Providers

Aaliyah (she/her) is a master-level therapist at Joy

Aaliyah is a master-level therapist at Joy Mental Fitness, which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Aaliyah also provides telehealth services to patients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Experience & Specialties

Aaliyah prides herself on being authentic to her core to cultivate the therapeutic alliance. She believes the relationship between client and therapist is essential and highly important to the healing journey. This makes room for the client to feel safe, cared for, and supported.

Aaliyah specializes in helping new moms through baby blues/postpartum, young adults who are in a transitioning period, and teens/adults with trauma. She is also experienced in sex therapy.

Aaliyah uses Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational interviewing to get clients to their desired goals. Self-care, life structure, and forgiveness work are intertwined into her work to help individuals make connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Aaliyah is passionate about ending the stigma of mental health in black and multicultural communities.

Education & Training

Aaliyah received her M.A. degree in Mental Health & Wellness Counseling at New York University and B. A degree in Psychology with a minor in creative writing at Bloomfield College.

Abraham (he/him) is a mental health fellow at Joy.

Abraham (he/him) is a mental health fellow of Joy Mental Fitness, which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Abraham also provides telehealth services to patients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.

Experience & Specialties

Abraham brings a rich tapestry of experiences to a PsychoSpiritual approach to therapy. Drawing on techniques from Positive Psychology and Strength-Based Approaches, Abraham is also adept at incorporating Gestalt work, CBT, somatic, and mindfulness practices into his sessions. He proudly practices an approach that is both experiential and pragmatic, fostering a nurturing environment to explore the clients’ innermost conflicts and potential based on where they are at.

Abraham is especially well-versed in working with individuals of various cultural backgrounds. He has a keen interest in helping those experiencing anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflicts, trauma, and acculturation issues.

His experience extends to individuals from all walks of life, including the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Education & Training

Abraham holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Arizona State University and is currently completing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University. For patient convenience, he is fluent in English and Arabic.

Andie is a Master Level Therapist at Joy.

Andie (they/them/theirs or she/her/hers) is a master-level therapist of Joy Mental Fitness, which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Andie also provides telehealth services to patients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Experience & Specialties

As a young queer Filipino, Andie believes that each aspect of an individual’s identity and their unique intersections shape how they feel and experience the world. Andie aims to help clients reconnect with and understand themselves in the multitude of contexts in which they live their lives.

Andie strives to foster a safe environment for clients to explore whatever they choose to bring to the room. They will collaborate in creating plans and strategies to help work towards achieving their goals, navigate their healing journey, approach their feelings, behaviors, & thoughts, and strengthen their
sense of self.

Andie’s theoretical framework includes CBT and narrative therapy, as well as integrating somatic psychotherapy techniques to target both the mind and body. They are also guided by principles of trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and gender-affirming care.

Education & Training

Andie received their B.A. in Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and received their Master’s degree in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness with extensive coursework in LGBTQ+ Health, Education, and Social Services at New York University.

Anila (she/her) is a Mental Health Fellow at Joy.

Anila (she/her) is a mental health fellow of Joy Mental Fitness, which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Anila also provides telehealth services to patients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.

Experience & Specialties

Anila focuses on guiding her clients through life’s maze, and a beacon illuminating their darkest days. Equipped with deep empathy and a keen intellect, Anila dives into the world of her clients with a relentless pursuit of understanding. Her approach is as unique as her clients – she works to eliminate doubts, fears, and limiting beliefs while fostering fulfilling relationships between her clients and their lives.

Anila employs the wisdom of Eastern philosophies to guide her clients toward managing stress, triggers, and those pesky “knee-jerk” reactions that seem to sneak up at the worst times. Her goal is to help clients step beyond conditioned perceptions and truly immerse themselves in the present moment’s fulfillment. Anila’s strategies are also grounded in modern psychological approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). With this unique blend of treatment strategies, Anila offers a comprehensive solution to her clients’ concerns.

Education & Training

Anila holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Sri Ramachandra Medical University and Research Institute. Currently, she is pursuing her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. For patient convenience, she is fluent in English, Hindi, and Telugu.

