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Ryan Pelikan(He/Him/His)

(He/Him/His)
Master of Social Work, MSW
New Jersey
Addiction-Men's issues-Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)-Substance abuse- Trauma-Performance anxiety-
AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & Fees

Professional statement

As a counselor, I believe that therapy starts with an everyday conversation between two people. I deeply respect the courage it takes to trust in the person sitting across from you, and as someone who’s been on a recovery journey for a long time, I know that it can be hard to seek help. But believe me, the risk is worth the struggle. I have been told that I’m good at reading people and lightening the mood - you might not even realize that we’re doing therapy when we work together. But no matter what challenges you face, I will always encourage you to trust the process and believe that the life you want to have is on the way.

I work with children, teens and adults. My specialties include men’s issues, marriage and relationship challenges, “failure to launch,” substance abuse, trauma, grief, anxiety and depression, kids with big emotions, and ADHD. My experience includes extensive work in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including grief counseling with children.

The approaches I use are personalized to your needs, and may include goal-setting and therapeutic techniques like Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), relational therapies, and play therapy.


Message to clients

-----The consultation times listed reflect my typical availability. If those times don’t work for your schedule, please send me a message and I will do my best to find a time that works for you.

Before starting therapy with me, I want you to know that this is a space where you don’t have to have everything figured out. Many people begin therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to start, and that’s completely okay. My role is to meet you where you are and work alongside you to better understand what you're going through and what you want to move toward. Therapy with me is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in both evidence-based approaches and genuine human connection.

I strive to create an environment where you feel safe, respected, and supported. Whether you are navigating stress, trauma, relationship challenges, substance use, or life transitions, my goal is to help you build insight, develop practical skills, and reconnect with your strengths. I believe meaningful change happens when people feel heard and empowered, and I work to balance thoughtful guidance with space for you to explore at your own pace.

My hope for every client is that therapy becomes a place where growth feels possible. Over time, many clients find they not only learn new ways to cope, but also develop greater confidence, self-understanding, and resilience. Wherever you are in your journey, I look forward to supporting you in creating the changes that matter most to you.


Work and Education

Years of Experience: 1 year

ARS , Counselor, 2023 - Present
GIA Institute of Psychotherapy, Associate Clinician, 2025 - Present
Institue at GIA, Associate Clinician, 2026 - Present
Recovery Centers of America Lighthouse, Counselor, 2020 - 2023

EMDRIA, EMDR Trained, 2025
International Trauma Training Institute, Certified Trauma Professional, 2022

Licensure

New Jersey: 44SL07281700 - New Jersey: 37LC00405300

Supervisor: Dr. Gina Innocente(LCSW 44SC04806700)


Languages

English

Specialties

Addiction - Coping with emotional discomfort and suffering; reducing or abstaining from unwanted behaviors such as unhealthy gambling or shopping

Men's issues - Expertise in working with adult men; providing a safe and understanding space to address life challenges and promote physical and mental health

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Healing painful experiences and memories from the past

Substance abuse - Reducing and preventing the negative impact of drug and alcohol use and addictions on physical, emotional, and relational health

Trauma - Coping and healing after threatening or scary events, such as witnessing accidents or experiencing sexual, verbal, emotional, or physical abuse

Performance anxiety - Underperforming, due exclusively to anxiety




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Couples
  • Families
  • Parents
  • Teenagers (13-18)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Locations & Hours


Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$150 (60min)

Additional session information

Therapist's note

I currently accept Aetna and Blue Cross & Blue Shield (BCBS) only. I do not accept other insurance plans at this time. Sliding scale options are available, and I can provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. Please reach out with any questions. I'm committed to making therapy affordable.


Book a Free Initial Consultation

The practice will call you for a free 10 minute phone call to discuss your needs and ensure a match!

This provider has no upcoming call times available.