Cancer Therapists in Cranford, NJ

Nicole Puglisi
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
3 Endorsed
Online Only
My experience in working with diverse populations throughout the lifespan has included working with those who suffer from anxiety, depression, grief & loss, relationship difficulties, as well as life threatening and/or chronic illnesses, with a special interest in treating those facing a cancer diagnosis for themselves or a loved one.
Whether you are struggling with recent change or feeling stuck in place, together we can explore goals, barriers, realistic expectations & strengths surrounding your desired outcomes! Prior to my work as a clinical therapist, my experience working with those experiencing homelessness, often involved navigating loss, trauma & the rebuilding of one's life.
My experience in working with diverse populations throughout the lifespan has included working with those who suffer from anxiety, depression, grief & loss, relationship difficulties, as well as life threatening and/or chronic illnesses, with a special interest in treating those facing a cancer diagnosis for themselves or a loved one.
Whether you are struggling with recent change or feeling stuck in place, together we can explore goals, barriers, realistic expectations & strengths surrounding your desired outcomes! Prior to my work as a clinical therapist, my experience working with those experiencing homelessness, often involved navigating loss, trauma & the rebuilding of one's life.
(908) 498-9616 View (908) 498-9616
Michelle Haar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Cranford, NJ 07016
Life is full of change, both expected and unexpected. Things like marriage, parenting, work, school, divorce, illness, and death can feel overwhelming. Sometimes a major event can leave one feeling lost. Other times just coping with the day to day is a challenge. My clients often express that they are feeling scattered, anxious, angry, and sad. I have over 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families at different stages of their life-cycles. I specialize in helping them cope with their feelings, as they move through these periods of transition, so they can learn how to be resilient.
Life is full of change, both expected and unexpected. Things like marriage, parenting, work, school, divorce, illness, and death can feel overwhelming. Sometimes a major event can leave one feeling lost. Other times just coping with the day to day is a challenge. My clients often express that they are feeling scattered, anxious, angry, and sad. I have over 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families at different stages of their life-cycles. I specialize in helping them cope with their feelings, as they move through these periods of transition, so they can learn how to be resilient.
(973) 671-8131 View (973) 671-8131
Gricel Mello
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ACS
Online Only
Are you feeling sad or anxious over relationship issues with others or yourself? Are you stressed or overwhelmed by life transitions/losses? How about feeling disconnected or having no purpose in life? I understand that coming to therapy can be scary. We can feel so vulnerable opening up to a stranger about our confusions, fears and insecurities. Therapy is a process of self-exploration, healing, and growth. The therapy process will help you in gaining greater awareness about yourself, your relationships, and situations you find yourself in. In therapy, you will learn skills for coping and discover solutions to your problems.
Are you feeling sad or anxious over relationship issues with others or yourself? Are you stressed or overwhelmed by life transitions/losses? How about feeling disconnected or having no purpose in life? I understand that coming to therapy can be scary. We can feel so vulnerable opening up to a stranger about our confusions, fears and insecurities. Therapy is a process of self-exploration, healing, and growth. The therapy process will help you in gaining greater awareness about yourself, your relationships, and situations you find yourself in. In therapy, you will learn skills for coping and discover solutions to your problems.
(908) 388-9012 View (908) 388-9012
Allison Brooke Kanarek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Serves Area
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 22 years of experience, who graduated from New York University. My areas of expertise include working with children, adolescents, and families on a variety of issues, including: depression, anxiety, family conflicts/relational issues, as well as many other life stressors. I truly enjoy working with my clients, and want to help them to feel better about themselves and achieve their goals. I am currently licensed in New Jersey, New York, and Florida (Telehealth clients).
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 22 years of experience, who graduated from New York University. My areas of expertise include working with children, adolescents, and families on a variety of issues, including: depression, anxiety, family conflicts/relational issues, as well as many other life stressors. I truly enjoy working with my clients, and want to help them to feel better about themselves and achieve their goals. I am currently licensed in New Jersey, New York, and Florida (Telehealth clients).
(917) 818-1974 View (917) 818-1974
Resolve Community Counseling Center
Verified Verified
Serves Area
At Resolve Community Counseling Center, we are dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality mental health services for individuals and families. Our mission is to offer professional counseling, advocacy, and educational programs to support children, adolescents, and adults in achieving emotional well-being and resilience. We believe that mental health care should be accessible to everyone, and we are committed to breaking financial barriers through low-cost, sliding-scale, and reduced-fee services. By empowering individuals with expert guidance and compassionate support, we help them lead fulfilling and productive lives.
