Talk Therapy Services in New Jersey

Talk Therapy Sessions in Red Bank, New Jersey

Evidence-based therapy with licensed therapists in Red Bank and via telehealth across NJ

Talk therapy at Kolli Psychiatric & Associates provides evidence-based psychotherapy including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and solution-focused therapy with licensed mental health therapists who work closely with our board-certified psychiatrists. Our in-house therapists specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, and developing coping skills for everyday challenges.

Whether you need therapy alone or in combination with psychiatric medication management, our integrated care model ensures your therapist and psychiatrist communicate and collaborate to provide coordinated, comprehensive treatment. We offer talk therapy in-person at our Red Bank office or via secure telehealth throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Many people benefit from therapy alone, while others find that the combination of therapy and medication provides the best outcomes. Unlike practices where your therapist and psychiatrist never communicate, our integrated model means your mental health providers are working together toward the same goals. If you’re already seeing one of our psychiatrists for medication management, adding therapy is seamless. 

If you’re starting with therapy, our therapists can coordinate with your psychiatrist if medication becomes appropriate. This collaborative approach means you’re never just a diagnosis—you’re a whole person receiving coordinated care from a team that communicates.

What to Expect at Your First Therapy Session

Your first therapy appointment is an initial consultation where you’ll meet your therapist, discuss what brings you to therapy, explore your goals, and determine whether you’re a good fit to work together. This session is as much for you to evaluate the therapist as it is for them to understand your needs.

Your first session typically includes:

Introductions and building rapport 
Your therapist will introduce themselves, explain how therapy works, discuss confidentiality, and create a comfortable environment for you to talk openly. This is your chance to get a sense of their style and whether you feel comfortable with them.

Understanding what brings you to therapy 
You’ll discuss your current concerns—anxiety, depression, relationship problems, life transitions, trauma, or whatever prompted you to seek therapy. Your therapist will ask questions to understand your symptoms, how long you’ve been experiencing them, what you’ve tried before, and how they’re affecting your life.

Exploring your history and context 
Your therapist will ask about relevant background—family history, past therapy experiences, major life events, current stressors, relationships, work or school situation, and anything else that provides context for understanding your current struggles.

Discussing goals and treatment approach 
Together, you’ll identify what you want to work on in therapy and what success would look like. Your therapist will explain their approach (CBT, DBT, solution-focused) and how it can help with your specific concerns. They’ll discuss frequency of sessions (typically weekly), duration of treatment, and what to expect.

Your therapist will explore:

• What you’re hoping to get out of therapy
• Current symptoms and how they’re affecting your daily life
• Your support system—family, friends, other providers
• Coping strategies you’ve tried and whether they’ve helped
• Whether you’re currently taking medication or seeing a psychiatrist
• Past therapy experiences—what worked and what didn’t
• Your strengths and resources you can build on

Together, you’ll determine:

• Whether therapy is the right fit for your needs
• Which therapeutic approach (CBT, DBT, solution-focused) makes the most sense
• How often you should meet (usually weekly to start)
• Whether medication evaluation with our psychiatrists would be beneficial
• Initial goals to work toward in therapy

Most people leave the first session feeling heard, hopeful, and with a clear sense of what therapy will involve.

After Your First Session: Beginning Therapy

Once you and your therapist agree to work together, you’ll schedule regular sessions and begin the therapeutic process. Here’s what happens next:

Regular weekly sessions scheduled – Consistency is important in therapy. Most people start with weekly 50-minute sessions, though frequency can be adjusted based on your needs and availability.
Collaborative goal-setting – You and your therapist will create specific, measurable goals to work toward. These might include reducing anxiety symptoms, improving relationships, developing better coping skills, processing trauma, or changing unhelpful thought patterns.
Active engagement between sessions – Therapy isn’t just what happens in the session. Your therapist may assign homework like practicing coping skills, tracking thoughts and emotions, completing worksheets, or trying new behaviors. The work you do between sessions is often where the most growth happens.
Coordination with your psychiatrist if applicable – If you’re also seeing one of our psychiatrists, your therapist and psychiatrist will communicate (with your permission) to ensure medication and therapy are working together. This collaborative approach leads to better outcomes than when providers work in silos.
Progress monitoring and adjustments – Your therapist will regularly check in about what’s working and what isn’t, adjusting the approach as needed. Therapy is flexible and responsive to your needs.
Building skills and insights – Through CBT, DBT, or solution-focused approaches, you’ll learn concrete skills for managing symptoms, changing thought patterns, regulating emotions, and solving problems more effectively.

