Executive Leadership

Brian Legg, Psy.D., CEO/ Founder

Dr. Brian Legg, received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. During this time, he completed advanced training in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and conducted psychological assessments. Dr. Legg is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of New Jersey.

With over twelve years of experience in the field of mental health, Dr. Legg has had training in a variety of settings, including outpatient and inpatient levels of care. He completed his Pre-Doctoral practicum and internship training at Friends Behavioral Hospital, Philadelphia. Dr. Legg provided psychological services to children, adolescents, and adults in an acute inpatient hospital setting. Furthermore, he has experience providing individual, group, family therapy and various psychological assessments.

Dr. Legg works with individuals of all ages. His clinical interests are with couples therapy as well as psycho-diagnostic evaluation.

Contact Dr. Legg: 201-606-2592 or blegg@psychcenters.org

The Psych Center: THERAPISTS

Joseph Retik, LPC, CCTP-||, BCPC, CCH, NBCCH.

Joseph Retik is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of New Jersey in addition, he is certified as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. He has a Master's Degree in counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Joseph has experience with providing individual therapy to adults and adolescents who have anxiety and depression.

Joseph has extensive experience in working with individuals struggling through grief and loss as well as substance abuse obstacles. Modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic, Client Centered Therapy, Hypnosis, meditation/relaxation, progressive muscle relaxation, and other approaches that are effective with clients of all ages. He is a member of the American Counseling Association and American Psychotherapy Association. In addition, Retik is a Board Certified Professional Counselor from the American Board of Professional Counselors and holds a certification as a National Board Certified Clinical Hynotherapist. Also, he is a Certified Tobacco Cessation Treatment Specialist. Retik is bilingual and speaks fluent Spanish.

With over 25 years of experience, Joseph is passionate and confident as a counselor/psychotherapist with integrating mindfulness-based approaches into effective therapy.

Contact Joseph: 201-606-2592

CARINA GARCIA-TORRADO MSW, LCSW, ADHD-CCSP

Carina Garcia-Torrado is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with many types of clients to achieve their personal goals. Carina believes that everyone’s reasons for seeking therapy are unique.

For Carina, therapy is a collaborative effort and as your therapist she can help you build the road to get you where you want to be. Garcia-Torrado feels that taking care of your mental health is as normal as getting a physical at your doctor. She hopes that the space you both create is comfortable for you to share your feelings, safe enough to practice the skills learned in session and realize that change is possible.

Carina enjoys working with individual clients, couples, and families. She is bilingual and bicultural and can relate to clients who are first-generation and come from multigenerational backgrounds. She is also a fluent Spanish speaker. Garcia-Torrado's concentration and passion is working with those who have been diagnosed with ADHD as adults and the challenges they face. Carina is an ADHD certified clinical service provider and focuses on skills training to improve executive skills function and emotional regulation.

Carina is a member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society and the National Association of Social Workers. In addition, she serves as an adjunct professor in the School of Communication and Media at Montclair State University. She received her undergraduate degree at Montclair State University and her Masters degree in the School of Social Work at Rutgers University.

Contact Carina at 201-606-2592

Alison Russo, MS, LAC

Alison has earned an MS in Clinical Mental Heath Counseling from Capella University, a CACREP accredited program, and is an active member of the Chi Sigma Iota National Honor Society, the National Society of Leadership and Success, the American Counseling Association, as well as the New Jersey Counseling Association.

She is proud to be a new member of the Psych Center family as she begins her journey as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor.

Alison is open to working with individuals, couples, and families of all ages and ethnicities. She has a strong appreciation for diverse populations, and acknowledges that each client is unique, and has different needs, values, and worldviews. She believes that counseling sessions need to be tailored to each unique individual, couple, or family, for the best therapeutic outcome.

Alison has experience in treating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and she has a deep understanding in working with children who have behavioral issues, and have difficulty in regulating their emotions.

Alison’s theoretical approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Behavioral Therapy, and she has a deep understanding of Gestalt Therapy. Her approach to counseling sessions includes empathy, compassion, respect, and skillful listening.

