Laya Gerstman
Laya Gerstman
Locations New Jersey Therapists Laya Gerstman
Laya Gerstman
Zencare Vetted

Laya Gerstman

She/Her/Hers

Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW Practice: Resilience Lab
New Jersey Accepting Online
Updated May 28, 2023

Specialties & Expertise

  • ADHD
  • Adjustment difficulties & disorders
  • Family issues
  • Loss, grief, and bereavement
  • Pregnancy, perinatal, postpartum mental health
  • Self-esteem

Professional statement

As a therapist, Laya works with her clients to build upon their strengths and become the best versions of themselves so they can develop more authentic, nurturing relationships with the people around them.

Laya’s multi-faceted approach emphasizes hope, positivity, and client autonomy—meaning she supports each client’s unique, individual needs to ensure they get what they want out of therapy. By combining evidence-based practices with humor and fun activities, Laya creates an uplifting, hopeful environment where clients can address their challenges and grow from them.

Everyone comes from different backgrounds, so Laya listens carefully to understand their unique needs before offering solutions. Making room for lightness is important to her, especially when unpacking big and challenging emotions. Therapy is hard work, so she creates a space where clients can find humor and hope.

Message to clients

Whether you’re looking to set boundaries, navigate life transitions, or communicate in a healthy way, therapy is a space to advocate for your needs and become the best version of yourself.

Through my positive, strengths-based approach, I work with each client individually to help them achieve their unique goals. Together, we’ll dig into your thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs to address your issues and use those insights to find hope and build a more fulfilling life. Therapy can be hard work, so I love throwing in dashes of lightness and humor along the way.

In therapy, you can show up as whoever you want to be and I’ll hold space for all the different parts of you. Whether you’re moving through loss, addressing conflict, or starting a new chapter in your life, you and your needs will always come first in our work together.

Specialties

ADHD - Skill-building and support around organizational challenges, distracted attention, procrastination; building and maintaining healthy routines and structure

Adjustment difficulties & disorders - Support around adapting to new and/or challenging life circumstances; skill-building for improved stress management and reduction of anxiety.

Family issues - Promoting communication and supporting family members to address challenges and reduce conflict and distress

Loss, grief, and bereavement - Emotionally preparing for the anticipated passing of a loved one; managing feelings and reactions to a death or loss of significance; support during the process of healing and acceptance

Pregnancy, perinatal, postpartum mental health - Addressing issues specific to women and families during the pregnancy and postpartum period, including postpartum depression and anxiety

Self-esteem - Cultivating self-compassion, assertiveness, and confidence; developing ways to reduce suffering, anxiety, social withdrawal, and self-neglect

General expertise

Treatment approaches

Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Children (<12)
  • Families
  • Teenagers (13-18)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Aetna International
  • Aetna Student Health Insurance
  • All Savers Insurance Company
  • AllWays Health Partners (formerly Neighborhood Health)
  • Allied Benefit Systems
  • Cigna
  • Golden Rule Insurance Company
  • Harvard Pilgrim
  • Humana
  • Meritain Health
  • New School Student Insurance (United Healthcare Student Resources)
  • Optum
  • Oxford Health Plans
  • Trustmark
  • UMR
  • United Healthcare
  • United Healthcare Shared Services

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions: $160 (50min)
  • Sliding scale: $25 - $160

Location(s)

Online Sessions (New Jersey)
Accepting new clients online
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon Please inquire about hours
  • Tue Please inquire about hours
  • Wed Please inquire about hours
  • Thu Please inquire about hours
  • Fri Please inquire about hours
  • Sat Please inquire about hours
  • Sun Please inquire about hours

Licensure

New Jersey: 44SL06693800

Languages

English

Therapy Groups

Laya Gerstman
Baby Chick Postpartum Prep Group

This group is designed for women/birthing people who want to prepare themselves for after birth, both emotionally and practically.