Therapy is a collaborative process. The more you engage, practice skills, and apply what you’re learning to your daily life, the more you’ll benefit.

Why Red Bank Patients Choose Our Therapy Services

Licensed therapists specializing in evidence-based approaches

Our therapists are licensed mental health professionals trained in specific, evidence-based therapeutic modalities that have been proven effective through research. We’re not generalists—our therapists specialize in CBT, DBT, and solution-focused therapy because these approaches consistently produce positive outcomes for anxiety, depression, trauma, and other common concerns.

Integrated care with our psychiatrists

Unlike fragmented care where your therapist and psychiatrist never communicate, our in-house model means your providers work as a team. If you’re seeing both a therapist and psychiatrist in our practice, they’ll coordinate your care—discussing your progress, adjusting treatment as needed, and ensuring medication and therapy support each other. This integrated approach is the gold standard in mental health treatment.

Seamless addition of therapy if you’re already our patient

If you’re currently seeing one of our psychiatrists for medication management and realize you’d benefit from therapy, adding it is simple. We’ll match you with one of our therapists, and they’ll coordinate with your psychiatrist from day one. You don’t need to search for a therapist elsewhere and start over explaining your situation.

Convenient Red Bank location plus telehealth

Choose from in-person therapy at our Red Bank office or meet with your therapist via secure telehealth from anywhere in New Jersey. Many people prefer telehealth therapy for convenience, privacy, and flexibility. Both formats are equally effective for most people.

Evidence-based therapeutic approaches that work

We use therapeutic modalities with strong research support, not vague “talk therapy” without structure. CBT helps you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns. DBT teaches skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Solution-focused therapy helps you identify strengths and create practical solutions. Your therapist will explain which approach fits your needs.

Therapy tailored to your goals and life

We don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Your therapist adapts treatment to your specific concerns, learning style, personality, and life circumstances. Some people want structured, homework-based CBT. Others prefer processing-focused work. We meet you where you are.

Insurance-friendly out-of-network practice

We partner with Thrizer to handle your out-of-network insurance billing. Many patients receive significant reimbursement for therapy sessions. After meeting your deductible, you often only pay your copay. We provide detailed superbills for all major insurance carriers.

Therapy Approaches We Offer in New Jersey

Our therapists are trained in specific evidence-based modalities chosen because they’re effective for the conditions we most commonly treat.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most researched and effective forms of therapy for anxiety, depression, OCD, panic disorder, and many other conditions. It’s based on the principle that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected—and that changing unhelpful thought patterns leads to changes in emotions and actions.

In CBT, you’ll learn to:

• Identify automatic negative thoughts and cognitive distortions
• Challenge and reframe unhelpful thinking patterns
• Test beliefs through behavioral experiments
• Develop more balanced, realistic ways of thinking
• Build coping skills for managing difficult emotions
• Break cycles of avoidance that maintain anxiety and depression

CBT is structured, goal-oriented, and often includes homework between sessions. It’s typically short-term (12-20 sessions) though duration varies by individual needs. CBT works well for people who want practical tools and skills they can use independently.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT was originally developed for borderline personality disorder but is now used effectively for anyone who struggles with intense emotions, impulsivity, relationship conflicts, or self-destructive behaviors. It combines CBT techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies.

