Your Child Deserves Support That Actually Gets Them.
In-Person Therapy for Children & Teens in Jersey City, NJ
Play Therapy for Younger Children | Teen & Young Adult Therapy | LGBTQ+ Affirming | In-Person in Jersey City, NJ
You Know Something Is Wrong. You're Just Not Sure What to Do Next.
Maybe your child has started withdrawing. Maybe the school is calling. Maybe you've noticed changes in their mood, their eating, their sleep, or the way they talk about themselves. Maybe they've said something that scared you.
Whatever brought you here, you're right to take it seriously. And you're right to look for someone who can actually help.
At Heights Psychotherapy I work with children, teens, and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, ADHD, self harm, grief, and identity. It’s in a space that is warm, affirming, and genuinely tailored to how young people think and feel.
This isn't one-size-fits-all therapy. It's support that meets your child exactly where they are.
And If You're a Teen Reading This…
You don't have to have it all figured out to reach out. You don't have to be in crisis. You just have to be willing to talk to someone who isn't going to judge you, lecture you, or tell you how you should feel.
This is a space where you can be exactly who you are. That includes the parts you haven't shown anyone else yet.
WHAT I TREAT
I Work with Children, Teens & Young Adults Navigating:
Anxiety including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, and separation anxiety
Depression and low mood
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Trauma and PTSD
ADHD
Self harm (both current and historical)
Suicidal thoughts and safety concerns
Grief and loss
Identity exploration and LGBTQ+ concerns
Life transitions (school changes, family changes, divorce, moves)
Relationship and social difficulties
If you don't see what you're looking for here, reach out anyway. We can figure out together whether I'm the right fit.
When You're Really Scared for Your Child
If your child or teen is self-harming or expressing thoughts of suicide, first, take a breath. You are not alone, and reaching out for help is exactly the right thing to do.
I work with teens and young adults who are actively struggling with self harm and suicidal thoughts, as well as those with a history of either. My approach is safety-focused, trauma-informed, and always centered on understanding what's going on, not just managing it on the surface.
What that looks like in practice:
A thorough safety assessment from the very first session
A clear, collaborative safety plan developed with you and your child
Ongoing communication with parents so no one is navigating this alone
Coordination with other providers (pediatricians, psychiatrists, schools) when needed
There are times when a higher level of care is the right next step like crisis support, intensive outpatient, or inpatient treatment. If that's the case for your child, I will tell you clearly and help you find the right resources. You will never be left without a plan.
If your child is in immediate danger, please call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.
How We Get Started
Step 1. Free Parent Consultation
We start with a 15-minute call just you, without your child. You'll tell me what's been going on, ask any questions you have, and we'll figure out together whether I'm the right fit for your family.
Step 2. Initial Assessment
Depending on your child's age and what's going on, I may meet with you and your child together, or begin with a parent session to gather more history before bringing them in. For some families, SPACE, a parent-based approach for anxious children, may actually be a better fit than direct child therapy. We'll figure that out together.
Step 3. Individual Sessions
I meet with your child or teen one on one. For younger children, sessions often include play therapy. For older teens and young adults, sessions are more conversational but always tailored to how they communicate best.
Step 4. Parent Involvement Throughout
You're not on the sidelines. I provide regular parent check-ins so you understand what we're working on and how you can support the work at home — without breaching your child's trust or confidentiality.
Step 4. Progress & Adjustment
Therapy isn't linear. We'll check in regularly on what's working, what needs adjusting, and what the next phase of the work looks like.
Why I Love This Work
I've worked with children and families my entire career from community mental health to domestic violence to private practice. And what I've learned is that kids are incredibly resilient when they feel truly seen.
I've been told by parents that no one smiles when they see their child the way I do. I take that seriously. Every kid who walks into my office is a whole person with a whole world inside them. My job is to create a space where they feel safe enough to let some of it out.
I work with children of all ages and young adults in their early 20s. My approach shifts depending on age and what's needed. it may be play therapy for younger children or more direct and collaborative work with teens and young adults. The foundation is always the same: warmth, consistency, and genuine curiosity about who your child is and what they're carrying.
Hi, I’m Stephanie.
I’m a mom and I believe in the power of asking for help.
I'm a licensed clinical social worker and a mom with post-graduate training in working with children & teens. I've spent over 15 years working with children, teens, and families across community mental health, domestic violence, and private practice.
I'm relatable, direct, and I don't take myself too seriously, which tends to work well with kids and teens who are skeptical about therapy. My goal is always for your child to leave sessions feeling understood, not analyzed.
I see clients in person at my office in Jersey City, NJ.
You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone.
Whether your child is struggling quietly or things have reached a crisis point — this is a place that can hold it. Start with a free 15-minute parent consultation and let's figure out the best next step for your family.