Why Choose The Anxiety & OCD Therapy Center?

At the Anxiety & OCD Therapy Center, we offer solutions to your challenges, bringing a wealth of experience and clinical knowledge to find relief and peace for you or your child.

We work with all INSURANCE companies, regardless of our status. Unlike most practices, if we are out of network with your plan, we submit claims for you, removing that stress from your treatment with us. We ask for any deductible and/or copay at the time of service, and wait for payment from your insurance, whether we are in or out of network. No need to submit claims yourself or pay a full fee out of pocket and wait for reimbursement. Let us handle all of that for you.

You’ll be gently guided beyond your comfort zone to overcome anxiety, panic, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.

We provide a warm, empathic approach in an environment that fosters comfort and trust.

You’ll receive a thorough assessment of your situation and an action plan designed specifically for you, with the most current, cutting-edge techniques to address your personal needs.

Our goal-oriented approach results in measurable improvements, with research-proven methods, integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, mindfulness skills, and interpersonal psychotherapy, to enhance your everyday life.

Parents will receive guidance and strategies to effectively support their child in overcoming anxiety and OCD.

For adults, you will learn to be your own best coach on the road to overcoming fears and building lasting confidence.

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NINA RIFKIND, LCSW, ACS
Founder of The Anxiety & OCD Therapy Center

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As a therapist, I have a deep, personal understanding of the challenges that anxiety can present. My own journey began in childhood, when social anxiety was a constant companion, and it intensified after a traumatic event left me struggling with panic attacks, agoraphobia, rumination and chronic self-doubt. Through my experiences, I’ve not only learned how to navigate these overwhelming emotions but also discovered the resilience and strength that lies within us all. I dedicate my practice to helping others find their path to healing, with compassion and the insight that comes from having walked that road myself.

I received a BA in Psychology from Vassar College and spent a year in the Master’s Program in Psychology at the New School for Social Research in Manhattan, before earning my Masters in Clinical Social Work. I am a Clinical Fellow for Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), a past member of the Professional Education Committee, and a member of their OCD Special Interest Group, consulting with the country’s leading experts, and contributor to their website. While working for non-profit organizations, I began a private practice in 1997. As Coordinator of the Anxiety Treatment Center at a local hospital, I acquired extensive training and experience helping people regain their lives with effective coping skills for Anxiety Disorders, OCD and phobias. Along the way, I trained clinicians throughout the hospital system and educated the public about effective treatment.

As an active member of the ADAA and the International OCD Foundation, I’ve attended national and international conferences and specialized workshops, gaining skills from leading experts in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and the proper assessment and treatment of Anxiety Disorders, OCD, OCD-Related Disorders, Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors and Phobias.

Because this expertise was not available to me back then, it means even more to be able to bring my unique perspective and extensive training to both my clients and the practice team members.. Our mission is to help our clients gain the skills they need to navigate difficult interactions, overcome avoidant behavior and rumination, to build satisfying lives and achieve the goals they dream of for themselves.

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Brendan LACORTE, LPC
Clinical Associate

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Brendan is a mental health counselor who has years of experience working with diverse mental health populations. He provides compassionate, evidence-based treatment to adolescents, adults, and older adults, helping clients build resilience, confidence, and meaningful change in their lives.

Brendan specializes in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (including OCD) and anxiety disorders (including Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and phobias). He also has a strong interest in counseling issues facing boys and men, offering a supportive space to explore identity, emotional expression, performance pressures, and life transitions.

His clinical approach is grounded in research-supported modalities, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Brendan works collaboratively with clients to develop personalized treatment plans that emphasize practical skill-building, gradual exposure to fears, and reshaping unhelpful thought patterns. He balances structure with empathy, ensuring that clients feel both challenged and supported throughout the therapeutic process.

Brendan earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Ramapo College and his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The College of New Jersey. His training and experience across multiple age groups allow him to tailor interventions developmentally while maintaining a consistent focus on measurable progress and long-term wellness.

Brendan is committed to creating a respectful, nonjudgmental therapeutic environment where clients feel understood and empowered to take meaningful steps toward recovery.

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Client Testimonials

“I am so thankful for Nina. I had suffered from panic disorder on and off for years then one week a series of life events sent me spiraling into constant panic attacks. I didn’t know how to make it stop or even if it would ever stop. With her help and many weeks of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) I finally broke through and am back to my happy and stable self. There are many therapists and psychiatrists but none like her. She truly understands anxiety and panic disorder. We as patients do the work but she helped me with the tools and confidence to get to where I am today.”

Julia, 28
Registered Nurse

“When my daughter’s OCD began to effect her quality of life we knew we needed help. We found the process of finding a therapist to be frustrating and disappointing. It was vital to find someone who was not only academically qualified but also kind, loving, patient, and soft spoken. We were so blessed to finally find all of those qualities in Nina. Nina has given our daughter the lifelong tools she needs to manage her OCD and the confidence to move forward knowing she can overcome any obstacle.”

Nicole
Mom of Ashley age 17

“With Ms Rifkind’s help, my daughter has maintained her grace, dignity, and laughter through some truly horrific times. My child has trust issues and Ms Rifkind gave her the time and patience necessary to slowly build a relationship that proved to be durable and secure throughout the last few years.”Ms. Rifkind is a caring and supportive therapist, while maintaining her professionalism. She helped my daughter and me well above and beyond what could normally be expected from a therapeutic relationship.”

Abby
Mom of Jennifer, age 12

“My teenage daughter and I are so grateful that we found Nina Rifkind and that she is so knowledgeable in the area of OCD and stress. We had been to another therapist that my daughter did not feel comfortable with, but Nina has been very kind, caring and non-judgmental, which has been extremely important to us. She has been exceptional in that she has provided my daughter with the tools, exercises and life skills in order to control her OCD and stress issues. There has been such an improvement in my daughter’s outlook and just knowing that Nina is there, gives her the extra bit of confidence to keep her OCD in check.”

Elise
Mom of Diana, age 15

“When I started going to Nina, my panic attacks were so bad, I could not drive to her office, I could not go to get my haircut or go out to dinner, and forget about flying anywhere. I cannot thank Nina enough. She has given me my life back. Not only can I drive on the highway, I can fly by myself. Nina has helped me, help myself. Using the skills, she has taught me, I can live a productive life. Nina showed me how to recognize when anxiety is starting, and the skills I need to get through it. You think it’s not possible. I’m here to tell you it is possible!”

Janice, 48
Mother of 2, Office Manager

“Before working with Nina, I’d seen several therapists who talked a lot about relaxation and breathing exercises to help me cope with panic attacks. Nina’s concrete approach to my specific fears that were driving the anxiety and panic, helped me retrain my brain and get back to using public transportation, driving on highways and going into social situations again without fearing a panic attack. Now, the tools I learned come automatically. Treatment kind of gave me my life back.”

Adam, 47
Marketing Telecommuter

“I am so thankful for Nina. I had suffered from panic disorder on and off for years then one week a series of life events sent me spiraling into constant panic attacks. I didn’t know how to make it stop or even if it would ever stop. With her help and many weeks of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) I finally broke through and am back to my happy and stable self. There are many therapists and psychiatrists but none like her. She truly understands anxiety and panic disorder. We as patients do the work but she helped me with the tools and confidence to get to where I am today.”

Julia, 28
Registered Nurse

“When my daughter’s OCD began to effect her quality of life we knew we needed help. We found the process of finding a therapist to be frustrating and disappointing. It was vital to find someone who was not only academically qualified but also kind, loving, patient, and soft spoken. We were so blessed to finally find all of those qualities in Nina. Nina has given our daughter the lifelong tools she needs to manage her OCD and the confidence to move forward knowing she can overcome any obstacle.”

Nicole
Mom of Ashley age 17

“With Ms Rifkind’s help, my daughter has maintained her grace, dignity, and laughter through some truly horrific times. My child has trust issues and Ms Rifkind gave her the time and patience necessary to slowly build a relationship that proved to be durable and secure throughout the last few years.”Ms. Rifkind is a caring and supportive therapist, while maintaining her professionalism. She helped my daughter and me well above and beyond what could normally be expected from a therapeutic relationship.”