DBT teaches four core skill sets:

Mindfulness – Being present in the moment without judgment, observing thoughts and feelings without reacting
Distress tolerance – Getting through crisis situations without making things worse, using skills like self-soothing and distraction
Emotion regulation – Understanding and managing intense emotions, reducing emotional vulnerability
Interpersonal effectiveness – Communicating needs, setting boundaries, and maintaining healthy relationships

DBT is particularly helpful for people who feel emotions very intensely, struggle with impulsive decisions, have difficulty managing anger or anxiety, or repeatedly have relationship conflicts. It’s more structured than traditional talk therapy and involves practicing skills both in session and in daily life.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Solution-focused therapy concentrates on your strengths, resources, and what’s already working rather than dwelling extensively on problems and their origins. It’s present and future-oriented, helping you identify concrete goals and practical steps toward achieving them.

In solution-focused therapy, you’ll:

• Clarify what you want to be different in your life
• Identify times when the problem is less severe or absent (exceptions)
• Explore your strengths and past successes
• Create small, achievable steps toward your goals
• Build on what’s already working in your life

Solution-focused therapy is often shorter-term and works well for people dealing with specific life challenges, transitions, or those who want practical problem-solving strategies rather than deep psychological exploration.

Which approach is right for you?
Your therapist will discuss which modality fits your needs, personality, and goals. Many therapists integrate elements from multiple approaches. The most important factor in therapy effectiveness is the relationship with your therapist and your engagement in the process—specific techniques matter, but so does feeling understood and supported.

Who Benefits from Talk Therapy?

Therapy isn’t just for people in crisis or with severe mental illness.

Many people seek therapy to:

• Develop better coping skills for everyday stress
• Work through a specific problem or life transition
• Gain insight into patterns that keep repeating
• Improve relationships and communication
• Process past experiences that still affect them
• Build self-esteem and confidence
• Make difficult decisions with support
• Prevent mild symptoms from becoming severe
• Maintain mental health after medication stabilizes symptoms

Consider talk therapy if you’re experiencing:

• Persistent anxiety, worry, or stress that interferes with daily life
• Feeling sad, hopeless, or unmotivated for more than a few weeks
• Difficulty managing emotions—feeling overwhelmed by feelings
• Relationship patterns that keep causing problems
• Major life transition or decision causing distress
• Trauma that’s affecting your current functioning
• Desire to understand yourself better and make changes
• Medication is helping but you want additional support
• You’ve tried to fix things on your own but nothing’s working

You don’t need to be “sick enough” to deserve therapy. If something is bothering you, therapy can help.

Telehealth vs. In-Person: Which Is Right for You?

Both telehealth and in-person appointments have advantages. Here’s how to decide:

Choose telehealth if:

• You have a busy schedule and struggle to fit appointments into your day
• You live far from our Red Bank office or don’t have easy transportation
• You’re a college student away at school or travel frequently for work
• You’re a new parent who can’t easily leave the house
• You prefer the privacy and comfort of being in your own space
• You want more flexible appointment times (early morning, evening, lunch breaks)
• You’re already established as a patient and need routine follow-up medication management

Choose in-person if:

• This is your first visit ever to a psychiatrist and you prefer face-to-face interaction
• You have concerns about privacy or technology at home
• You are looking for an ADHD Evaluation
• You want to meet your psychiatrist in person before transitioning to telehealth
• You don’t have reliable internet access or private space at home

The good news: You can do both!
Many patients do their initial evaluation in-person and then switch to telehealth for follow-up medication management appointments. Others start with telehealth and later come in-person. You’re not locked into one format—choose what works best for each appointment.

Starting Therapy at Kolli Psychiatric in Red Bank and Monmouth County

We understand that starting therapy can feel intimidating. Patients throughout Red Bank, Freehold, Marlboro, Rumson, Middletown, Holmdel, and Monmouth County often wonder whether therapy is “worth it,” worry about being judged, or feel uncertain about opening up to a stranger.

Here’s what we want you to know:

Therapy is a collaborative partnership, not a judgment. Therapists aren’t there to tell you what’s wrong with you or criticize your choices. They’re trained to understand human behavior, create a safe space, and help you work toward your goals without judgment.

