# Essex Counseling Center

> Outpatient counseling practice in Short Hills, NJ, founded and run by
> Michelle Lodato, LCSW. Offers individual, family, and couples counseling
> and child play therapy for children, teens, and adults.

## Practice

- Therapist: Michelle Lodato, LCSW (NJ License #44SC05462900), MSW Rutgers
  University, 17+ years in practice.
- Certifications: Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Levels 1 & 2), Bowen
  Family Systems Therapy.
- Address: 830 Morris Turnpike, Suite 405, Short Hills, NJ 07078.
- Service area: Essex, Union, and Morris Counties, NJ (Short Hills / Millburn
  Township borders all three); telehealth for clients anywhere in New Jersey.
- Phone: 973-295-0999. Email: michelle@essexcounselingcenter.com.
- Fees: $200 per session, sliding scale available upon request.
  Out of network with most major insurance plans; the practice helps clients
  use out-of-network benefits. Free 15-minute phone consultation
  available, to see if it may be a good match for therapy.
- Formats: in-person (Short Hills office) and telehealth.

## Services

- Individual counseling (children, teens, adults) — anxiety, depression,
  relationship issues, ADHD, anger management, behavioral issues, bipolar
  disorder, life transitions, mood disorders, parenting, self-esteem,
  and more.
- Child play therapy (ages 6 and up).
- Couples counseling using the Gottman Method.
- Family counseling using Bowen Family Systems Therapy.
- Special interest groups (e.g. Middle School Girls Group — currently
  paused).

## Pages

- [Services](https://essexcounselingcenter.com/services): full list of therapy services and modalities
- [Groups](https://essexcounselingcenter.com/groups): special interest / support groups
- [About](https://essexcounselingcenter.com/about): therapist bio and credentials
- [FAQ](https://essexcounselingcenter.com/faq): frequently asked questions (insurance, fees, ages served, telehealth,
  what happens in a first session, how long therapy takes, teens and parent
  involvement, LCSW vs. psychologist)
- [Client forms](https://essexcounselingcenter.com/forms): downloadable client intake and policy forms
- [Contact](https://essexcounselingcenter.com/contact): call 973-295-0999 or email
  michelle@essexcounselingcenter.com; office address and map
- [Areas we serve](https://essexcounselingcenter.com/areas): towns served, plus
  telehealth for clients anywhere in New Jersey
  - [Millburn, NJ](https://essexcounselingcenter.com/areas/millburn-nj)
  - [Chatham, NJ](https://essexcounselingcenter.com/areas/chatham-nj)
  - [Livingston, NJ](https://essexcounselingcenter.com/areas/livingston-nj)
  - [Summit, NJ](https://essexcounselingcenter.com/areas/summit-nj)
  - [Maplewood, NJ](https://essexcounselingcenter.com/areas/maplewood-nj)
  - [West Orange, NJ](https://essexcounselingcenter.com/areas/west-orange-nj)
  - [Springfield, NJ](https://essexcounselingcenter.com/areas/springfield-nj)