About Us

Convenient Private Offices
New Jersey: 201-368-3700
redblurb

ADVANCED Psychotherapy & Counseling

About Us

Our Psychotherapists

ADVANCED Psychotherapy & Counseling is a private mental health and chemical dependency group of professionals you who tailor your care to your individual needs. Our goal is to help adults, children and couples make significant positive changes in their lives. 

We are warm, caring, experienced, mental health professionals dedicated to providing high quality goal-oriented care in a confidential private practice setting. We believe that the right therapist positively impacts the outcome of treatment. Our private offices are located in Manhattan and nearby Bergen County. 

Our therapists include licensed professionals from all disciplines of mental health including psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, marriage counselors, family therapists, social workers, professional counselors, substance abuse counselors and psychiatric nurse practitioners. Our therapists are experienced in working with adults, couples, families, children and adolescents to develop the self-confidence, communication and problem solving skills that will enhance their quality of life and facilitate positive performance in interpersonal, academic, professional and social situations. Our therapists strive to help each patient achieve his or her goals. To assure the most effective care, we match the treatment to the patient, not the patient to the treatment. As such, each patient receives personalized care from a professional who is concerned about his or her welfare. Therapy is provided in a respectful, confidential atmosphere by a compassionate, understanding therapist or marriage counselor who is active, goal-oriented and non-judgmental and who will work with you to help you achieve your goals. Your therapist will focus on you, your problems, your relationships, your concerns, your worries. 

We have therapists who are trained and experienced in different schools of psychotherapy . Some therapists offer short-term , solution-oriented therapy, while others offer longer-term in-depth therapy and some combine both therapies. Each therapist has training in one or more therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, hypnotherapy, and other approaches. Some therapists have extensive experience with children and adolescents; others focus on treating adults, relationships and families. Psychiatric evaluations and medication management are provided by our psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners when medically necessary. Our therapists are chosen because of their success in treating a variety of problems including relationship issues, family problems, depression, anxiety, social anxiety, bipolar disorder, sleep disorders, OCD, ADHD, eating disorders, child and adolescent problems, drug and alcohol abuse, and numerous other issues. To maintain the quality of our care, we require that each therapist complete extensive training, be committed to professional development and share our philosophy and commitment to quality mental health care. 

The Therapy

Brief Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT, Focused Marriage Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Hypnotherapy. Some of our therapists provide brief problem solving therapy with which focuses on achieving specific goals. Such therapy is solution focused. This might include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, focused marriage therapy, relationship therapy or child therapy. Hypnotherapy and relaxation are useful with issues such as anxiety, test anxiety, public speaking, sleep difficulties, smoking cessation, weight loss, annoying habits, sports performance enhancement and other issues. Brief therapy tries to achieve goals in 12-24 sessions. 

Long Term Therapy: Insight Oriented Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic psychotherapy, Psychoanalysis, Interpersonal Psychotherapy Some of our therapists are trained in in-depth insight-oriented psychotherapy which aims to uncover unconscious conflicts. There is an analysis of defense mechanisms which prevent the person from attaining the highest level of functioning of which they are capable. In long-term therapy the goal is a more profound long-lasting change which will result in improved functioning and greater mental health. Such therapy includes psychoanalysis, psychodynamicaly oriented psychotherapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, gestalt therapy or object relations therapy. 

Our Directors

Our Executive and Clinical Directors
Our Executive and Clinical Directors
Judith H. Gurfein, Ph.D, ABPP, APRN-BC 
New York and New Jersey Licensed Psychologist & Licensed NP in Psychiatry 
The Mount Sinai School of Medicine 
Assistant Clinical Professor 
American Board of Professional Psychology 
Board Certified Diplomate in Marriage and Family Psychology 

Adults, Adolescents, Children 
Marriage and Family 

Dr. Judith Gurfein is a dedicated, caring psychologist with over 25 years of experience as an adult, child, marriage and family psychotherapist. In addition to psychotherapy, she conducts psychiatric and medication evaluations and management as she is also licensed as a nurse practitioner in psychiatry. She teaches and supervises psychiatric residents, marriage counselors and family therapists. She is an assistant clinical professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine and practices in Manhattan and Bergen County, New Jersey. 