You don’t have to share everything immediately. Building trust takes time. Good therapists understand this and let you set the pace for what you’re comfortable discussing. You’re always in control of what you share.

Therapy works when you engage with it. Reading about therapy, thinking about going to therapy, or occasionally attending sessions produces limited results. Therapy works best when you attend consistently, practice skills between sessions, and apply what you’re learning to real life.

Change takes time, but you’ll notice progress along the way. Most people start feeling some benefit within 4-6 sessions, but meaningful change typically takes several months. Be patient with the process and trust that small improvements compound over time.

The therapist-client relationship matters most. Research consistently shows that the quality of the therapeutic relationship predicts outcomes more than the specific techniques used. If you don’t feel comfortable with your therapist after a few sessions, it’s okay to discuss this or request a different therapist.

Schedule Your Telehealth Psychiatry Appointment

If you’re ready to start therapy or want to explore whether therapy could help with what you’re experiencing, our licensed therapists are here to support you.

Call our office at 732-655-4568 or book an appointment online. We serve patients in-person at our Red Bank office and via telehealth throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. We see patients from across Monmouth County including Freehold, Marlboro, Rumson, Middletown, Holmdel, and surrounding communities.

Ready to feel better and develop the skills you need?
Let’s start this journey together—schedule your first therapy session today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Talk Therapy

1. Where can I find therapy services near me in Red Bank or Monmouth County?

Kolli Psychiatric & Associates provides evidence-based talk therapy in Red Bank, NJ, serving patients throughout Monmouth County including Freehold, Marlboro, Rumson, Middletown, Holmdel, and surrounding areas. Our licensed therapists offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and solution-focused therapy both in-person at our Red Bank office and via telehealth throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

2. What types of therapy do you offer?

We offer three evidence-based therapy approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety, depression, and changing unhelpful thought patterns; Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and managing intense emotions; and solution-focused brief therapy for goal-oriented, practical problem-solving. Your therapist will discuss which approach fits your needs best.

3. How long does each therapy session last?

Individual therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes (often called a “therapeutic hour”). Your first session may be slightly longer to allow time for intake paperwork and questions. Sessions are usually scheduled weekly, though frequency can be adjusted based on your needs.

4. How many therapy sessions will I need?

This varies significantly by individual, the issues you’re working on, and your goals. Some people benefit from 8-12 sessions of short-term, focused work. Others engage in therapy for several months or longer to address complex issues. Your therapist will discuss expected duration during your initial sessions and will regularly check in about progress and whether you’re getting what you need from therapy.

5. Where can I find CBT therapy near me?

Kolli Psychiatric & Associates offers Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Red Bank and throughout Monmouth County, NJ. Our licensed therapists are trained in CBT approaches for treating anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, panic disorder, and other conditions. CBT is available in-person at our Red Bank office or via telehealth throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

6. Can I get DBT therapy near me in Monmouth County?

Yes. We provide Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) at our Red Bank office and via telehealth for patients throughout Monmouth County and the surrounding areas. DBT is particularly effective for emotional regulation difficulties, intense mood swings, impulsivity, relationship conflicts, and managing distressing situations without making them worse.

7. Do I need therapy, medication, or both?

This depends on your specific situation, symptom severity, and preferences. Mild to moderate symptoms often improve with therapy alone. Moderate to severe depression or anxiety typically respond best to combined therapy and medication. If you’re already seeing one of our psychiatrists, your psychiatrist and therapist can coordinate to determine the best approach for you. Many people start with one treatment and add the other if needed.

8. Can I see a therapist and psychiatrist in the same practice?

Yes, and this is one of the main advantages of our integrated care model. If you’re seeing one of our psychiatrists for medication management and would benefit from therapy, we can connect you with one of our in-house therapists. Your therapist and psychiatrist will coordinate your care, ensuring medication and therapy work together effectively. This integrated approach leads to better outcomes than fragmented care.

