Mental Health Services/Counseling

Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey

Let our team of licensed mental health professionals help you regain your sense of purpose.

Mental Health Services & Counseling

JFS of Central New Jersey offers mental health services for individuals, children, families and older adults via Telehealth, and in-person. Most insurance, Medicaid, Medicare accepted.

We are a NJ licensed Mental Health Outpatient facility.

Meet Our Staff of Clinicians:

 

Phil Baird, LCSW

Phil graduated from the Hunter College School of Social Work and earned a Postmaster’s Certificate in Clinical Social Work from NYU. With over three decades of experience, he has provided therapy to children and adolescents in group homes, served as a social worker for the Jersey City Board of Education for 20 years, and has been offering individual, couples, and family therapy at JFS since 1999. Phil’s areas of focus include ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, anxiety, depression, as well as multicultural and LGBT+ issues, and he currently treats adolescents, adults, and older adults.

Nathan Budashewitz, LCSW

Nathan is a Licensed Social Worker. Nathan graduated from Binghamton University in 2019 and went on to obtain his MSW from Ramapo College in 2023. He specializes in providing mental health services to young adults and children.

Elaine Dill, LCSW

Elaine is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a foundation in traditional psychotherapy approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy. Over the years, she has expanded her practice to include training and certification in various Energy Psychotherapy modalities, emotional freedom techniques, meditation, visualization, guided imagery, and advanced integrative therapies. With extensive experience in clinical roles within the Jersey City School System, as a mediator, educator, and clinical supervisor, Elaine continues to grow professionally. She holds advanced certification in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and remains an active member of the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy, as well as a certified EAGALA mental health professional since 2009.

Carol Einhorn, LCSW

Carol is a graduate of the Hunter College School of Social Work and holds a Certificate in Family Therapy from the Ackerman Institute for the Family. She has over 30 years of experience as a therapist, working with individuals, couples, and families. Her extensive background reflects a deep commitment to helping clients navigate personal and relational challenges.

Sasha Friedman, LMFT

Sasha Friedman is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with an MFT from Touro University. With over ten years of experience as an educator, she brings a grounded, compassionate approach to supporting children, teens, and adults. Sasha has experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use, and she specializes in helping couples and families build healthier patterns and stronger relationships.

Lauren Laudati, LCSW, CRC

Lauren is a dually Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) with experience working with individuals across the lifespan, including children, adults, older adults, families, and couples. She specializes in the treatment of trauma and anxiety, including early childhood trauma, and supports clients in building healthy, meaningful lives. Trained in Trauma-Focused CBT, Psychological First Aid, and Suicide Bereavement, Lauren has also worked with First Responders, survivors of sexual assault, children facing bullying, families navigating divorce, and individuals coping with self-esteem issues, grief, and loss.

Delourdes Nicolas, LSW

Delourdes is a licensed social worker and therapist whose practice is grounded in empowerment, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. She provides person-centered support that fosters an environment where clients feel seen, respected, and safe, utilizing techniques such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help individuals navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions. Fluent in English, French, and Creole, Delourdes creates a warm, inclusive space where clients feel supported, believing that healing is a unique journey for everyone.

Nancy Rosenthal, LCSW

Nancy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned her master’s degree from Rutgers University and a post-graduate certificate as a Certified Family Therapist from the NJ Center for Family Studies. She is also a licensed Adoption Specialist in New Jersey, qualified to conduct Home Studies and Post-Placement visits for prospective and adoptive families. In addition to counseling individuals, couples, and families, Nancy has facilitated widowed support groups and specializes in addressing the complexities of grief, using a blend of psychoeducation, client-centered, strength-based counseling, CBT, and psychodynamic modalities.

Debbie Rosenwein, LCSW

Debbie is a skilled professional trained in Person-Centered Trauma-Informed Care, dedicated to supporting individuals of all ages. As the Director of Holocaust Services, she specializes in working with older adults, addressing issues such as relationships, loss, anxiety, depression, and loneliness, while also supporting children and teens in building self-esteem, navigating relationships, and overcoming academic challenges. With an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania, Debbie also supervises interns and graduate students, offering guidance and mentorship to the next generation of professionals.

Kathy Russo, LCSW

Kathy is a psychotherapist who provides individual, couple, and family therapy to adolescents and adults, both in-office and via telehealth, and participates in various managed care panels including Medicare, Medicaid, and EAP services. Since 1997, Kathy has worked per diem at JFSCNJ and has a master’s degree in social work from Fordham University, with specialized training in trauma, adoption, and substance abuse. Deeply committed to helping clients reach their goals, Kathy tailors each treatment to the unique needs of the individual, recognizing the courage it takes to seek support for challenges such as grief, depression, anxiety, and trauma.

