

Tara received her MSW degree from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Work in 1994. She retired as a school social worker where she oversaw/managed a Behavioral Disabilities (BD) class at the high school level. Tara has 25 years of helping at-risk youth address mental, emotional, and behavioral issues through a strength-based, person-centered therapy approach.
Presently, Tara's private practice works with adults who have anxiety, depression and/or truama; also couples therapy.
Seeking support takes courage, and I honor the strength it takes to begin this process. You may be navigating grief, major life transitions, identity exploration, or recovering from experiences of harm. Perhaps you are a young adult stepping into new responsibilities, a student balancing multiple pressures, or someone carrying the weight of anxiety or depression. You may simply want a space where you feel seen, affirmed, validated, and supported. A place to make sense of your experiences and move toward the life you envision.
That vision inspired me to create H.O.O.D. Counseling & Consulting — Heritage, Origin, and Our Dopeness. I founded H.O.O.D on the belief that healing is rooted in culture, lived experiences, and strength, reminding us that even in hardship, growth is possible. With 10+ years of experience, I offer a holistic, empowering, and culturally responsive approach. Clients describe me as compassionate, grounding, and direct, fostering an environment of trust and change.
I obtained my Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Monmouth University. I am certified in Polyvagal Theory
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or not like yourself lately? You don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Ivy League trained with experience in outpatient, acute stabilization and consult-liaison psychiatry. I work with adults and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, mood changes, and other mental health challenges that come with stress, illness, or life transitions.
I am a warm and empathic therapist with over 25 years experience. I work with individuals and families to address a variety of issues including depression, anxiety , bipolar disorder, life transitions, sexuality, grief and loss, and substance abuse.
Welcome! I specialize in evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders, ADHD, Autism, trauma-related concerns, grief, and life transitions. I work with clients across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, adults, first responders, veterans, and families seeking structured support and meaningful change.
I use compassion, warmth, and a touch of humor to help clients feel safe, understood, and at ease during our work together. I also strive to create a supportive environment where clients can explore challenges without judgment and reconnect with their strengths.
Therapeutically, I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed practices, psychodynamic approaches, DBT skills, mindfulness, and strengths-based coaching to support clarity, healing, and growth at each client’s pace.
Inspired by the Tibetan Buddhist concept of the Four Immeasurables—happiness, joy, compassion, and equanimity—my practice reflects a commitment to cultivating emotional resilience and deeper wellbeing in everyday life.
Whether you're seeking support through stress, trauma, neurodivergence, identity development, or life transitions, my role is to walk with you, guide you, and help you discover meaningful change from the inside out.


Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.