Kathleen Vander Valk, LPC, Therapist in Mountainside, New Jersey

Helping children, adolescents, teens, adults, and seniors throughout New Jersey build healthier lives and stronger emotional well-being, Kathleen Vander Valk provides compassionate therapy tailored to each individual’s needs at LifeStance Health. She offers individual therapy and family therapy for a wide range of mental health concerns, with particular experience supporting clients facing anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Kathleen believes that meaningful progress begins with a trusting therapeutic relationship where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to make positive changes. Kathleen takes a collaborative and practical approach to treatment, helping clients develop skills that can be applied in everyday life. She understands that emotional challenges can affect relationships, school performance, work responsibilities, and self-confidence. Whether a client is navigating life transitions, struggling with emotional regulation, or seeking support during a difficult season, she works alongside them to create achievable goals and build lasting resilience. Using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based techniques, Kathleen helps clients identify unhelpful patterns, strengthen coping skills, and improve overall functioning. She has experience supporting individuals with concerns related to childhood behavior issues, school avoidance, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, while also addressing additional mental health needs. Kathleen works with diverse populations, including individuals on the autism spectrum and members of the LGBTQ+ community, providing care that is affirming, inclusive, and responsive to each client’s unique experiences. Family involvement can be an important part of the healing process, particularly for children and adolescents. Through family therapy and parent-focused support, Kathleen helps families enhance communication, strengthen relationships, and create supportive environments that encourage growth and emotional wellness. Kathleen earned her education from County College of Morris, Richard Stockton University, and the College of Saint Elizabeth. Since beginning her professional practice in 2021, she has remained committed to delivering thoughtful, client-centered mental health care grounded in empathy and clinical expertise. Outside of the therapy office, Kathleen enjoys reading, traveling, going on walks, spending time with her cats, and exploring new brunch spots. These interests help her maintain balance and bring curiosity and perspective to her work with clients.