Exceptional Care. Trusted Expertise.
Boutique Psychotherapy & Forensic Psychological Services
At Opthof Center for Psychotherapy, we believe exceptional psychological care is built on expertise, integrity, and meaningful human connection. Our practice was founded on a simple principle: every client deserves personalized attention, thoughtful clinical judgment, and the highest standard of professional care.
Unlike large group practices where clients often feel like just another appointment, Opthof Center for Psychotherapy offers a boutique experience—one where every therapy session, forensic evaluation, and professional recommendation receives the time, attention, and care it deserves.
Whether you are seeking therapy to improve your emotional well-being or require a comprehensive forensic psychological evaluation, you can expect professionalism, discretion, and individualized service from beginning to end.
Please contact me:
Office Phone Number: (201) 263-0202
Email: [email protected]
Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.
Brene Brown
15 plus years in practice
Montclair State University, 1997
License No. and State:
44SW00976000
New Jersey
Meet Dr. Jerry Opthof
Seeking help takes courage. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, addiction, overwhelming stress, or simply feeling stuck, taking the first step toward therapy can be di cult. My goal is to create a comfortable, supportive environment where you feel heard, understood, and respected from your very first appointment.
I am the founder and Clinical Director of Opthof Center for Psychotherapy. For more than 30 years, I have worked with adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing a wide variety of emotional, behavioral, and life challenges.
As a Doctor of Forensic Psychology, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), I combine decades of clinical experience with evidence-based treatment to help clients create lasting change.
I believe therapy should never be one-size- ts-all. Every client brings a unique story, and together we develop an individualized treatment plan focused on your goals, strengths, and personal growth.
My areas of clinical expertise include:
• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) • Trauma
• Substance Use Disorders
• Relationship Issues
• Grief & Loss
• Stress Management
• Life Transitions
• Men's Mental Health
• Professional Burnout
I believe successful therapy begins with trust. My role is not simply to treat symptoms, but to understand the whole person while helping clients develop practical skills that create meaningful, lasting change.
In addition to psychotherapy, I maintain an active forensic practice, providing independent psychological evaluations for attorneys, courts, employers, and private individuals throughout New Jersey.
Please contact me:
Office Phone Number: (201) 263-0202
Email: [email protected]
How Rishel Can Help
Research shows that therapy animals can:
• Reduce anxiety and stress
• Encourage emotional expression
• Provide comfort and companionship
• Improve overall mental well-being
Meet Rishel, Our Therapy Dog
At Opthof Center for Psychotherapy, we believe in creating a warm and supportive environment for our clients. That's why we're thrilled to introduce Rishel, our certified therapy dog, who plays a special role in enhancing the therapeutic experience.
About Rishel
Rishel is a Black Labrador/Golden Retriever mix , known for their gentle and empathetic nature.
With her calming presence and friendly demeanor, she has been specially trained to provide emotional support during therapy sessions.
Rishel's intuitive nature allows her to connect with clients of all ages, making her an invaluable part of our team. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply need a moment of grounding, Rishel is here to help.
What to Expect
Rishel may join you in your therapy sessions, depending on your preferences and therapeutic goals. She’ll sit quietly by your side or interact as needed, offering unconditional love and support without judgment.
Meeting Rishel
If you'd like Rishel to be part of your therapy journey, let us know when you schedule your appointment. She’s here to make your sessions even more comfortable and effective.
We’re proud to offer this unique service to our clients and invite you to experience the healing
power of Rishel’s presence. For more information, please feel free to contact us!
You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Specialties:
- Individual, Marital and Couples Counseling
- Sexual, Relationship & Family Issues
- Addictions & Recovery Issues: Anger Alcohol, Drug, Sex, Gambling,
- Grief, Depression & Anxiety
We are available Monday through Saturday providing individual, couples, group and family counseling to those living in Bergen, Morris, & Sussex counties.
As an alternative to traditional 12-Step Recovery Programs we also offer Smart Recovery and Moderation Management techniques to guide you through a recovery process.