Dr. Gurfein received a BA from Barnard College of Columbia University, a Ph.D. from Fordham University and a post doctoral degree from NYU in psychotherapy. She has certification in psychoanalysis, marriage therapy, family therapy and hypnotherapy. She also has extensive training and experience in cognitive-behavioral therapy and substance abuse relapse prevention. Dr. Gurfein first began her career as a child, adolescent and family psychologist in public and private schools. She served as chairperson of a child study team and school psychologist for ten years, working with regular and special education students and their families. In a supportive non-judgmental atmosphere, using an integrative approach, with medication when necessary, she has helped many adults, children and couples successfully make significant positive changes in their lives. 

As a consultant to business, she has provided executive coaching and training in interpersonal relationships, conflict resolution, systems thinking, group process, stress and change management. She is the author of several chapters in textbooks in the field of psychology, the co-editor of a journal, and has had numerous radio and television appearances including ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox News. 

Dr. Gurfein is a member of several professional associations including the American Psychological Association, the New Jersey Psychological Association, the New York State Psychological Association, the NYU Postdoctoral Service, the Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists, and the Academy of Marriage and Family Psychology. 

Areas of Specialization: 
  • Individual Psychotherapy: Adult, Adolescent, Child
  • Relationship Therapy: Marriage, Couple, Family
  • Medication: Evaluation and Management
Diagnoses treated include: 
  • Anxiety (Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Test Anxiety, Panic, Phobias)
  • Depression
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD)
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Substance Abuse and Addiction
  • Eating Disorders
  • Anger, Abuse and Trauma
Dr. Susan I. Chartoff, EdD, APRN-BC 
Licensed Psychologist & Licensed Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry 

ANCC Board Certified In Adult and Family Mental Health 

Experienced, Compassionate Professional 
Dually Licensed with Prescriptive Privileges 

Dr. Susan Chartoff, is a dually licensed psychologist with prescriptive privileges as a psychiatric nurse practitioner and more than 25 years experience providing individual, marriage and couples therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, multimodal therapy, hypnotherapy and stress management. She is the Director of Affiliated Psychotherapists: A Center for Change and is ANCC board certified in both adult and family (child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric) mental health/psychiatry. Dr. Chartoff completed a post-doctoral training program in multimodal psychotherapy at the Multimodal Therapy Institute under the directorship of Dr. Arnold Lazarus. Dr. Chartoff pursued post-doctoral training in marriage and family counseling and psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety, depression and other disorders, solution oriented therapy, psychodynamic therapy, hypnotherapy, stress management techniques, advanced psychopharmacology and other topics. She has assisted in psychiatric resident training at Kings County Hospital, Downstate Medical Center, and has provided psychological services to Rutgers University College, Rutgers Center for Alcohol Studies, and the New Jersey Departments of Vocational Rehabilitation and Disabilities Determinations. Dr. Chartoff was formerly on the professional staff of Hacketstown University Hospital. She has provided clinical supervision to both doctoral and master's level mental health professionals for many years. 

Areas of Specialization 
  • Treatment of Anxiety & Depressive Disorders
  • Individual, Marriage, Couples & Family Counseling & Psychotherapy
  • Stress Management and Hypnotherapy
  • Medication Evaluation & Management

Seth D. Fielding, M.D.

Director of Psychiatric Services 
Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology 
Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry 

Dr. Seth Fielding graduated from Chicago Medical School. He is currently on the staff of two major New York City medical facilities: The Mount Sinai School of Medicine and St Luke's Roosevelt Hospital. Dr Fielding has certification in psychotherapy from the William Alanson White Institute, which is one of the foremost psychoanalytic and psychotherapy programs in the country. He currently holds a supervisory position at the William Alanson White Institute. Dr. Fielding's former supervisory positions include the Center for Anorexia and Bulimia and the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy (ICP). Dr. Fielding has many years of experience in individual, marriage and couples therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and stress management. 

Areas of Specialization 
  • Treatment of Anxiety, Mood Disorders, and Personality Disorders
  • Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment
  • Psychiatric Medication Evaluation & Management

Choosing a Therapist

People Seek Therapy for Different Reasons

During our phone intake we try to understand your personal goals so we can help you find a therapist who has successfully treated problems such as the ones you are facing. 

When you choose to enter therapy you have decided to make important and difficult, but positive, changes in your life which will help you improve your functioning and relationships. This decision shows that you are committed to making things in your life better, and shows a willingness to change and grow. We hope the information on our site will help you make a wise informed choice when choosing a therapist so that you will feel confident and comfortable with your choice. You and your therapist will be collaborating and working together as a team to help you achieve your goals. 

