70 schanck Road Freehold NJ 07728
Overwhelmed? Come back to "Serenity"
We are here to listen, empower, and help you pursue your goals and dreams.
Treatment
Our Practice
Our Treatment Focus
Our Treatment Focus
Our experience enables us to offer effective outpatient, individualized, psychological care. We treat a number of mental health disorders, including specialization in addiction services and trauma. We provide a neutral ground to individuals, children, families, and medication management, and marriage counseling
Our Treatment Focus
Our Treatment Focus
Our Treatment Focus
Our focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. We achieve this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan.
Our Patient Promise
Our Treatment Focus
Our Patient Promise
We promise to be there for you every step of your journey. Our goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life.
OUR SERVICES
Introducing TMS (Trancranial Magnetic Stimulation)
We are excited to now offer TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is for those struggling with depression and not feeling relief even when taking psychotropic medications. TMS treatment is approved for adults and adolescents aged 15 and above. TMS is covered by most insurances. Call our office for a free consultation and information session and no obligation. Multiple insurances accepted. Call 732-577-7930 and begin your new life!
Couples Counseling
Relationship counseling can be beneficial to couples who are looking to strengthen their emotional connection, in all stages of their relationship. Therapy sessions are held with both couples and is a supportive place to discuss issues and solutions to better strengthen your relationship. Our couples counseling services are designed to help partners strengthen their connection, improve communication, and resolve conflicts in a supportive, therapeutic environment. Whether you're navigating challenges related to intimacy, trust, or other relationship concerns, our experienced therapists provide guidance tailored to your unique needs. Through evidence-based approaches, we help couples foster deeper understanding, rebuild emotional bonds, and achieve greater satisfaction in their relationship.
Individual Counseling
Our individual counseling services are designed to help you overcome personal challenges and achieve your goals. Our licensed counselors provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, gain insights into your behavior, and develop strategies for positive change.
Family Counseling
Our family counseling services are designed to help families overcome challenges related to communication, conflict, and other issues. Our licensed therapists work with families to identify strengths and weaknesses, improve communication and problem-solving skills, and develop a stronger sense of cohesion and support.
Child & Adolescent Counseling
Our child and adolescent counseling services are designed to help young people overcome a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, and more. Our therapists use evidence-based techniques to help children and teens develop coping skills, improve self-esteem, and achieve greater success in school and other areas of life.
Trauma Informed Counseling
Trauma-informed counseling is a therapeutic approach that recognizes and understands the pervasive nature and impact of trauma. Our therapists are trained to focus on understanding a client’s complete history to provide effective care. The key principles include prioritizing safety, building trust, and empowering survivors.
Many individuals can experience symptoms associated with painful and traumatic circumstances. Anxiety, fear, and hopelessness are a few emotions that can linger post traumatic events. We can help you overcome these symptoms and guide you through the process of grief and healing.
Meet the CEO and Owner of Serenity Counseling Center
Rosemarie Genovese Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LCADC, NCC, CCS
Rosemarie Genovese is a seasoned behavioral health leader and licensed clinician with more than 20 years of experience delivering integrated, client-centered care across outpatient, partial care, and substance use treatment settings. She is widely recognized for her empathy, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping individuals navigate life’s most challenging moments.
Her clinical expertise spans grief and loss, trauma recovery, co-occurring disorders, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), family and couples counseling. Rosemarie holds multiple professional credentials, including Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), and Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS).
Guided by a deep passion for healing and empowerment, Rosemarie champions evidence-based practices and multidisciplinary collaboration to foster meaningful change for individuals, families, and communities. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: “If you are feeling stuck, let us help you achieve your goals and dreams and begin your journey.”
Our Associates at Serenity Counseling Center NJ LLC
Olivia Donini, LCSW, Yoga Instructor
Olivia Donini, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker with over a decade of experience supporting individuals navigating anxiety, low mood, self-esteem challenges, overwhelm, and burnout. She works with children, adolescents, and adults, integrating cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness, movement, and creative expression to foster healing and growth.