At Resolve Community Counseling Center, we are dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality mental health services for individuals and families. Our mission is to offer professional counseling, advocacy, and educational programs to support children, adolescents, and adults in achieving emotional well-being and resilience. We believe that mental health care should be accessible to everyone, and we are committed to breaking financial barriers through low-cost, sliding-scale, and reduced-fee services. By empowering individuals with expert guidance and compassionate support, we help them lead fulfilling and productive lives.
(908) 365-1160 View (908) 365-1160
Marisa Christine Bonamassa-Cimino
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, NCC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
You may be feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, or the effects of difficult past experiences. I often work with college students and young adults navigating identity development, academic pressure, family conflict, and major life transitions. Many people I work with feel stuck, uncertain about who they are, or unsure how to move forward in this stage of life. I also support individuals healing from trauma or abuse who may be struggling with self-esteem, boundaries or trusting themselves again.
You may be feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, or the effects of difficult past experiences. I often work with college students and young adults navigating identity development, academic pressure, family conflict, and major life transitions. Many people I work with feel stuck, uncertain about who they are, or unsure how to move forward in this stage of life. I also support individuals healing from trauma or abuse who may be struggling with self-esteem, boundaries or trusting themselves again.
(862) 727-7366 View (862) 727-7366
Dina P. Brue
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Serves Area
"What good is psychotherapy if you're up to your a** in alligators?" A phrase that was used by my favorite professor in graduate school. My goal as a licensed clinical social worker is to meet individuals where they are in life presently, whether they need to process ongoing psychological challenges, or current anxiety and stress related to everyday concerns. With my patients, I want to help process through feelings, thoughts, and behaviors and help facilitate a better understanding of any underlying issues. Ultimately, helping individuals to be able to live a more healthy and productive life.
"What good is psychotherapy if you're up to your a** in alligators?" A phrase that was used by my favorite professor in graduate school. My goal as a licensed clinical social worker is to meet individuals where they are in life presently, whether they need to process ongoing psychological challenges, or current anxiety and stress related to everyday concerns. With my patients, I want to help process through feelings, thoughts, and behaviors and help facilitate a better understanding of any underlying issues. Ultimately, helping individuals to be able to live a more healthy and productive life.
(646) 699-3923 View (646) 699-3923
Kara E King
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Serves Area
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in the field. I have worked in hospital settings such as inpatient psych, outpatient mental health, juvenile drug programs and in the public school system on a child study team. My areas of expertise include working with children, adolescents, and adults, ages 7 and up, and their families on a variety of issues. Some of these issues include but are not limited to anxiety, ADHD, depression, mood disorders, learning disabilities, behavioral issues, school issues, family conflicts and relationship issues, as well as many other life stressors that can affect us.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in the field. I have worked in hospital settings such as inpatient psych, outpatient mental health, juvenile drug programs and in the public school system on a child study team. My areas of expertise include working with children, adolescents, and adults, ages 7 and up, and their families on a variety of issues. Some of these issues include but are not limited to anxiety, ADHD, depression, mood disorders, learning disabilities, behavioral issues, school issues, family conflicts and relationship issues, as well as many other life stressors that can affect us.
(908) 460-7013 View (908) 460-7013
Maria G Masciandaro
Psychologist, PsyD
Serves Area
I am a licensed psychologist with many years of experience treating clients with a variety of problems such as depression, anxiety and trauma. I have trained other clinicians and provide case consultation on utilizing EMDR and hypnosis. I work collaboratively with clients to develop a treatment plan. Our work is done when my clients feel able to maintain their achievements on their own. My specialization is working with people dealing with recent trauma. Traumatic incidents are an occupational hazard for first responders. Taking time to work with a therapist can build resilience. This is the focus of our work together.
I am a licensed psychologist with many years of experience treating clients with a variety of problems such as depression, anxiety and trauma. I have trained other clinicians and provide case consultation on utilizing EMDR and hypnosis. I work collaboratively with clients to develop a treatment plan. Our work is done when my clients feel able to maintain their achievements on their own. My specialization is working with people dealing with recent trauma. Traumatic incidents are an occupational hazard for first responders. Taking time to work with a therapist can build resilience. This is the focus of our work together.
