Licensed Therapists in NJ for Adults, Teens and Families
Looking for therapists NJ families trust? Working Towards a Brighter Future offers licensed therapists for adults, teens, couples and families. Our Maplewood office welcomes you in person. Secure telehealth is available when it fits your needs. You can request an appointment online or call (347) 972-5221. We will listen first, then help you choose the right next step.
Trusted since 2013 · 12+ years of care · 4.9+ Google rating · Ranked #1 Mental Health Service in Maplewood by BusinessRate, June 2026
What Makes Our Care Different: Licensed Clinicians, In-Person and Online Sessions, and Support for the Whole Family?
Licensed clinicians
Licensed mental health professionals on every case.
In person and online
In-person care in Maplewood and secure telehealth.
Trauma-informed
Client-centered treatment plans built around you.
Nonprofit mission
A 501(c)(3) built to remove barriers to care.
Dr. Sheena Smith, Ed.D., LPC, LCADC
Founder and Lead Clinician since 2013
Who Is Working Towards a Brighter Future, and Why Did We Start Our Maplewood Counseling Practice?
Dr. Sheena Smith founded this practice in 2013. She saw how cost, long waits and cultural stigma kept people from care. She wanted a place where people felt safe, respected and heard.
Today our team supports individuals, couples, families and teens. We also help people facing substance use and mental health challenges at the same time. Our goal is simple. We help you build healthy coping skills, stronger self-esteem and closer relationships. We also work to reduce the stigma that keeps people silent about their struggles.
2013
Year we opened
501(c)(3)
Nonprofit mission
5 states
NJ, NY, PA, MD, TX
Why Do Families Choose a Therapist New Jersey Residents Trust?
Finding a therapist New Jersey families rely on takes time, and you deserve to feel comfortable. These are the reasons people stay with us.
A plan built around you
We learn your concerns, strengths, culture, goals and relationships before we plan any care. Nothing is one size fits all.
Care for the whole family
Parents, teens and partners can find the right support in one place.
Mental health and substance use help together
Our team treats both, so you do not repeat your story.
Respect at every step
You help guide your care, and your pace matters.
Which Therapy Services Can You Choose From, Including Counseling for Individuals, Couples, Teens and Groups?
Our New Jersey therapists offer ten services. Each one has its own page with details.
Individual Therapy
One on one support for anxiety, depression, stress, grief and life changes.
Family and Couples Counseling
Better communication, rebuilt trust and calmer homes.
Divorce Mediation
A private, voluntary way to reach fair agreements.
Group Therapy
Shared healing with a clinician guiding the group.
Life Coaching
Goal focused support for work, confidence and personal growth.
Substance Use and Addiction Treatment
Nonjudgmental, recovery focused care.
Anger Management
Tools to spot triggers and respond with control.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Gentle care for trauma, PTSD symptoms and grief.
Youth and Adolescent Services
Age appropriate help for children, teens and parents.
Clinical Assessments and Evaluations
Clear findings and treatment recommendations.
How Does Therapy Work, From Your First Phone Call to a Personalized Treatment Plan?
Reach out
Call us or send the appointment form. We reply during business hours, Monday to Friday.
Talk it through
We ask what brought you in and what you hope will change.
Meet your clinician
We match you with a licensed therapist who fits your needs.
Start your first session
You set goals together and agree on a plan.
Review your progress
Your plan changes as you grow.
Why Does Getting Mental Health Support Early Make Such a Difference for Adults and Teens?
Needing help is common. Getting it is the hard part.
of U.S. adults, or 61.5 million people, lived with a mental illness in 2024. Source: SAMHSA National Survey on Drug Use and Health, reported by NAMI.
of those adults received treatment. Source: the same SAMHSA survey.
is the average wait between first symptoms and treatment. Source: published research cited by NAMI.
Early support can shorten that wait. Small problems are easier to work through than large ones. You do not need a crisis to call us, and you do not need a diagnosis. If you are unsure, a first conversation costs you nothing but a few minutes.
Is Online Therapy as Effective as In-Person Therapy, and Which Is Right for You?