Olivia earned her master’s degree in clinical social work from Columbia University in New York City. Her practice is rooted in a client-centered approach—collaborating with each person to identify meaningful goals and develop a path toward emotional wellness. She brings a deep commitment to helping those who feel lost or unsettled reconnect with themselves and move forward with clarity and confidence. Compassion and acceptance are central to Olivia’s work. In therapy, you’ll find a space where your experiences are honored, your strengths are recognized, and your journey toward well-being is supported every step of the way.
Nancy Larsen Bond, LSW
Nancy Bond, Licensed Social Worker who earned her Masters degree in Social Work from Rutgers University, Graduate School of Social Work.
She has been counseling for more than 10 years, and has an extensive background working in various medical and mental health settings.
Nancy’s work is tailored to helping others using strength-based approaches and integrating various treatment therapies to best meet the needs and goals of her clients.
Her expertise spans through childhood, adolescence, teens, and adults in treating anxiety, depression, stress management, personal growth, grief, and loss.
Her methods are designed to empower and support individual’s, couples, family, and LGBTQ, to bring their focus on improving relationships, effective communication, and self-worth, to reach their own personalized goals.
Nancy meets clients where they are, and partners with them on their journey to find meaning, healing, and hope.
Laura Christopher, LPC
Laura has been a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey for over ten years. In her experience as a therapist, Laura has had the privilege of working with clients who have experienced emotional and physical trauma. Laura's counseling style is empathetic, open, and warm. Laura wants to assure you while in presence, you are in a safe space for you to share and explore whatever may be weighing on you. Your therapeutic relationship with Laura will be based on trust, compassion, and a desire for growth. Laura gravitates toward humanistic psychology with a focus on cognitive behavioral explorations. Laura approaches every client as an individual and develop a treatment specifically tailored to each of her clients needs. Laura has always been drawn to helping people; even more so, Laura feels passionate about allowing people a safe space to ask for help without astigmatisms or judgements. Taking the first steps toward a better, more fulfilling life takes courage and vulnerability. Laura is committed to her clients' well-being and guides them through their emotional struggles. Laura believes mental health therapists are compasses for clients to find their path to a happier self. Laura is committed to helping you through all obstacles. She looks forward to taking this journey with you!
Sarah Shasho, LCSW
Sarah Shasho is a Licensed Social Worker who received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work through Concordia College. She then went on to pursue her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work.
Sarah has experience treating clients with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, social anxiety, ADHD, and substance abuse. In her practice she uses a variety of treatment approaches including, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Inner child therapy, Expressive Arts, Music Therapy, Child-centered Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy.
Sarah believes in creating a warm and safe environment for clients to truly heal and maximize their full potential. In addition, she focuses on each client’s individual strengths and helps clients to use their strengths to overcome the challenges they are facing in life.
Colleen Devaney, LAC, NCC, Ed.S., Mental Health Professional
Colleen is a Licensed Associate Counselor. She is a dedicated clinical counselor eager to guide you on your therapeutic journey. With a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona, an M.A. in Professional Counseling from Seton Hall University, and an Education Specialist degree, Colleen brings a wealth of experience to her clinical practice. Colleen has worked with clients of all ages throughout her counseling career, including adults, adolescents, and children. Colleen has extensive knowledge of depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, addiction, and trauma-related disorders. Grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Colleen views each client as a multifaceted individual. She collaborates closely with clients to identify therapeutic goals and crafts tailored approaches to assist them in achieving these goals, thereby enhancing their overall quality of life. Central to her clinical work, Colleen emphasizes the importance of respect, empathy, and validation within the therapeutic environment. She aims to create a safe, nurturing space where clients feel understood and at ease when opening up. Colleen is passionate about helping her clients find fulfillment and joy in their lives and looks forward to working with you on your journey toward healing and growth.