Laura Weitzman, B. A, M.Ed., Ed.D

Dr. Laura Weitzman holds a B.A. in English Education from Douglass College, an M.Ed. in Counseling from Rutgers University, and an Ed.D. in Educational Administration from Seton Hall University, along with various certifications in education and counseling, including a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey. Over the course of her career, she has held several significant roles, including English Teacher at Linden High School, Guidance Counselor, Director of Student Services, and Interim Principal at Solomon Schechter Day School, and Director of Student Services at Warren Township. Dr. Weitzman facilitates two support groups for caregivers of children and adults with disabilities.

Greg Yucht, LSW

Greg Yucht was born in Moscow, Russia, and raised in Israel before settling in the USA with his family. Specializing in Person Centered Trauma-Informed Care, he has developed expertise in working with Holocaust Survivors and family caregivers, providing outreach, mental health, and case management services, and has presented his work at national conferences. Greg holds a Masters in Jewish Studies from the Jewish Theological Seminary and an MSW from Columbia University. He will receive Rabbinical Ordination in the Spring of 2025 from the Mesifta Adas Wolkowisk Rabbinical Academy.

About the Programs

Adoption and Home Studies

The JFSCNJ Adoption program is licensed by the State of New Jersey and offers both International and Domestic Home Studies for families wishing to adopt.
Services Include:

  • • Counseling and Consultation in all adoption issues
  • • Preparation of a Home Study and Post-Placement Services

Project CEASSE

Project CEASSE (Combatting Elder Abuse through Supportive Services and Education) is a program developed by Jewish Family Service of Central NJ and the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, to educate people in the community, professionals, and older adults themselves about elder abuse, to prevent elder abuse, and to provide supportive services and intervention, if and when, such abuse occurs.
Project CEASSE Provides:

  • • Community Education About the Risk Factors and Signs of Elder Abuse.
  • • Case Management, Counseling, Interventions – Supportive Services for the Victims.
  • • Home Care for the Elderly To Provide Respite for the Caregivers.
  • • Access Other Services Provided by Jewish Family Service of Central NJ:
    •           ◦ In-home Nursing Consultation
    •           ◦ Certified Home Health Aides
    •           ◦ Transportation
    •           ◦ Meals on Wheels
  • • Referral to Legal Counseling or Shelter if and When Necessary
  • • Provide Linkages to Other Community Resources.

Career Counseling

Our career counselor will assist you in a search for a job.

Two Wednesdays a month from 9:30 AM 11:00 AM, you can join a job seekers group via Zoom, in addition to an individual consultation.

Financial Management Program

Those struggling with financial needs due to job loss, can contact our Financial Management Team made up of confidential professionals and community volunteers. This new program will empower people with the tools they need to manage the changes in their finances.

Ross Family Virtual Senior Center

Turn Your TV or Mobile Device into a Uniper Care Interactive Window and:

  • • Join Interactive Activities and Lectures.
  • • Video Call with Your Friends and Family.
  • • Access a Video Library of Exercise, Nutrition, Yoga and Entertainment.
  • • Join in fun activities on Travel, Trivia, History, Lifestyle, and Sports.
  • • Connect with the JFSCNJ Staff.
  • • Access an easy to us remote that will keep you busy all day.
  • • JFS will provide installation, technical support, and our own live programming.

The Uniper Care program works on any TV, is HIPAA compliant, multi-lingual, audio-video enabled, and designed for seniors with an easy to use remote.

JFSCNJ sponsors several support groups for families of individuals with a developmental, mental/behavioral challenge. We welcome newcomers who are looking for information and understanding from those with similar issues and support. One group if for caregivers of disabled children through age 20. The second group is for caregivers responsible for disabled adults, ages 21+.

 

Caregivers of Children with Disabilities

Wednesday Evenings @ 7:30 PM

2026: 3/11, 3/25, 4/15, 4/29, 5/13, 4/27, 6/10, 6/24, 7/8, 7/29, 8/12, 8/26

 

Caregivers of Disabled Adults

Monday Evenings @ 7:30 PM

2026: 2/23, 3/9, 3/23, 4/6, 4/20, 5/4, 5/18, 6/1, 6/16, 6/29, 7/13, 7/27, 8/10, 8/24

Housing Services

The Housing Department at Jewish Family Service of Central NJ provides rental assistance, emergency financial assistance, security deposit, case-management and counseling to individuals and families in Union County.

Our social workers and case-managers provide a range of services including assessing for financial assistance (rental and other emergency assistance needs), housing stability case-management, tenant advocacy and landlord mediation, housing search, rental applications, and connection to resources within and outside the agency. Staff also specialize in assisting older adults with housing needs. You may receive services in our Elizabeth or Plainfield offices.

The program is partially funded by the Health Care Foundation of NJ, DCA Department of Community Affairs, TBRA City of Elizabeth, and FEMA. 

 

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