Finding the Right Therapist can be More Difficult During Times of Stress

Let us help you find a therapist who understands your needs and goals and who has successfully treated others with similar problems. It is important to take into consideration license, experience, training, location, hours available, and any other personal preferences. After we gain an understanding of your goals, problems and preferences, we will recommend a therapist, and have the therapist call you directly to answer your questions and schedule an appointment.

How Can My Therapist Help Me?

Your therapist can help you understand and reframe your problems and worries. Your therapist can teach you specific emotional and social skills, and can help you reap more satisfaction from your work and relationships. When you are speaking to your therapist you should feel safe and free to express private thoughts and struggles. Friends and family can be a wonderful source of emotional support, but your therapist can give you an experienced, trained, and more objective point of view which will help you become more realistic and make better decisions. Your therapist has dealt with similar problems and has successfully helped others. 

Many research studies have shown the effectiveness of therapy in improving quality of life. In 1995 Consumer Reports conducted a study which found that patients benefited substantially from psychotherapy. They found that all types of psychotherapy were effective. The most important ingredient to successful therapy is a trusting relationship between patient and therapist, which is why we are committed to matching you with one of our therapists. 

Find a Therapist Who has Experience in Your Area of Concern and
Who has Been Successful in Helping Others

Our psychotherapists are warm, caring, licensed professionals who are experienced child and adult psychologists, psychotherapists, marriage therapists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychiatrists. Our therapists were chosen because they have achieved success in treating a wide variety of issues. Many of our therapists have advanced training in areas including relationship issues, marriage difficulties, family problems, anxiety, depression, childhood problems, substance abuse, and other problems. Our marriage counselors have successfully dealt with relationship issues, such as communication dysfunction, boredom in marriages, diminished affection, lack of trust, infidelity, anger, abuse, substance abuse issues, addictions and internet infidelity. Our psychiatric professionals provide evaluation and medication management for anxiety disorders, depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, insomnia and other symptoms. 

Fees and Insurance are Considerations

Most medical insurance plans cover part of the cost of treatment, although some individuals are fortunate not to have to be concerned with fees. When you call our office we will explain our fees and discuss your benefits. We will try to find a therapist that best matches your needs. We will try to match you with a therapist in your plan or one who can work with your out-of-network benefits. Some of our therapists participate on insurance panels, EAPs, PPOs, EPOs and POSs including Aetna, Cigna, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Guardian, Healthnet, Magellan, United Health, GHI, Value Behavioral, UBH, Oxford, Devon, Multiplan, First Health, One Health, Medicare, CHN, PHCS, Beech St., and others. Call our office so we can match you with a therapist taking all your needs into account. 

Many patients prefer to use out-of-network benefits in order to insure confidentiality, not have their care managed by an insurance company, find a therapist of their own choosing, find a therapist who is often more experienced and has more extensive training, and be free to decide to have more visits if indicated. 

Convenient Location and Time are Important Considerations

Therapy sessions are conducted in private, professional offices conveniently located in Manhattan, New York and Bergen County, New Jersey. Appointments are available weekdays, evenings, Saturdays and Sundays. 

How we match you with the right therapist to meet your needs

An initial telephone consultation with an experienced intake counselor will be conducted free of charge to assess your immediate needs. Based on your requirements and our knowledge of our therapists, their specialties, personal style, location and time availability, an appropriate therapist will be recommended. Finding you the right therapist, with expertise in your area of concern is our commitment to you. 

Call our offices to discuss your preferences, needs and goals so we can recommend the therapist and therapy that best matches your needs

Fees & Insurance

Most health insurance plans cover part of the fee for psychotherapy. We will try to match you with a therapist in your plan or one who can work with your out-of-network benefits. 

Many patients prefer to use out-of-network benefits in order to insure confidentiality, not have their care managed by an insurance company, find a therapist of their own choosing, who is usually more experienced and has more extensive training, and be able to have more visits when indicated 
INSURANCE WE WORK WITH: 
♦ Aetna ♦ Blue Cross Blue Shield              
♦ Cigna 
♦ Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield 
♦ Oxford 
♦ United Behavioral Health 
♦ United Health Care 
♦ and various other plans

Call Now for Your

Free Phone Consultation

Manhattan Main Offices:
212-996-3939 
1155 Park Avenue 
4 Park Avenue 
240 Central Park South 
30 East 9th Street 
27 West 72nd Street
Bergen County, NJ Main Offices:
201-368-3700
205 Robin Rd Ste 320, Paramus 
245 Engle Street, Englewood 
179 S Maple Street, Ridgewood 
Share by: