Meet the Therapists
At Positive Change Psychological Services, we’re more than just therapists—we’re your partners in personal growth and well-being. We understand that seeking support is a deeply personal decision, and we’ve created a space where you’re not just a client; you’re a valued individual on a path to well-being.
Nicolette Rittenhouse-Young, Psy.D.
Dr. Rittenhouse-Young is a clinical and school psychologist licensed and certified in the state of New Jersey. She graduated from Stockton University with a Bachelors in Psychology and went on to earn her Masters in Educational Psychology and Doctorate in Combined and Integrated School and Clinical Psychology from Kean University. Dr. Rittenhouse-Young completed her post doctoral training at the APA-approved Hawaii Psychology Internship Consortium (HIPIC) on the Island of Oahu. Additionally, her research publications include topics surrounding trauma, anxiety, emotion regulation, and mindfulness based treatment modalities.
Dr. Rittenhouse-Young's therapeutic approach is integrative, informed by science, and tailored to the specific person and presenting issue, with a particular emphasis on humanistic and cognitive behavioral techniques. She specialized in treating individuals struggling with trauma, anxiety, and those overcoming difficult life circumstances. She has extensive experience providing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Most importantly, she strives to provide a warm, empathetic, and safe environment where her client's can heal, learn, and grow! In her free time Dr. Rittenhouse-Young loves to travel, eat, and spend time outdoors with her dog, husband and littles.
Kristen Frees, LCSW
Kristen Frees is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified School Social Worker. She is lisensed to work both in NJ and FL. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a certificate in Child Advocacy from Montclair State University, and went on to complete her Master’s in Social Work at Rutgers University. Fluent in English and Portuguese, she is dedicated to providing culturally accessible care to a diverse community of clients.
With extensive experience in various clinical settings, including school-based services, Kristen specializes in supporting adults and adolescents navigating anxiety, depression, mood disorders and eating disorders. Kristen is also certified in Maternal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International (PSI) and provides a warm, supportive space for mothers and families navigating the unique challenges of the postpartum period. Her therapeutic approach is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space for people to grow and gain insight into their own struggles. Her therapy style is grounded in aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based approaches.
In her free time, Kristen enjoys spending time with her family by traveling the world and playing with her puppy at home.
Lisa Quaglia, LPC
Lisa Quaglia is a Mental Health Counselor licensed and certified in the state of New Jersey. She graduated from SUNY Purchase with a Bachelors in Psychology and went on to earn her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from College of Staten Island.
Lisa Quaglia’s therapeutic approach is integrative and tailored to the specific person and presenting issue, with a particular emphasis on mindfulness, existentialism, and cognitive behavioral techniques. She specializes in treating individuals struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction issues, and those looking to overcome difficult life circumstances. She has extensive experience providing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Most importantly, she strives to provide a warm, empathetic, and safe environment where her clients can heal, learn, and grow! In her free time Lisa likes to practice yoga and spend time in nature and with animals.
Samantha Falco, LCSW
Samantha Falco is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of New Jersey. She graduated from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and then obtained a Master's in Social Work from Rutgers University. Samantha began her career in the field 6 years ago. She has experience working in both private and community based clinics. For the past 4 years she has been working for a child behavioral health hospital program in which she supports both individuals along with their families.
Samantha is a trauma-informed therapist in which she acknowledges and accepts each client's individualized experiences and hardships. She specializes in treating children, adolescents, and young adults struggling with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, adjustment related stressors, and interpersonal issues/ bullying. Samantha utilizes the following modalities in her practice: Motivational Interviewing, CBT, psychotherapy, art therapy, and play therapy. Samantha always aspires to provide a warm and compassionate space for her clients to reach their therapeutic goals in order to become the best versions of themselves! In her free time, Samantha enjoys practicing dance, spending time with friends and family, and visiting the beach during the summer.
Crystal Farkas, LCSW
Crystal earned her Master's of Social Work from Rutgers University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New Jersey. She is also licensed to provide telehealth services to Clients in Florida.
Crystal has experience working with adolescents and adults, across a variety of levels of care, providing individual, family, and group therapy. She specializes in treating ADHD, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, and Women’s/Maternal Mental Health which includes fertility, pregnancy, loss and beyond. Her therapeutic approach is collaborative, compassionate, and evidence-based. Crystal integrates modalities including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and other interventions tailored to each client's unique needs.
Crystal believes that clients are the experts on their own lives. She takes a strengths-based, solution-focused approach, partnering with clients to build resilience, develop practical coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change. By fostering a strong therapeutic relationship grounded in trust, validation, and authenticity, she helps clients deepen their connection with themselves and others while working toward their personal goals.
Outside of the therapy room, Crystal enjoys spending time outdoors, being with her family and pets, and continuing to learn and grow both personally and professionally.
Erica Marriaga, LCSW
Erica is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified School Social Worker in the state of New Jersey. She graduated with her Masters degree in Social Work and has been in the field for 14 years. Erica has experience in a multitude of settings and with different populations, including IOP, PHP, school, in home services, private practice, and case management services.
Erica specializes in working with adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, as well as mood disorders, emotion regulation, and self-harm. She is both solution focused and client centered when developing her treatment plan and focuses on evidenced based therapeutic approaches. She is intensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness based treatment. Erica believes in positive self-regard and values empathy through a nonjudgmental stance. In her free time, Erica enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and rescue dog.
Iris Aybar, LCSW
Iris Aybar is a licensed clinical social worker, licensed in the state of New Jersey. Iris obtained her MSW from the Rutgers University School of Social Work. She is fluent in English and Spanish and has 8 years of experience within the field.
Iris has experience working in outpatient and in home settings where she has provided behavioral health care services to children and adults with varying degrees of need and symptom severity. Her experience includes working with children and adults in treating depression, anxiety, affective disorders, trauma, loss, interpersonal struggles, issues related to adjustment and stress, and behavioral issues related to ADHD. Iris believes in supporting self-acceptance, motivation, and positive change by presenting herself with openness, kindness, compassion, and respect toward each individual client. Her therapeutic interventions stem from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and include the use of creative approaches stemming from expressive play and art therapy. In her spare time, Iris enjoys spending time outdoors and dabbling in creating pottery and experimenting with various art mediums.
The Best Therapists in New Jersey
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Stigma-free environment
Our mission is to cultivate a stigma-free environment for counseling. We believe mental health support should be accessible to everyone, offering personalized matching by our client care team to ensure a good quality fit.
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Evidence-Based Therapeutic Techniques
We utilize therapeutic techniques proven by science to foster real change. From Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), our approaches are tailored to meet your unique needs.
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Convenient Telehealth Services
Receive professional therapy from the comfort of your home, eliminating the need for travel and making it easier to fit into your busy schedule. We serve individuals residing anywhere in New Jersey.
Ready to begin your healing journey?
Take the first step toward a happier, healthier you. Contact us today to schedule your initial session with Positive Change Psychological Services. Your path to transformation awaits.