Bella (she/her) is a mental health fellow at Joy.

Bella (she/her) is a mental health fellow of Joy Mental Fitness, which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Bella also provides telehealth services to patients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.

Experience & Specialties

Bella focuses on providing multicultural and social justice-oriented counseling for clients from diverse backgrounds through a genuine, caring, and empathetic environment.

As an international student from South Korea, Bella believes that culture and society shape our relationship with the world and our own identity in a complex way. Her goal is to help clients navigate their multicultural identities by using cultural humility, empowerment, and curiosity. She also welcomes clients experiencing difficulties with cultural adjustment and acculturation.

Education & Training

Bella completed her B.S. in Applied Psychology and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness at New York University. For patient convenience, Bella is fluent in English and Korean.

Bonnie (she/her) is a mental health fellow at Joy.

Bonnie is a Mental Health Fellow at Joy Mental Fitness which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Bonnie also provides telehealth services to patients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.

Experience & Specialties

As back to the name Bonnie, while referring back to the Chinese, it sounds really close as “” Bang Ni帮你” meaning “(let me) help you”.

Bonnie believes therapy is a place for people to have a safe space to be unconditionally accepted. As a therapist, Bonnie would think that the word “Listening “is not only to listen to spoken words but also to listen to the words that have never been heard. Empathy and empowerment would be the two main things that I would want to provide to clients aiming to explore their strength through their struggles. 

Bonnie has gained a wealth of experience in both in-patient and out-patient settings at Trinity Hospitals and Mental Health Center in China, as well as in junior and high school environments. Bonnie has developed a comprehensive knowledge of how people's internal and external systems work, particularly in relation to anxiety, depression, C-PTSD, BPD, relationships, acculturation, and adjustment issues. 

Education & Training

As Bonnie pursues her master's degree in mental health counseling with an LGBT Certification at NYU, she would love to integrate principles from a variety of approaches including ACT, LGBT-Affirming Therapy, DBT, TFP, Cross-cultural, feminist approach, and mindfulness techniques. She is excited to continue learning and growing in her role as a therapist and is grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others. For patient convenience, she is fluent in English and Chinese Mandarin.

Camille (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Joy

Camille is a Licensed Professional Counselor of Joy Mental Fitness, which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Camille also provides telehealth services to patients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Experience & Specialties

Camille thrives to provide a safe space for clients to explore the ways in which their personal strengths can be used to help them learn and grow. After traveling the world as a full-time missionary for over ten years, she is able to experience the complexities of assessing, diagnosing, and treating clients from many different backgrounds, cultures, languages, and needs.

Camille has had the opportunity to work in various settings specializing in various disorders and issues from Africa to Ecuador, and from California to Argentina. She has also been able to work within communities, churches, private and public schools, etc. Additionally, She was the hostess of the live English radio show “The Spot with Camille Merced”, covering multiple topics of interest to the community of Puerto Rico and the surrounding Caribbean Islands.

Outside of her career, Camille is also a professional recording singer-songwriter, a passionate wife, a loving mother, a dog mom, and an “adrenaline junkie”. She enjoys traveling with her husband and family, and discovering new food in each country they visit while collecting magnets.

Education & Training

Camille graduated with a Master’s degree in Psychological Counseling from the University of Ana G. Mendez in Puerto Rico. She also holds a double degree from Southern Adventist University in Tennessee in Education and Religion and in Psychology. For patient convenience, she is fluent in English and Spanish.

Christina (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Joy.

Christina (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor of Joy Mental Fitness, which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Christina also provides telehealth services to patients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Delaware.

Experience & Specialties

Christina is passionate about supporting her clients using an integrative, creative, and holistic approach by providing a safe and non-judgmental environment for them. Christina is heavily influenced by cross-cultural and multicultural philosophy and incorporates CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness in her counseling approach.

Christina has created and conducted workshops and outreach programs locally and internationally. She specializes in supporting and counseling the immigrant population, the young adult population, and the international student population addressing the different challenges in their lives at various stages.

In her spare time, Christina enjoys being a freelance fiber artist specializing in sustainable fiber designs and watching Chinese martial arts movies and series with her children.