Contact Alison 201-606-2592

Ingrid Diaz-Balart, MSW LSW

Ingrid Diaz-Balart has a Master Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Children and Families from Monmouth University in New Jersey. In addition, she is a Licensed Social Worker in the State of New Jersey.

Ingrid Diaz-Balart is a member of the National Association of Social Workers.

Ingrid Diaz Balart is a first-generation immigrant. As such, she is bicultural and is fluent in Spanish.

For the past 34 years, Ingrid has worked with children of all ages, with families, with individuals, and with couples. Ingrid has wide-ranging knowledge in working with a diverse population who are encountering different challenges in their personal and professional lives. The following are some of the modalities that she prescribes to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic, Client Center, and Strength-Based.

Throughout her work, children, families, individuals, and couples were able to achieve their goals, move forward with their lives and used the learned skills to empower themselves.

As a therapist, Ingrid believes that everyone has the potential to empower themselves, achieve their goals, and lead the lives that they envision.

Contact Ingrid at (201)606-2592.

Outreach Director

Lauren Peck, LPC, LCADC, P-MHC, ACS

I am so excited for you to begin your journey of healing and wellness that

therapy can bring. With over 9 years of experience working with various

populations including teens, individuals from all ages, and couples, I truly have

learned so much during my time as a therapist. I believe it is important to have an eclectic approach to therapy and therefore use a myriad of treatment modalities to assist with clients and their journeys. Some of my personal favorites and techniques I use most often come from a cognitive behavioral approach, person centered approach, and strength based work. It has been such a pleasure to get my Perinatal Mental Health certificate and to assist parents as they journey into such a new daunting land that can be so wonderful, but so demanding.

My passion is to make sure that every client who works through my door feels truly heard and understood. I value the importance of my office being a sacred space where clients can truly explore their deepest thoughts and selves and that I can guide them to their best selves. Therapy can be so rewarding and I aim to provide a welcoming experience, calming attitude, and apt skill to make that happen for all my clients.

My credentials include my MA(Master’s in Counselor Education), LPC(Licensed Professional Counselor), CADC(Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor), P-MHC(Perinatal Mental Health Counselor), and my ACS(Approved Clinical Supervisor).

Contact Lauren: 201-606-2592

Medication Management

Cristin Famularo, MSN, APN, CPNP-PC, PMHS

Cristin is dual board certified as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, as well as a Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist (PMHS). She works with the pediatric/adolescent/young adult population and their families who have an openness to therapy, self- improvement, emotional support, and who are seeking medication management. Her clients depend on her to provide top notch care and she makes sure to consistently deliver. Her goal is a mutually agreed-upon treatment plan that allows her patients the best treatment in a nurturing, understanding, and compassionate environment.

The focus of her care is ADHD, learning disorders, developmental disorders, anxiety and depression. She uses evidence-based practices with a focus on patient-centered care and optimal clinical outcomes targeting quality of life, maximizing wellness, and recovery.

She received her undergraduate degree at Villanova University and her Master's degree from Columbia University. She is an active member of Sigma Theta Tau, the honor society of nursing, as well as Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society.

Contact Cristin: 973-587-8040

Thomas Larson, MSW, LCSW

Thomas Larson received his BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1977 and his Masters in Social Work from Loyola of Chicago in 1984. He has four post-masters certificates from the Silver School at NYU in:

Forensic Mental Health
Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
Psychotherapy and Addictions
Spirituality and Social Work

He has achieved a certification in gambling addiction (May 2021) from Rutgers University, as well as a certification in trauma treatment (September 2022) through the New Jersey Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

Thomas is interested in treating depression and anxiety. He also has an interest in treating survivors of sexual abuse. He enjoys and welcomes treating the LGBTQ+ community. Thomas works with individuals and couples in a psychodynamic modality.