(908) 738-9745 View (908) 738-9745
Nicole Bethavas Grief and Traumatic Loss
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you struggling with grief, loss, or trauma? Grief is so painful that it can feel paralyzing. It can be caused by many different events : death, anticipating the loss of a loved one while they’re still alive, suicide, the loss of your own bodily autonomy due to illness or disability, abortion, divorce, domestic violence or abuse, among many others. Any major life transition or traumatic event may create a sense of grief. Unfortunately, many people learn to avoid and suppress this emotion. This can lead to prolonged grief, intense sorrow and an inability to enjoy life.
Are you struggling with grief, loss, or trauma? Grief is so painful that it can feel paralyzing. It can be caused by many different events : death, anticipating the loss of a loved one while they’re still alive, suicide, the loss of your own bodily autonomy due to illness or disability, abortion, divorce, domestic violence or abuse, among many others. Any major life transition or traumatic event may create a sense of grief. Unfortunately, many people learn to avoid and suppress this emotion. This can lead to prolonged grief, intense sorrow and an inability to enjoy life.
(732) 808-3724 View (732) 808-3724
Peggy Rothbaum
Psychologist, PhD, EdM
Serves Area
I am licensed in New Jersey as a practicing psychologist. I practice in Westfield. I work with people of all ages, either individually or as part of a couple or family. In my practice, I welcome general issues such as coping with depression, anxiety, stress, and other related issues. I have some special interests in recovering from trauma or abuse, coping with chronic illness or disability, and managing learning and neuro-developmental difficulties. I also work with issues such as avoiding burnout for small business owners, practice owners, and healthcare professionals. I love my work.
I am licensed in New Jersey as a practicing psychologist. I practice in Westfield. I work with people of all ages, either individually or as part of a couple or family. In my practice, I welcome general issues such as coping with depression, anxiety, stress, and other related issues. I have some special interests in recovering from trauma or abuse, coping with chronic illness or disability, and managing learning and neuro-developmental difficulties. I also work with issues such as avoiding burnout for small business owners, practice owners, and healthcare professionals. I love my work.
(908) 845-0339 View (908) 845-0339

More Therapists Nearby

Diane Haley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Morristown, NJ 07960
As an oncology social worker, my clinical expertise relates to helping individuals maximize coping and management of cancer and other chronic illnesses.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with a certification as an Oncology Social Worker. I have experience in hospital social work and teaching experience on a graduate level on the subject of chronic illness and disability.
As an oncology social worker, my clinical expertise relates to helping individuals maximize coping and management of cancer and other chronic illnesses.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with a certification as an Oncology Social Worker. I have experience in hospital social work and teaching experience on a graduate level on the subject of chronic illness and disability.
(973) 891-0386 View (973) 891-0386
Lynne Lehrkinder
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I work with cancer patients, survivors and caregivers.
I am a certified Death Doula and trained in Hospice work. I provide therapy for cancer patients and their families and lead support groups for cancer survivors. I have experience working full-time in a college campus counseling center and work closely with a number of student-athletes.
I work with cancer patients, survivors and caregivers.
I am a certified Death Doula and trained in Hospice work. I provide therapy for cancer patients and their families and lead support groups for cancer survivors. I have experience working full-time in a college campus counseling center and work closely with a number of student-athletes.
(732) 733-4967 View (732) 733-4967
Ciara McElroy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
4 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you struggling to navigate life’s obstacles? Things like health issues, trauma, loss, or unexpected life changes? Many people I work with are facing serious illness or life changes in themselves or someone very dear to them. These life events often lead to emotional struggles like anxiety, depression, feelings of loneliness or simply lack of motivation. My holistic approach is aimed at helping you build long-term resilience, learn to manage anxiety, lean into your strengths and support systems and empower you to change, heal and grow.
Are you struggling to navigate life’s obstacles? Things like health issues, trauma, loss, or unexpected life changes? Many people I work with are facing serious illness or life changes in themselves or someone very dear to them. These life events often lead to emotional struggles like anxiety, depression, feelings of loneliness or simply lack of motivation. My holistic approach is aimed at helping you build long-term resilience, learn to manage anxiety, lean into your strengths and support systems and empower you to change, heal and grow.