9. What happens in the first therapy session?

The first session is an initial consultation where you meet your therapist, discuss what brings you to therapy, explore your background and current concerns, and determine whether you’re a good fit to work together. Your therapist will explain their approach, discuss confidentiality, and answer your questions. You’ll collaboratively set initial goals and discuss frequency of sessions. Most first sessions last 50-60 minutes.

10. Is therapy confidential?

Yes. Everything you discuss in therapy is confidential and protected by HIPAA and state laws. Your therapist cannot share information without your written permission, with few exceptions: if you’re in danger of harming yourself or others, if there’s suspected child or elder abuse, or if required by a court order. Your therapist will explain confidentiality limits clearly during your first session.

11. Can I do therapy via telehealth?

Yes. We offer secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth therapy for patients throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Research shows that telehealth therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for most concerns. Many people prefer telehealth for convenience, privacy, and flexibility. You can choose between in-person and telehealth based on your preferences.

12. How do I know if therapy is working?

You should notice gradual improvements over time—better coping with difficult situations, reduced symptom frequency or intensity, improved relationships, or increased insight and self-awareness. Your therapist will regularly check in about progress and whether you’re getting what you need. Most people start noticing some benefit within 4-6 sessions, though meaningful change takes longer.

13. What if I don’t feel comfortable with my therapist?

The therapeutic relationship is crucial for effective treatment. If you don’t feel comfortable with your therapist after a few sessions, it’s important to address this. You can discuss your concerns directly with your therapist (good therapists won’t be offended), or you can contact our office to request a different therapist. Finding the right fit is essential.

14. Where can I find anxiety therapy near me?

Kolli Psychiatric & Associates provides specialized anxiety therapy in Red Bank and throughout Monmouth County, NJ. Our therapists use evidence-based approaches like CBT and DBT to treat generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, and health anxiety. We help you understand anxiety patterns, develop coping skills, challenge anxious thoughts, and gradually face feared situations. Available in-person and via telehealth.

15. Can I get depression therapy near me in Red Bank?

Yes. We offer comprehensive depression therapy for patients in Red Bank, Freehold, Marlboro, and throughout Monmouth County, NJ. Our licensed therapists use CBT and solution-focused approaches to address negative thought patterns, behavioral activation, problem-solving, and building healthy routines. Depression therapy is available in-person at our Red Bank office or via telehealth.

16. Do you offer trauma therapy?

Yes. Our therapists provide trauma-informed therapy for processing traumatic experiences, reducing PTSD symptoms, and developing healthy coping mechanisms. We use approaches that help you heal without retraumatization. For complex trauma or severe PTSD, we may recommend specialized trauma therapy alongside treatment in our practice.

17. Is therapy covered by insurance?

Kolli Psychiatric & Associates is an out-of-network practice, but therapy services are typically covered under out-of-network mental health benefits. We partner with Thrizer to handle your insurance billing, and many patients receive significant reimbursement. After meeting your deductible, you often only pay your copay for therapy sessions. We provide detailed superbills for all major insurance carriers.

18. Can therapy help with relationship problems?

Yes. While we don’t offer couples therapy, our therapists provide individual therapy focused on relationship concerns. This can include improving communication skills, setting healthy boundaries, addressing patterns that cause relationship problems, understanding attachment styles, and developing healthier ways of relating to others. Many people find individual therapy very helpful for relationship issues.

19. How soon can I schedule my first therapy session?

We typically have availability for new therapy patients within 1-2 weeks. Call our office at [PHONE NUMBER] or request an appointment online, and our team will match you with a therapist whose expertise fits your needs—either in-person at our Red Bank office or via telehealth.

20. What’s the difference between a therapist and a psychiatrist?

Therapists are licensed mental health professionals (LCSWs, LPCs, psychologists) who provide talk therapy to help you process emotions, change behaviors, develop coping skills, and work through life challenges. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. At Kolli Psychiatric, we have both—allowing you to receive therapy, medication management, or both in one coordinated practice.