Contact Thomas: 973-587-8040

Lauren Marotta, LPCA

As a dedicated therapist, I specialize in providing compassionate and effective therapy to individuals navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions. My approach integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices and psychodynamic insight, tailored to meet each client's unique needs. My therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and collaboration. I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences openly. Together, we can work towards identifying and changing negative patterns, fostering personal growth, and enhancing overall well-being.

Contact Lauren: 973-587-8040

Director of Internship Program

Meredith Gonzenbach, LPC, ACS

Meredith is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of New Jersey with over 15 years of experience in various mental health settings. She has treated individuals, families, and facilitated groups of varying ages with a multitude of issues such as emotion dysregulation, substance abuse, and trauma. She uses an integrative approach to counseling to ensure a collaborative relationship between herself and her clients. She also has experience conducting assessments and writing reports.

She is excited to join the team as the Director of the Internship and Mentorship program at The Psych Center. She received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling, from Fairleigh Dickinson University and is currently pursuing her PhD in Counselor Education from Montclair State University. She is also an adjunct professor, as she values the importance of assisting counselors-in-training to understand the importance of providing competent cultural, ethical, and comprehensive care to their clients. She is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA) as well as the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES). As an Approved Clinical Supervisor, Meredith subscribes to a developmental model for supervision and has years of experience supervising interns and Licensed Associate Counselors pursuing their clinical hours.

Clinical Interns

Patricia Solares

As a second-year bilingual and bicultural Master of Social Work student and clinical intern at the Psych Center, Patricia Solares is dedicated to advocating for and empowering individuals of all ages and diverse backgrounds. Her commitment to the core values of Social Work- service, dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence- guides her practice and interactions with clients. She believes in a holistic approach to therapy, recognizing the importance of addressing psychological, social, and environmental factors that influence mental health.

In her role at the Psych Center, she engages with clients to develop personalized treatment plans that reflect their unique needs and strengths. She employs evidence-based interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques, while also integrating creative therapeutic approaches that foster healing and growth of the individual. Her goal is to provide bicultural comprehensive care that goes beyond symptom management to promote overall well-being, resilience, and a better quality of life. In line with her bicultural upbringing and background, she especially enjoys addressing the mental health needs of the Spanish speaking community, minorities, and first-generation Americans. Patricia’s empathetic nature and dedication to social work values ensure that each client receives compassionate and effective mental health care.

Nicole DeMarco

I am a Masters/Ed.S Professional Counseling student at Seton Hall University. I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental environment for my clients. I want to work with diverse populations to help them with their emotional and psychological issues and encourage them to lead healthier lives and build resilience. I believe in looking at an individual’s overall wellbeing and collaborating with my clients to achieve their mental health goals. I will treat my clients with compassion to ensure that a strong therapeutic foundation is built and will continue to help clients grow and reach their potential. I believe that my clients are unique individuals that are deserving of ethical and culturally competent care. I have an interest in working with clients who are struggling with life adjustments and anxiety related issues.

Harleen Bhoombla

I am currently a clinical intern in my second year of the Master of Arts Professional Counseling program at Seton Hall University. With a passion for helping others navigate life's challenges, I have dedicated my studies and experiences to supporting individuals struggling with various mental health concerns. Throughout my journey, I have gained valuable experience in counseling adults facing a range of challenges including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and ADHD. I approach counseling with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and goals. Also, I’m fluent in the Hindi and Punjabi languages.

Angelica Mercado

Angelica is a dedicated clinical intern pursuing her Master of Arts Degree in Counseling at Kean University. As a member of Chi Sigma Iota National Honor Society and recipient of the J. Barry Mascari Heart of a Counselor Award, she is committed to her client's personal growth and well-being.

Her experience with diverse populations, fluency in Spanish, and person-centered approach place her client's experiences, values, and goals at the heart of sessions, creating an inclusive space where they feel supported. Angelica uses evidence-based approaches, such as mindfulness and creative interventions to help her clients explore new perspectives and promote self-discovery. She is also passionate about helping adolescents and young adults navigate challenges and discover their strengths.

Angelica is eager to embark on this transformative journey with her clients, supporting them in achieving their desired goals and creating a brighter future.