Photo of Marcia Starkman, Psychiatric Nurse in Florida
Marcia Starkman
Psychiatric Nurse, MSN, APRN, PMHCNS, BC
Verified Verified
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Things are tough all over! It can be hard to ask for & find help. I’m a warm, compassionate, Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist in solo practice. I ONLY do "talk therapy,” using a combination of evidence based methods. I do NOT provide OR refill medications OR prescriptions! Confidential (e-mail, text, video, phone) and remote - whatever way works for you. I mainly work with women, but welcome everyone! My specialties are reproductive mental health (PMDD, PMAD, pregnancy loss, infertility, menopause), anxiety/mood disorders, BPD, HSPs, kids, life transitions, disordered eating, nomads, nurses, young adults & college students.
Things are tough all over! It can be hard to ask for & find help. I’m a warm, compassionate, Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist in solo practice. I ONLY do "talk therapy,” using a combination of evidence based methods. I do NOT provide OR refill medications OR prescriptions! Confidential (e-mail, text, video, phone) and remote - whatever way works for you. I mainly work with women, but welcome everyone! My specialties are reproductive mental health (PMDD, PMAD, pregnancy loss, infertility, menopause), anxiety/mood disorders, BPD, HSPs, kids, life transitions, disordered eating, nomads, nurses, young adults & college students.
(267) 609-5744 View (267) 609-5744
Jewish Psychiatrists

Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?

Therapists and clients don’t need to share the same background to be able to work together, but a therapist whose training includes a focus on cultural competence may be better able to form a therapeutic bond with individuals from a range of backgrounds, as they will have experience tailoring their approach to each client—and will be prepared to acknowledge and consider the effects of cultural forces, such as discrimination, that may contribute to that client’s concerns. With a professional who has such training, a client should feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues without feeling that they need to self-censor.

How can I recognize an effective Jewish therapist?

As with members of any religious or ethnic group, just because two people happen to be Jewish does not guarantee that they will share the same values, knowledge, or experiences. A Jewish client seeking a therapist who shares their cultural identity, or for whom it’s important that a therapist share their religious beliefs, may want to discuss a professional’s Jewish background with them before beginning therapy. For someone who seeks justification for major life changes in their religious tradition, or in biblical writings, finding a therapist who is comfortable framing guidance in that context may be especially valuable.

Would a Jewish therapist have unique training?

No, but they should have the same training and certification as any other mental health professional, as well as experience with a range of evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or mindfulness-based therapy. A therapist with this type of experience should be able to help any client feel comfortable and safe, which is essential for a therapeutic alliance. Once this is established, a potential client may want to find out more about the therapist’s Jewish background.

How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with Jewish clients?

A client can directly ask a therapist if they have extensive experience working with Jewish clients and if so, whether these individuals sought counseling for faith-related issues or marital or familial issues in which their Jewish background was a factor. A client may also wish to ask a potential therapist whether they incorporate Jewish teachings and values into their own professional work.

Who is included in Psychology Today’s directory of Jewish therapists?

The directory of Jewish therapists includes professionals who have opted to share their cultural background on their profiles. However, not all therapists choose to disclose their background, and they may not appear in search results for this reason.The directory also shows therapists who indicate that they have extensive experience working with Jewish clients and/or communities.