents in crisis. After four years of postgraduate supervision and clinical work, I earned my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential in 2008.

I continued to provide therapeutic services through New Jersey’s Children’s System of Care and I also worked in outpatient settings, supporting children, teens, adults, and parents.

Hi! My name is Claudine Destine; I am a Dual-Certified Family/Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 9 years of experience. I have a Master's degree in Nursing. I have experience treating Depression, Anxiety, OCD, ADHD, and other mental illnesses.

I am compassionate, warm, patient and easy to talk to. I work with empathy and listen actively to your concerns. Blood works are drawn on site at the office.

I have extensive experience in behavioral health. I will partner with you to identify goals and approaches that meet your needs.

I am a very laid-back therapist. I value the therapeutic relationship we build. I view our experience as a travel we go on together to help remove obstacles leading to your chosen goals. This is also your safe place to talk about things you may not feel comfortable talking to with people in your day-to-day life. My approach is to provide a nonjudgmental safe space.

MSN, APN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

A Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner provides mental health services for patients from adolescence through adulthood (12-65+). Leona went to Widener University for Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Walden University for Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner, and Wilkes University for Post-Masters Certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.