Education & Training

Christina holds a B.A. degree in Economics from Boston University, a M.S. degree in Fashion Design from Drexel University Westphal School of Media and Design, and a MSED degree in School and Mental Health Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania. For patient convenience, she is fluent in English and Chinese Mandarin and conversational Bahasa Indonesia and Malay.

Cindy (she/her) is a mental health fellow at Joy.

Cindy is a Mental Health Fellow at Joy Mental Fitness which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Vivian also provides telehealth services to patients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.

Experience & Specialties

Cindy combines mindfulness, person-centered, and CBT techniques through a multicultural lens. Cindy’s philosophy centers around the idea that every person possesses their own unique view of the world, and only they have the authority to chart their path. She primarily utilizes a person-centered approach combined with CBT skills to assist clients in exploring their inner thoughts and identifying their genuine life aspirations. Additionally, Cindy embraces the belief that clients benefit from a diverse range of approaches. She adapts her style and techniques for each individual, recognizing the value of tailored strategies. With a deep appreciation for multiculturalism, she creates an inclusive environment where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are celebrated.

Education & Training

Cindy is currently pursuing her Master's degree at Steinhardt in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness.  Before enrolling in graduate school, she worked remotely as a peer guide counselor at CaringMinds. She also worked as a behavioral technician with autistic kids. For patient convenience, she is fluent in English and Chinese Mandarin.

Fae (she/her) is a a Licensed Associate Counselor at Joy

Fae (she/her) is a Licensed Associate Counselor of Joy Mental Fitness, which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Fae also provides telehealth services to patients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Experience & Specialties

She has seen first-hand that people can recover from mental illness. Helping clients get well is her life’s work. Empathy is a key concept for Fae and, in building trusting, safe, non-judgmental relationships with her clients, she creates a space where wellness can grow.

Fae specializes in helping adults living with trauma, depression, anxiety, and stress in whichever way works best for them. Her eclectic theoretical orientation includes strengths-based, person-centered, and cognitive-behavioral paradigms, and she is always open to new evidence-based practices to help her clients.

Fae is passionate about ending the stigma surrounding people living with mental illness and has involved herself in activism in her community for many years to effect positive change.

Education & Training

Fae received her Master of Arts in Mental Health and Wellness Counseling from New York University and her Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Rehabilitation from Rutgers University. She is a licensed associate counselor and is also a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP). Fae also serves as an Adjunct Instructor at Rutgers University in the School of Health Professionals.

Hanwen (she/her) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Joy

Hanwen (she/her) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor of Joy Mental Fitness, which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Hanwen also provides telehealth services to patients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.

Experience & Specialties

Hanwen sees the therapeutic process as a way to learn skills that allow clients to be psychologically present while handling painful thoughts and emotions in an effective way. She focuses on increasing psychological flexibility to overcome a preoccupation with the past or future and promoting behaviors that contact psychological experiences in a non-defensive way. Using a mindfulness-based approach, Hanwen encourages clients to look at their thoughts and not from their thoughts to resolve cognitive fusion. She emphasizes receptiveness and openness to uncomfortable experiences to address experiential avoidance. She also promotes committed actions (ACT) and behavioral changes that serve one’s core values to provide a sense of meaning and fulfillment.

She focuses on individual experiences in their sociocultural context and helps make sense of the connection between their experiences, beliefs, and behaviors. Driven by social justice multiculturalism, she respects individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, ages, and religions.

Education & Training

Hanwen received her M.A. in Mental Health Counseling at New York University and her B.A. in Psychology at the University of California Berkeley. For patient convenience, she is fluent in English and Chinese Mandarin.

Jessy (they/she/he) is a mental health fellow at Joy

Jessy (they/she/he) is a mental health fellow of Joy Mental Fitness, which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Jessy also provides telehealth services to patients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.

Experience & Specialties

Jessy has extensive experience in different therapeutic methods, such as strength-based techniques, psychodynamic interventions, CBT, ACT, and somatic practices. In order to tailor the approach to the individual, Jessy integrates evidence-based modalities into their sessions based on individual needs.

