Book a therapist or psychiatrist in East Brunswick, NJ covered by Aetna

My path to psychotherapy is anything but conventional. I began my career as a scientist and then a high school science teacher, where a deep curiosity about the world took root. But it was the human connection, the conversations, the stories, that truly lit me up. That led me to Columbia University, where I earned my Master's in Social Work and gained invaluable clinical experience at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. After graduation, I worked in hospice care, walking alongside families through some of life's most profound and challenging moments, an experience that gave me a deep respect for human resilience and the power of being truly heard. After welcoming my three children, I took everything I had learned and channelled it into opening my own private practice. Today, that is where my heart lives. I am endlessly inspired by the people I get to meet, the life stories they share, and the privilege of watching them grow. Whatever has brought you here, I would love to hear your story too.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in a variety of fields (psychiatric screening, infectious disease case management, school based individual and family therapy services). I've worked successfully with individuals, couples and families, and I am a dedicated, compassionate and attentive clinician with an innate ability to connect to people.

Dr. Zaidi is Triple Board Certified in Psychiatry/Neurology, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. He has encompassed more than thirty years of extensive and diverse experience in the field of Child, Adolescent & Family Psychiatry. Dr. Zaidi was responsible for the management of a Monmouth Medical Center Children’s Crisis Intervention Service staff and operations; establishing patient services for adolescents, including day and overnight hospitalization; and supervision of multidisciplinary staff in various settings. Dr. Zaidi served as a Clinical Assistant Professor within the Department of Psychiatry at the Drexel School of Medicine. As a Site Director for Psychiatry, he provided supervision and training of medical students and pediatric residents on rotation at Monmouth Medical Center for Drexel School of Medicine and the Physicians Assistants Program from UMDNJ and Seton Hall. Dr. Zaidi has seen children, adolescents, and adults in private practice for over a decade. Dr. Zaidi is certified by the Board of Education to conduct psychiatric evaluations for school districts for Monmouth and surrounding counties.

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Hi there! Each of us navigates life uniquely, and you possess the greatest expertise in your own journey. I believe in the power of a client-centered approach, where together, we will explore your strengths, values, and aspirations. My mission is to be a dedicated partner on your path towards self-discovery, healing, and empowerment.

After many years in the field as a LCSW, I went back to earn my Doctor of Social Work to better support my clients' needs, in both clinical and scholarly efforts.

I provide thoughtful, individualized therapy for adults navigating anxiety, stress, depression, relationship concerns, or the general challenges of life. While I work with a wide range of adults, I specialize in young adults, men, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Whether you're facing one clear hurdle or managing a complex mix of stressors, I partner with you to turn toward building lasting growth.

Dr. Claudette L Blake, DNP, APRN, MSN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a background in psychiatry, oncology, correctional health, geriatric care, and healthcare leadership. Her broad professional experiences strengthen her clinical perspective and decision making. Together, your mental health becomes the priority.