Abby
Mom of Jennifer, age 12

“My teenage daughter and I are so grateful that we found Nina Rifkind and that she is so knowledgeable in the area of OCD and stress. We had been to another therapist that my daughter did not feel comfortable with, but Nina has been very kind, caring and non-judgmental, which has been extremely important to us. She has been exceptional in that she has provided my daughter with the tools, exercises and life skills in order to control her OCD and stress issues. There has been such an improvement in my daughter’s outlook and just knowing that Nina is there, gives her the extra bit of confidence to keep her OCD in check.”

Elise
Mom of Diana, age 15

“When I started going to Nina, my panic attacks were so bad, I could not drive to her office, I could not go to get my haircut or go out to dinner, and forget about flying anywhere. I cannot thank Nina enough. She has given me my life back. Not only can I drive on the highway, I can fly by myself. Nina has helped me, help myself. Using the skills, she has taught me, I can live a productive life. Nina showed me how to recognize when anxiety is starting, and the skills I need to get through it. You think it’s not possible. I’m here to tell you it is possible!”

Janice, 48
Mother of 2, Office Manager

“Before working with Nina, I’d seen several therapists who talked a lot about relaxation and breathing exercises to help me cope with panic attacks. Nina’s concrete approach to my specific fears that were driving the anxiety and panic, helped me retrain my brain and get back to using public transportation, driving on highways and going into social situations again without fearing a panic attack. Now, the tools I learned come automatically. Treatment kind of gave me my life back.”

Adam, 47
Marketing Telecommuter

“I am so thankful for Nina. I had suffered from panic disorder on and off for years then one week a series of life events sent me spiraling into constant panic attacks. I didn’t know how to make it stop or even if it would ever stop. With her help and many weeks of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) I finally broke through and am back to my happy and stable self. There are many therapists and psychiatrists but none like her. She truly understands anxiety and panic disorder. We as patients do the work but she helped me with the tools and confidence to get to where I am today.”

Julia, 28
Registered Nurse

“When my daughter’s OCD began to effect her quality of life we knew we needed help. We found the process of finding a therapist to be frustrating and disappointing. It was vital to find someone who was not only academically qualified but also kind, loving, patient, and soft spoken. We were so blessed to finally find all of those qualities in Nina. Nina has given our daughter the lifelong tools she needs to manage her OCD and the confidence to move forward knowing she can overcome any obstacle.”

Nicole
Mom of Ashley age 17

“With Ms Rifkind’s help, my daughter has maintained her grace, dignity, and laughter through some truly horrific times. My child has trust issues and Ms Rifkind gave her the time and patience necessary to slowly build a relationship that proved to be durable and secure throughout the last few years.”Ms. Rifkind is a caring and supportive therapist, while maintaining her professionalism. She helped my daughter and me well above and beyond what could normally be expected from a therapeutic relationship.”

Abby
Mom of Jennifer, age 12

“My teenage daughter and I are so grateful that we found Nina Rifkind and that she is so knowledgeable in the area of OCD and stress. We had been to another therapist that my daughter did not feel comfortable with, but Nina has been very kind, caring and non-judgmental, which has been extremely important to us. She has been exceptional in that she has provided my daughter with the tools, exercises and life skills in order to control her OCD and stress issues. There has been such an improvement in my daughter’s outlook and just knowing that Nina is there, gives her the extra bit of confidence to keep her OCD in check.”

Elise
Mom of Diana, age 15

“When I started going to Nina, my panic attacks were so bad, I could not drive to her office, I could not go to get my haircut or go out to dinner, and forget about flying anywhere. I cannot thank Nina enough. She has given me my life back. Not only can I drive on the highway, I can fly by myself. Nina has helped me, help myself. Using the skills, she has taught me, I can live a productive life. Nina showed me how to recognize when anxiety is starting, and the skills I need to get through it. You think it’s not possible. I’m here to tell you it is possible!”

Janice, 48
Mother of 2, Office Manager

“Before working with Nina, I’d seen several therapists who talked a lot about relaxation and breathing exercises to help me cope with panic attacks. Nina’s concrete approach to my specific fears that were driving the anxiety and panic, helped me retrain my brain and get back to using public transportation, driving on highways and going into social situations again without fearing a panic attack. Now, the tools I learned come automatically. Treatment kind of gave me my life back.”

Adam, 47
Marketing Telecommuter

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