Jessy endeavors to create a welcoming and collaborative therapeutic space wherein all cultures and identities are celebrated. Jessy has developed extensive expertise in providing services to individuals with varied cultural backgrounds. They demonstrate a strong commitment to helping those who are struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression trauma, relationships, acculturation, identity, ethical nonmonogamy, and topics related to sexuality.

Their competence extends to a substantial range of people, including those from the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Education & Training

Jessy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Drama from New York University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Mental Health and Wellness Counseling at New York University. Their experience working at a crisis hotline center has equipped them with the ability to effectively handle emergency situations, along with an aptitude for working with diverse populations. For patient convenience, they are fluent in English and Chinese Mandarin.

Joey (she/her) is a Master Level Therapist at Joy. 

Joey (she/her) is a master-level therapist of Joy Mental Fitness, which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Joey also provides telehealth services to patients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Experience & Specialties

As a person of color, immigrant, and queer, Joey is knowledgeable and passionate about working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. During therapy, she uses an integrative approach within a social justice framework.

She believes that the therapeutic process will benefit clients with self-exploration, affirming identities, and building interpersonal relationships. It is a work to connect the mind with the body and help clients discover the unconscious thoughts behind their beliefs and behaviors.

Education & Training

Joey received her B.S. in Psychological and Brain Science with a Minor in Applied Psychology and her Master’s degree in Mental Health and Wellness Counseling at New York University. For patient convenience, Joey is fluent in English and Chinese Mandarin.

Kelley (she/her) is a mental health fellow at Joy.

Kelley (she/her) is a mental health fellow of Joy Mental Fitness, which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Kelley also provides telehealth services to patients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.

Experience & Specialties

Kelley aspires to create a genuine, empathetic, and reflective therapeutic space while working collaboratively with her clients. She believes that by using a person-centered approach and evidence-based therapies, her clients will benefit from being heard, validated, and empowered to show up as themselves.

Education & Training

Kelley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the American University. She also holds an International Baccalaureate degree from the LGB International School of Geneva. Currently, she is pursuing her Master’s degree in Mental Health and Wellness Counseling at New York University. For patient convenience, she is fluent in English and French.

Magdalena (she/her) is a Licensed Associate Counselor and a National Certified Counselor at Joy

Magdalena (she/her) is a Licensed Associate Counselor and a National Certified Counselor of Joy Mental Fitness, which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Magdalena also provides telehealth services to patients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Experience & Specialties

Magdalena uses an eclectic therapeutic approach as she believes that every client and their situation(s) are unique. She uses the most effective therapy method to meet the needs of each individual client, including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and others.

Magdalena has experience in assisting adults with various mental health concerns, in particular, anxiety, depression, fear, grief, panic, and trauma.

Magdalena utilizes her passion for counseling and mental wellness, combined with her education and experience to promote mental health and emotional well-being.

Education & Training

Mi Cao (she/her) is the clinical director at Joy.

Mrs. Mi Cao is the clinical director of Joy Mental Fitness, which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Mrs. Cao also provides telehealth services to patients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York. 

Experience & Specialties

She specializes in holistic psychotherapy with an emphasis on the relationship between the mind and body. She values the time she spends supporting adults and adolescents on a journey to self-awareness and physical, emotional, and mental health.

Education & Training

Mrs. Cao earned her master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Alaska in Anchorage. She also completed her master’s degree in mental health education from Tianjin Normal University in Tianjin, China, to become a licensed professional counselor.

In addition to her extensive experience in diagnosing and treating trauma, anxiety, and other mental health concerns, Mrs. Cao is known for her expertise in managing developmental disabilities, including autism in adolescents and adults. She’s also a mental health ally of the BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color) and LGBTQI+ communities.

Mrs. Cao offers personalized therapy services in a safe and nonjudgmental office environment. She also meets one-on-one with clients through the online teletherapy platform. For patient convenience, she is fluent in English and Chinese Mandarin.

Michelle (she/her) is a mental health fellow at Joy.

Michelle (she/her) is a mental health fellow of Joy Mental Fitness, which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Michelle also provides telehealth services to patients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.