At the Opthof Center, we are a State of New Jersey Approved Provider for the Intoxicated Driver Resource Centers. We provide assessments, individual and group counseling for those convicted of DWI offenses. Support groups are available for men and women in the early stages of recovery.
Please contact me:
Office Phone Number: (201) 263-0202
Email: [email protected]
Forensic Psychology
Objective. Comprehensive. Defensible.
At Opthof Center for Psychotherapy, we provide independent forensic psychological evaluations for attorneys, courts, employers, government agencies, and private individuals throughout New Jersey.
Unlike traditional psychotherapy, forensic evaluations are conducted to answer speci c legal or administrative questions through objective psychological assessment, standardized testing, collateral information, and comprehensive record review.
Our commitment is simple:
Provide independent, evidence-based opinions that withstand professional and judicial scrutiny.
Experience You Can Trust
30+ Years of Clinical Experience
Providing psychotherapy, substance use treatment, and forensic psychological services throughout New Jersey for more than three decades.
100+ Forensic Psychological Evaluations Conducted
Comprehensive evaluations involving mental health, substance use, parenting and family court matters, violence and risk assessment, fitness-for-duty, rearms evaluations, and other complex forensic issues.
Qualified as an Expert Witness in Multiple New Jersey Superior Courts
Qualified and accepted as an expert witness in the Superior Court of New Jersey, including Bergen, Morris, and Ocean Counties.
Trusted Throughout New Jersey
Trusted by attorneys, judges, physicians, treatment providers, employers, government agencies, and private individuals for objective forensic evaluations and professional consultation.
Professional Distinction
- Doctor of Forensic Psychology
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC)
- Over 30 Years of Clinical Experience
- Conducted More Than 100 Forensic Psychological Evaluations
- Qualified and Accepted as an Expert Witness in Multiple New Jersey Superior Courts
- Independent Forensic Evaluations for Attorneys, Courts, Employers, Government Agencies, and
- Private Individuals
- Evidence-Based Evaluation Process
- Objective and Independent Professional Opinions
Why Attorneys Choose Opthof Center for Psychotherapy
Forensic evaluations require far more than clinical expertise. They require an evaluator who understands the intersection of psychology and the legal system while maintaining complete professional independence.
Dr. Opthof provides meticulous, objective evaluations tailored to the specific legal questions presented in each case. Every opinion is supported through accepted psychological principles, standardized assessment, collateral information, and comprehensive review of all available records.
Whether retained by an attorney, appointed by the court, or engaged privately, every evaluation receives the same commitment to fairness, accuracy, and professional integrity.
Areas of Forensic Practice
- Firearms Identification Card (FID) Psychological Evaluations Permit to Carry (CCW) Psychological
- Evaluations
- Court-Ordered Psychological Evaluations
- Independent Psychological Evaluations
- Parenting & Family Court Evaluations Substance Use Evaluations
- Alcohol & Drug Assessments
- Violence & Risk Assessments
- Fitness-for-Duty Evaluations
- Department of Transportation (DOT) Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Evaluations Return-to-
- Work Evaluations
- Attorney Consultation
Court Experience
Dr. Opthof has been qualified and accepted as an expert witness in multiple New Jersey Superior Courts, including Bergen, Morris, and Ocean Counties.
His forensic opinions have addressed psychological functioning, substance use disorders, parenting and family court issues, violence and behavioral risk, occupational fitness, and other behavioral health concerns.
His evaluations and testimony are based upon accepted forensic methodology, objective clinical findings, standardized psychological assessment, comprehensive record review, and adherence to ethical standards governing forensic practice.
Our Evaluation Process
- Every forensic evaluation is individualized and may include:
- Comprehensive forensic interview
- Psychological testing
- Review of legal, medical, employment, educational, and treatment records Substance use assessment
- Collateral interviews
- Behavioral observations
- Detailed forensic report
- Professional opinions and recommendations
Each report is prepared with the understanding that it may become part of legal proceedings and is designed to communicate findings clearly and objectively.
Commitment to Objectivity
The role of the forensic evaluator is not to advocate for either side of a legal matter.
Our responsibility is to provide an independent professional opinion based upon accepted psychological science, objective evidence, and established ethical standards.
Whether conclusions support or do not support the position of the retaining party, every opinion remains impartial, professionally grounded, and evidence-based.
Request a Confidential Consultation
Whether you are an attorney seeking expert consultation, a court requesting an independent evaluation, an employer requiring a fitness-for-duty assessment, or an individual seeking a specialized forensic evaluation, Opthof Center for Psychotherapy provides an elevated level of professional service defined by discretion, objectivity, and clinical excellence.
We welcome the opportunity to discuss your matter and explain how our services can best meet your needs.
Please contact me:
Office Phone Number: (201) 263-0202
Email: [email protected]
Evaluations
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANCY & EVALUATIONS
- Forensic Evaluation Services
- Comprehensive Mental Health Evaluations
- Comprehensive Court Ordered Substance Abuse Evaluations
- EtG and EtS Alcohol Testing
- Oral and Urinalysis Drug Screen Testing
Credentials & Education
- Licensed Professional Counselor (L.P.C.)
- Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor (L.C.A.D.C.)
- Certified Social Worker (C.S.W.)
- Substance Awareness Coordinator (S.A.C.)
- Master Addiction Counselor (M.A.C.)
- National Certified Counselor (N.C.C.)
- Internationally Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor
- Substance Abuse Professional (S.A.P.)
ADVANCE TRAININGS:
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Level 2, 2004
- Training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Level 1 by originator Dr. Francine Shapiro, 2004
- Training in Crisis Response by the National Organization of Victim Advocacy (NOVA)
- Training in Family Therapy at the Ackerman Institute in Manhattan
- Training in Trauma and Grief by the Nox Institute
EDUCATION
- Eisner Institute for Professional Studies, Psy.D in Forensic Psychology, 2014
- Montclair State University, Masters of Arts in Counseling, Human Development, and Secondary Education – Concentration in
- Substance Abuse and Dependency, 1997
- Montclair State College - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, 1994
Please contact me:
Office Phone Number: (201) 263-0202
Email: [email protected]
Starting
To Schedule Our First Appointment
Please contact me:
Office Phone Number: (201) 263-0202 Email: [email protected]Insurance
For a variety of reasons, we do not participate as a provider in any health insurance or managed care plan. Limiting the involvement of third party payers allows the psychotherapeutic process to have a greater degree of autonomy and privacy. Additionally, we will keep your credit card on file and automatically accept payment at the end of each session, allowing us to keep the full focus of each session on our work together. Services may be covered by health insurance policies which allow participants to choose out-of-network mental health providers. Please consult with your insurance company to get the proper form and to find out where to submit your claim.Please fill out the following intake forms and bring them to our first appointment.
Please fill out the intake form prior to our appointment. Online Forms
Resources
Dr. Gerald Opthof
Office Phone Number: (201) 263-0202
Email: Please use the contact form below
700 Kinderkamack Road
Suite 303
Oradell, NJ 07649
Contact Form
Affiliations
Road Recovery Benefit,
Dr Opthof & Actor, Dennis Leary
Accomplishments
- Chairperson to the Prevention Sub-Committee of the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (GCADA)
- Appointed to serve a 5-year term as a member of the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (GCADA)
- Co-founded the Not-For-Profit – National Coalition for the Advancement of Drug-Free Athletics, Inc.
Publications & Appearances
- February 2015 Article on CBT & Addictions
- January 2015 Feature in January Issue of Counseling Today
- November 2014 Interviewed for pilot TV show, NJ Insider.
- September 2005 Guest Speaker on Caucus New Jersey with Steve Adubato, Families in Crisis Series
- February 2004 Bergen County Record Article on Self Mutilation Among Teens