(862) 500-4681 View (862) 500-4681
Paige Soleimani
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
My expertise includes addressing concerns, such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, chronic illness, cancer, caregiver challenges, and grief/bereavement.
I utilize evidence-based approaches, like cognitive behavioral therapy, to foster emotional awareness, challenge unproductive thought and behavior patterns, and build effective coping skills. Together, we'll discover your strengths and empower you to navigate life's complexities and live a fulfilling life.
My expertise includes addressing concerns, such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, chronic illness, cancer, caregiver challenges, and grief/bereavement.
I utilize evidence-based approaches, like cognitive behavioral therapy, to foster emotional awareness, challenge unproductive thought and behavior patterns, and build effective coping skills. Together, we'll discover your strengths and empower you to navigate life's complexities and live a fulfilling life.
(212) 287-5752 View (212) 287-5752
Natalie Santos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
I have special expertise in cancer settings, chronic illness, parenting, caregiving, and burnout.
I am a clinical social worker and psychotherapist with a passion for supporting people and families through difficult transitions in their lives. Working through life transitions can come in a variety of different forms whether it be adjusting to a new job, becoming a first-time parent, being diagnosed with a serious illness, as well as a range of other things. My goal as a therapist is to help my clients gain a better understanding of your feelings, moods and behaviors throughout these transitions, and in turn, help you to better manage and cope.
I have special expertise in cancer settings, chronic illness, parenting, caregiving, and burnout.
I am a clinical social worker and psychotherapist with a passion for supporting people and families through difficult transitions in their lives. Working through life transitions can come in a variety of different forms whether it be adjusting to a new job, becoming a first-time parent, being diagnosed with a serious illness, as well as a range of other things. My goal as a therapist is to help my clients gain a better understanding of your feelings, moods and behaviors throughout these transitions, and in turn, help you to better manage and cope.
(908) 639-2855 View (908) 639-2855
Kimberly Hong
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, APHSW-C
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Kimberly is a licensed clinical social worker practicing psychotherapy in NY. She is a warm, empathetic, and patient therapist who works with meeting where you are at, identifying your goals/needs, and working through with you to be the most confident and best version of yourself. She received her Master of Social Work (MSW) at NYU Silver School of Social Work, graduating as a fellow in the Zelda Foster Palliative/End of Life Care Studies cohort.
Kimberly is a licensed clinical social worker practicing psychotherapy in NY. She is a warm, empathetic, and patient therapist who works with meeting where you are at, identifying your goals/needs, and working through with you to be the most confident and best version of yourself. She received her Master of Social Work (MSW) at NYU Silver School of Social Work, graduating as a fellow in the Zelda Foster Palliative/End of Life Care Studies cohort.
(646) 504-6767 View (646) 504-6767
Jean M Caruso
Counselor, MS, LAC
I am a cancer survivor, who has navigated from first diagnosis through active treatment to survivorship.
Life has challenging seasons. Whether juggling work and school to graduate with a college degree, parenting a child with unique needs, or facing a serious illness, it can bring overwhelming emotions, uncertainty, and burnout. You may be holding it together for everyone else while quietly struggling with anxiety, grief, frustration, or isolation. Therapy offers a compassionate, confidential space to process what you are carrying, develop healthy coping strategies, and reconnect with your strength. Whatever season you are navigating, you are worthy of feeling seen, supported, and understood.
I am a cancer survivor, who has navigated from first diagnosis through active treatment to survivorship.
Life has challenging seasons. Whether juggling work and school to graduate with a college degree, parenting a child with unique needs, or facing a serious illness, it can bring overwhelming emotions, uncertainty, and burnout. You may be holding it together for everyone else while quietly struggling with anxiety, grief, frustration, or isolation. Therapy offers a compassionate, confidential space to process what you are carrying, develop healthy coping strategies, and reconnect with your strength. Whatever season you are navigating, you are worthy of feeling seen, supported, and understood.
(732) 605-4568 View (732) 605-4568
Kathy Liu
Counselor, MA, EdM, LPCC, LPC
14 Endorsed
Online Only
My approach is authentic and empathetic, and I work collaboratively with clients to help them navigate life’s challenges—whether that’s anxiety, major life transitions, relationship issues, ADHD, or cancer.