Amir Sarrafian, MA/Ed.S, NCC, LAC
Amir is a Licensed Associate Counselor with a Master's in Professional Counseling with an Education speciality from Seton Hall University. Amir graduated with his Bachelor’s in Sociology with a minor in Psychology at Drew University. Amir is certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and has been working as a mental health associate for over 3 years at Penn Medicine Princeton Health. Amir has had experience working with a wide range of clients who have been suffering from depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Amir strives to create a comfortable environment for his clients with a focus on unconditional empathy and an awareness of intersectionality. Amir believes that though each individual has a different upbringing and struggles, we all experience the same complex emotions that make us human and deserving of professional care. His goal is to not only learn from and teach his clients but ensure that they can become the best versions of themselves in the coming future.
Eric Diamond MA, LCADC
I have 25 years of experience working with co-occurring clients struggling with addiction (substance abuse, sex, gambling, etc...) I am familiar with all treatment modalities utilizing the ASAM Patient Placement Criteria for the Treatment of Substance-Related Disorders. I have obtained a Masters degree in Addiction Studies from Farleigh Dickinson University. I am also a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Certified Clinical Supervisor. My philosophy of working as an addiction counselor requires patience, dedication, and a desire to help people especially when one is in crisis. I provide confidential counseling and support to individuals and families. Goals in treatment include educating and encouraging a healthy, addiction-free lifestyle for each client.
Mike Natalewicz, LAC
Mike is a Licensed Associate Counselor that received a dual Master’s degree in School Counseling and Professional Counseling with a concentration in Sport Psychology from Seton Hall University. Mike received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from The College of New Jersey. Mike has extensive experience in counseling teenagers and young adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, confidence, self-esteem, and trauma. Mike specializes in assisting youth athletes to better manage mental health challenges that arise in sports or other areas of life to improve athletic performance and overall well-being. Mike incorporates mindfulness techniques that focus on the development of motivation, imagery, goal setting, resiliency, attentional control, and relaxation. Mike’s humanistic counseling approach emphasizes a non-judgmental, empathetic, and collaborative environment to assist clients in reaching their therapeutic goals. Mike is dedicated to helping every client reach their full potential within themselves by providing a safe space of support and trust to explore their personal challenges. Mike considers therapy as a gateway for self-love and living a more fulfilled life. He looks forward to working together on your path to development and growth! families.
Welcome Dr. SaggAr D.O.
Meet Dr. Akshat Saggar, Adult Psychiatrist
Dr. Akshat Saggar is a Adult Psychiatrist with eight years of clinical experience in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of mental health conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other complex psychiatric presentations. He employs a therapeutic, patient-centered approach to care, integrating evidence-based practices to support long-term wellness.
Dr. Saggar brings specialized expertise in neuromodulation therapies, with a focus on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). As the lead of Serenity’s TMS program, he is dedicated to helping individuals struggling with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder find renewed hope and healing through innovative, non-invasive interventions. This new service at Serenity will provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Call to schedule an appointment.
Nicole Panza Kania
I will help you create more positive thought patterns and ways of looking at life and their situation. I have had a strong interest in human behavior since high school. I feel that I am very empathetic, and understanding of others, can easily see others' points of view, and I have been told I have a calming personality. I believe these natural qualities and personality traits make me a great therapist. I meet with clients virtually.
My Therapy Style
I use several different styles of therapy. First, I like to use the Client-Centered approach to meet and get to know the client, create a treatment plan, and goals based on their needs and wants, and build rapport.
Secondly, I use the psychodynamic approach to help the client figure out where their unwanted thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are coming from so that we can begin to uncover their origins and get to the heart of the issues. I use Motivational Interviewing to help the client process their thoughts and emotions so they can better understand themselves.
Finally, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help them create more positive thought patterns and ways of looking at life and their situation. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a very important part of the process of helping people change and I do not judge clients or push them into anything they do not want to do.Our mindfulness counseling services can help you develop a greater sense of awareness and inner peace. Our licensed therapists provide guidance and support to help you learn mindfulness techniques, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your overall well-being.
Insurances We Accept