Experience & Specialties

Michelle views therapy as a non-judgmental, collaborative, and healing process. She’s committed to creating a safe space where clients can freely explore their deepest feelings and embrace their unique identities. She does this by providing unconditional positive regard and empathetic understanding.

Michelle’s approach to counseling integrates principles from person-centered therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness techniques. Michelle also aims to promote cognitive and behavioral changes to empower clients to achieve goals that align with their core values.

Michelle eagerly looks forward to working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and offering them a helping hand on their journey toward healing and personal growth. Her areas of specialty include managing anxiety, depression, stress, acculturation, relationship, and adjustment issues.

Education & Training

Michelle is pursuing a master’s degree in mental health counseling at NYU. For patient convenience, she is fluent in English and Chinese Mandarin.

Nayalit Mercado is a master-level therapist at Joy

Nayalit is a master-level therapist at Joy Mental Fitness which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Nayalit also provides telehealth services to patients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Experience & Specialties

Nayalit has experience working with individuals with a variety of different problems such as anxiety, depression, grief, adjustments, immigration, trauma/PTSD, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, and others, in both individual and group settings. Nayalit uses humanistic approaches in therapy such as Emotional Focused Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy. She enjoys working with adults and adolescents.

Education & Training

Nayalit graduated with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bellevue University in Omaha, Nebraska. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey. For patient convenience, she is fluent in English and Spanish.

Taylor (she/her) is a Master Level Therapist at Joy.

Taylor (she/her) is a master-level therapist of Joy Mental Fitness, which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Taylor also provides telehealth services to patients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Experience & Specialties

Taylor strives to provide a safe and trusting space for clients to discuss any issues they may be facing. Her goal is to create an environment that promotes autonomy, and open, honest communication so each client can feel valued and heard. By holding space for clients to express themselves, she gives clients a deeper understanding of what is impacting them. This forges a path towards their therapeutic goals which equates to their happiness and mental health.

While her approach is rooted in psychodynamic and person-centered therapy, Taylor draws on aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and a trauma-informed lens to inform her work. However, Taylor ultimately believes in working together to create a therapeutic environment that best suits each client’s needs. She believes that everyone has the strength to overcome hardships within themselves, and she will be here to help empower clients to explore what that means for them.

Education & Training

Prior to beginning her training in mental health counseling, she gained clinical experience working in equine therapy. That is where she worked with children who struggled with family trauma, attention, impulsivity, and behavioral issues, as well as veterans, children, and adults with developmental disabilities. Taylor received a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences from the University of Florida and her Master’s degree in Mental Health & Wellness Counseling at New York University.

Vivien (she/her) is a mental health fellow at Joy.

Vivien is a Mental Health Fellow at Joy Mental Fitness which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Vivian also provides telehealth services to patients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.

Experience & Specialties

Vivien has experience working with individuals who are going through or have experienced anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, immigration process, acculturation process, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), issues in relationships, and eating disorders. She also has cultural sensitivity with years of experience living in diverse cultures and interacting with individuals from different cultural backgrounds and greatly welcomes clients from any culture. Vivien uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, person-centered Therapy, and narrative therapy at her work. She also has worked with children, teenagers, and adults. 

Education & Training

Vivien received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in mental health counseling at New York University. For patient convenience, she is fluent in English and Chinese Mandarin.

Yujia (she/her) is a Master Level Therapist at Joy.

Yujia (she/her) is a master-level therapist of Joy Mental Fitness, which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Yujia also provides telehealth services to patients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Experience & Specialties

Yujia uses emotion-focused therapy, narrative therapy, and CBT-related treatments at her work. She values individuality and uniqueness. Her goal is to create a safe, comfortable, and collaborative atmosphere, which allows clients to delve deeper into their feelings of sadness, emptiness, loss, anxiety, and disconnect.

With an emphasis on social justice and multiculturalism, Yujia promotes wellness for clients across all demographics. She focuses on a person-centered, multicultural, and integrated approach to help clients better understand and prepare for the challenges they face.

Education & Training

Yujia received her B.A. in Psychology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and an M.A. degree in Mental Health & Wellness Counseling at New York University. For patient convenience, she is fluent in English and Chinese Mandarin.