Many people do well with either format. In person sessions suit anyone who wants a quiet room away from home. Online sessions save travel time and fit busy weeks. Many New Jersey therapists now offer both, and so do we.
In person in Maplewood
A private space outside your home, at our Springfield Avenue office.
Online by secure video
No travel, flexible scheduling and care from a place where you feel safe.
Online care depends on where you are during the session and on your clinician's license. We will confirm what applies to you before your first session.
Who Are the Licensed Therapists You Will Meet at Our Maplewood Office or Online?
Dr. Sheena Smith, Ed.D., LPC, LCADC, CLC
Founder and lead clinician with more than 15 years of experience in youth, family, addiction and mental health care.
Sravya Gummaluri
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Parent Coach.
Monica Rios
Multilingual Licensed Professional Counselor and Parent Coach.
Which Licenses, Credentials and Awards Back the Quality of Our Care?
Our clinicians hold state licenses as professional counselors, marriage and family therapists and licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselors. BusinessRate ranked us the number one mental health service in Maplewood in June 2026. We scored 228 out of 300 on their benchmark. That score reflects Google reviews and local ranking measures.
What Do Clients Say About Working With Our Therapists?
★★★★★
Working Towards a Brighter Future is truly a gem in the community. Their dedication to providing quality mental health services is evident in the care, compassion, and professionalism they bring to every interaction. They create a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel heard, valued, and empowered on their healing journey.
★★★★★
I’ve had a great experience with this clinic, even virtually. My therapist is kind, patient, and really listens, making it easy to open up. I always feel comfortable, supported, and never rushed. I’ve learned a lot and seen real progress since starting.
★★★★★
Working Towards a Brighter Future is a great therapeutic service, I highly recommend to anyone looking for skilled clinicians.
Where Do We See Clients in Maplewood, Essex County and Across New Jersey?
Our office is at 1585 Springfield Avenue, Suite 2, Maplewood, NJ 07040. Springfield Avenue is one of the oldest roads in town and runs through the Hilton section. Maplewood Village shops, Memorial Park and the NJ Transit Maplewood station on Dunnell Road are nearby parts of town. Clients also join from other parts of Essex County and the state by video.
We serve clients in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Texas, based on clinical fit and clinician licensure. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
What Questions Do People Ask Most Before Starting Therapy in New Jersey?
Quick answers are below. If you need something else, send us a message and we will reply during business hours.
Do you offer online therapy?
Yes. We offer secure telehealth when it is clinically appropriate and your location and your clinician's license allow it. You can also meet us in person at our Maplewood office.
What issues do you help with?
We help with trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship problems, family stress and major life changes. We also offer anger management, youth services and clinical assessments.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We accept Aetna, First Health, Cigna/Evernorth, Oscar and other plans, and the list depends on your state. New Jersey plans also include Medicaid NJ, Horizon NJ Health, BCBS NJ and Medicare. Please confirm your benefits, or call (347) 972-5221 and we will help.
How do I know which service is right for me?
You do not have to decide alone. We ask about your needs, concerns and goals first. Then your clinician recommends the service that fits best.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
Expect a calm conversation. We ask what brought you in, what you want to change and how we can help. You set the pace, and you leave with a clear next step.
Is therapy private and confidential?
Yes. Your sessions are private and protected by HIPAA. A few legal exceptions exist, such as a risk of serious harm. Your clinician explains them at the start of care.
What should I do if I am in crisis?
Call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 for an emergency. Our office is not an emergency service. Please do not wait for an appointment if you are in danger.
Request Your Appointment
Tell us a little about what you need. We will call you back during office hours.
Please do not share urgent or sensitive details here. In a crisis, call or text 988 or call 911.
Ready to Talk With a Therapist in New Jersey? Request Your Appointment Today
You have taken the hard step by reading this far. Our licensed team of therapists NJ families rely on is ready to listen. Request an appointment online or call (347) 972-5221 and take the first step toward a brighter future.
Working Towards a Brighter Future, Inc. · 1585 Springfield Avenue, Suite 2, Maplewood, NJ 07040 · (347) 972-5221 · admin@towardsabrighterfuture.com · Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM