Psychotherapy
Personalized Therapy Designed Around You
Life presents challenges that can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship con ict, addiction, trauma, or major life transitions, therapy provides an opportunity to better understand yourself while developing healthier ways of coping.
Our approach is compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-based. Together we work to identify patterns that may be preventing growth, develop practical coping strategies, and help you move toward a healthier and more ful lling life.
Every client receives individualized treatment in a con dential, welcoming environment where professionalism, respect, and compassion remain our highest priorities.
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 rst 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 rst 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 offences. 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]
Support Groups
Betrayed Women's Support Group
Trust can allow people to bungee jump of a bridge, to fly hundreds of miles per hour in the air across rocky mountains and open waters, or even to make a lifelong commitment to one person. However, once broken, trust can destroy a person’s ability to form new friendships, lasting relationships, and can even affect a person’s self-esteem. When trust is broken, a sense of betrayal is bred. Coping with betrayal can be just as difficult as restoring trust, but not when you have help.
Opthof Center for Psychotherapy will soon be starting an eight week group for women who have been betrayed. In a safe, confidential group consisting entirely of women, we will begin the healing process, and restore a sense of trust amongst ourselves to overcome the betrayal we have endured. The focus will be on social support, education, and shame reduction. For more information about the group please reach out to the Opthof Center for Psychotherapy, LLC at 201 263 0202.
Early Intervention Support Group
EARLY INTERVENTION, for individuals addressing substance misuse problems or mild disorders, and helping to prevent more severe substance use disorders.
Opthof Center for Psychotherapy will soon be starting an eight week group for individuals who have a substance use disorder but who may not be ready to enter treatment.In a safe, confidential group we will begin to help engage individuals in treatment and reduce the risks and harms associated with substance misuse. We will begin to reduce the harms associated with substance misuse, to reduce risk behaviors before they lead to serious consequences, to improve health and social function, and to prevent progression to a disorder.
The focus will be on three key factors providing information about substance use risks, normal or safe levels of use, and strategies to quit or cut down on use and use-related risk behaviors. For more information about the group please reach out to the Opthof Center for Psychotherapy, LLC at 201 263 0202.
Anger Management Support Group
Anger is a powerful emotion. It can destroy lifelong relationships in moments, tear down reputations in few words and actions, and eliminate peace within a person. Addressing your anger can be the steps to healing yourself, managing your anger and channeling it to make positive changes in your life.
While it may seem insurmountable, repurposing your anger and getting your life back can be done with help and support.
Opthof Center for Psychotherapy will soon be starting an eight week group for those who are slaves to their anger. In a safe, confidential group we will begin to work through the underlying issues and establish healthy ways to handle situations as they arise. The focus will be on emotional support, education, and personal development. For more information about the group please reach out to the Opthof Center for Psychotherapy, LLC at 201 263 0202.
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]
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