The Psych Center THERAPISTS

Available in Edgewater for In Person Sessions and Telehealth

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.

 Available in Edgewater for In Person Sessions and Telehealth

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. 

Available in Edgewater for In Person Sessions and Telehealth

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.

Available in Montclair for In Person Sessions and Telehealth

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.

Available for Telehealth Sessions

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.  

 Available in Montclair for In Person Sessions and Telehealth as well as part of Baker Health Offices

Angelica is a dedicated therapist working at multiple locations in both our private practice setting and in partnership with Baker Health.  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.

Available for Telehealth Sessions

Kristi Gearty is a third-year doctoral student (Psy.D.) studying clinical psychology at Long Island University. She is a Licensed Associate Counselor with experience in diverse settings including, correctional facilities and outpatient clinics. Kristi has supported clients navigating complex trauma, substance abuse, identity-related stressors, and grief. She is trained in both cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic frameworks and incorporates a trauma-informed and humanistic approach in her clinical work.

Kristi has obtained supervised experience conducting neuropsychological and forensic assessments in both outpatient and forensic settings. She has also facilitated group therapy with grieving children and their families as well as a resilience-focused group with incarcerated adults. She has also led trainings for future clinicians on clinical issues and treatment pertaining to LGBTQIA+ folks and grief. Kristi is passionate about creating a safe and inclusive space for each unique client to explore their identity, increase their emotional resilience, and reclaim agency over their lives.

Available in Edgewater for In Person and Telehealth Sessions 

  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.