As a breast cancer survivor, I’ve gained strength and resilience in facing life’s challenges, and I am honored to walk alongside others through their own struggles. Shaped by my faith, I believe that everyone is uniquely created, deeply valued, and worthy of love and respect.
My approach is authentic and empathetic, and I work collaboratively with clients to help them navigate life’s challenges—whether that’s anxiety, major life transitions, relationship issues, ADHD, or cancer.
As a breast cancer survivor, I’ve gained strength and resilience in facing life’s challenges, and I am honored to walk alongside others through their own struggles. Shaped by my faith, I believe that everyone is uniquely created, deeply valued, and worthy of love and respect.
(858) 333-7743 View (858) 333-7743
Dr. Daisy Vélez
Psychologist, PsyD, DipACLM, PMH-C
2 Endorsed
Online Only
As a clinical health psychologist, I work with adults (18+) to support the connection between mental and physical health. I specialize in areas like perinatal mood, anxiety, trauma and adjustment challenges, infertility; recovery from physical injury or hospitalization; insomnia; chronic pain; oncology; digestive health; illness-related changes; weight management; and preparing for or adjusting to surgeries like bariatrics or transplants. I take an evidence-based, compassionate approach to care, tailoring strategies to your unique needs to help you feel supported and empowered on your journey.
As a clinical health psychologist, I work with adults (18+) to support the connection between mental and physical health. I specialize in areas like perinatal mood, anxiety, trauma and adjustment challenges, infertility; recovery from physical injury or hospitalization; insomnia; chronic pain; oncology; digestive health; illness-related changes; weight management; and preparing for or adjusting to surgeries like bariatrics or transplants. I take an evidence-based, compassionate approach to care, tailoring strategies to your unique needs to help you feel supported and empowered on your journey.
(571) 619-9295 View (571) 619-9295

See more therapy options for Cranford

Cancer Therapists
How does cancer affect mental health?
A cancer diagnosis is a major life event that can significantly influence the mental health of any individual. Being diagnosed with cancer often introduces a sense of uncertainty about the future, which can cause clients to experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and significant distress. Many cancer patients may also worry about the toll that their diagnosis may have on their family, their physical health, their job, and their financial situation. The compounding of such stressors can also decrease mental health in clients and may lead to additional symptoms that can influence mental health, such as sleeping difficulties or social withdrawal.

What is the best psychological therapy for cancer patients?
The best type of psychological therapy for cancer patients is highly dependent on the needs of the individual. The therapy type that a client benefits from may also depend on what stage of the cancer journey they are in. Recently diagnosed cancer patients, for instance, may benefit from therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which can help clients develop skills to manage the emotional distress that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Alternatively, cancer patients further along in their journey may benefit from therapies like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or other forms of mindfulness therapy to help manage symptoms or physical pain associated with treatment. Clients may also consider group therapy, which offers cancer patients an opportunity to receive support from other individuals dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

Are there any risks or drawbacks in going to therapy while dealing with cancer?
Although attending therapy while dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be helpful, one major concern for cancer patients can be the financial cost of seeking therapy. Many therapists are out-of-network, meaning they do not accept insurance, and thus clients are expected to pay the entirety of the session fee. Since many cancer patients may be out of work as a result of their diagnosis or cancer treatment regimen, the costs of therapy sessions can be substantial. Luckily, many cancer centers and local clinics may offer free or substantially reduced-cost counseling services to cancer patients and their families. In addition, cancer patients may be eligible for grants or other forms of funding from local agencies and nonprofits to seek therapy for their cancer diagnosis. Such opportunities can be very helpful for cancer patients, as they allow clients to obtain the benefits of therapy without the financial strain.

How long does cancer therapy typically last?
The length of cancer therapy depends on the needs of each client. In some cases, cancer patients may only require therapeutic support during the period following their initial diagnosis—to help manage the uncertainty and shock of a cancer diagnosis. In other cases, clients may choose to receive therapy throughout their treatment, and even following, their cancer journey. Pursuing therapy for a longer period of time can help clients develop a deeper relationship with their therapist and provide opportunity to process the challenges presented by cancer treatment, such as physical pain, and challenges associated with cancer survivorship, such as ongoing identity concerns, physical limitations, or relationship challenges.