Dr. Harvey Cottrell, LCSW, PhD

Dr. Harvey Cottrell, LCSW, PhD

Psychotherapist
NJ
5.00
“My visit was great. Harvey gives great feedback and interpersonal care with every visit. I highly recommend Harvey for your mental health needs. ”
DW
Highly recommended
100% of patients gave this doctor 5 stars
Excellent wait time
100% of patients waited less than 30 minutes
New patient appointments
Appointments available for new patients on Zocdoc

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What patients are saying

Overall rating

5.00

Average wait time

4.91

Bedside manner

4.96
“My visit was great. Harvey gives great feedback and interpersonal care with every visit. I highly recommend Harvey for your mental health needs. ”
DWLess than 6 months ago
“Harvey has been a wonderful and amazing therapist. He has helped me tremendously. I feel heard, listened to and most importantly, he has helped me feel like a person.”
JTLess than 6 months ago

About Dr. Harvey Cottrell

Clientele seen

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Individuals

Treatment approaches

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Family Systems
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Humanistic
Existential
Integrative

Identity

Gender

Male

Faith

Christian

Ethnicity

White

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know Dr. Harvey Cottrell

I am a licensed clinical social worker, trauma specialist, and founder of Serenity Integrative Psychotherapy. My approach to therapy is integrative, trauma-informed, and grounded in the belief that healing happens within safe, authentic, and compassionate relationships. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, identity development, relationship challenges, life transitions, and spiritual or religious trauma. My clinical work draws from evidence-based approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based interventions, narrative therapy, attachment-focused work, and somatic awareness. I strive to create a therapeutic space where clients feel seen without judgment and supported in reconnecting with meaning, resilience, and a more coherent sense of self. In addition to my clinical background, I have experience in child welfare, inpatient psychiatry, crisis intervention, and community mental health. I am also pursuing doctoral research focused on trauma, identity coherence, and psychological healing, alongside theological studies exploring vocation, suffering, and repair. I believe therapy should honor the complexity of each person’s story while helping individuals move toward greater clarity, stability, and wholeness.

What should a new client know about working with you?

Clients often describe me as warm, grounded, thoughtful, and direct when needed. I believe therapy works best when people feel emotionally safe enough to speak honestly without fear of judgment. I tend to integrate evidence-based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-informed care, mindfulness, attachment-focused work, narrative therapy, and somatic awareness. Sessions are not “one-size-fits-all”; I tailor treatment to the individual person, their goals, and their lived experience. Many of the people I work with are navigating anxiety, trauma, burnout, grief, identity questions, relationship difficulties, life transitions, or the long-term effects of childhood experiences and family systems. I also have experience working with LGBTQ+ clients, survivors of religious trauma, helping professionals, and individuals seeking to reconnect with meaning, purpose, and authenticity in their lives. My goal is not simply symptom reduction, but helping clients develop greater self-awareness, emotional flexibility, healthier relationships, and a stronger sense of coherence and stability within themselves.

What is your typical process for working with clients?

I begin by creating a space where clients feel safe, respected, and understood. Early sessions focus on getting to know your history, current concerns, strengths, relationships, and goals for therapy. Together, we work to identify patterns that may be contributing to distress while also exploring what healing, growth, or stability would look like for you personally. My sessions are conversational, collaborative, and insight-oriented, while also remaining practical and goal-focused. Depending on the client’s needs, therapy may include exploring emotions and past experiences, developing coping strategies, building mindfulness and nervous system regulation skills, improving communication and boundaries, or working through trauma in a paced and supportive way. I integrate evidence-based approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-informed care, attachment-focused work, narrative therapy, and somatic awareness. I also pay attention to how identity, culture, spirituality, family systems, and life experiences shape emotional wellbeing and relationships. Some clients come to therapy seeking support through a specific crisis or transition, while others are looking for deeper long-term healing and self-understanding. Therapy is tailored to each individual, and we regularly revisit goals together to make sure the work remains meaningful and effective.

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In-network insurances

Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare Oxford
200+ more in-network plans

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It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more

Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $180 for 60 minutes
Ongoing session: $150 for 60 minutes

    More information on payments and coverage

    I am in-network with several major insurance plans in New Jersey and Vermont, including Aetna, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, United Healthcare, Oxford, Oscar, Quest Behavioral Health, Carelon Behavioral Health. Copay amounts can vary depending on your individual plan, so I encourage clients to review their behavioral health benefits prior to their first appointment. Claims are typically submitted electronically through the insurance platform, and any copays, coinsurance, deductibles, or outstanding balances are processed securely through the client portal. Clients are responsible for understanding their coverage, including deductible requirements and authorization policies when applicable. For clients using out-of-network benefits or seeking private-pay services, documentation and superbills may be available upon request, depending on the situation. My goal is to make the process as transparent and manageable as possible so clients can focus on their treatment and healing rather than administrative stress. Out-of-pocket cost per session is $180; a sliding scale is available.

    Popular visit reasons

    Adjustment Disorder
    Anxiety
    Anxiety Disorder
    Childhood Trauma
    Depression
    Psychotherapy
    Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit
    Therapy
    Adjustment Disorder
    Anxiety
    Anxiety Disorder
    Childhood Trauma

    Education and background

    Practice names

    Education and training

    • Saybrook University, PhD in Clinical Psychology
    • Monmouth University, Master's in Clinical Social Work
    • Montclair State University, Master's in Child Advocacy and Policy

    Professional memberships

    • National Association of Social Workers
    • Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care
    • Association for Humanistic Psychology

    Awards and publications

    • Hero Award from Legal Services of New Jersey (2019), honoring his extraordinary passion, dedication, and effort in helping to make families whole again
    • the Human Rights and Social Justice Award from the Monmouth University School of Social Work (2019),

    NPI number

    1700551819

    Patient reviews

    All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
    Overall rating
    5.00
    Wait time
    4.91
    Bedside manner
    4.96
    Trust Banner Shield
    Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
    31 reviews
    Most relevant
    Absolutely love Dr. Harvey. I recommend him to everyone!
    Cool guy, no complaints. Can’t wait for future sessions.
    Verified patient
    My visit was great. Harvey gives great feedback and interpersonal care with every visit. I highly recommend Harvey for your mental health needs.
    Harvey has been a wonderful and amazing therapist. He has helped me tremendously. I feel heard, listened to and most importantly, he has helped me feel like a person.
    My visit was great, as it was insightful and helpful (as always). I am thankful for the tools that Dr. Cottrell has given me outside the session to use and fill out to help move our sessions further. I finally feel comfortable seeing a therapist thanks to Dr. Cottrell.
    Outstanding! I can't wait for my next visit
    Verified patient
    Harvey has such a calming and accepting energy. He meets you where you're at and has great insight to provide. I recommend him, and I look forward to continue working with him.
    I look forward to my sessions with Harvey every two weeks. Harvey has helped me through some of my darkest times and I would highly recommend anyone who is looking for therapy to see Harvey.
    I have been seeing Harvey for half a year and he has changed my life little pieces at a time. He’s caring, compassionate, observant, and talks to me and not down to me. I’d recommend anyone to see him.
    What truly distinguishes Harvey is his genuine compassion. He doesn't shy away from the tough conversations, guides with honesty, and approaches every session with empathy and understanding. He listens intently, validates my experiences, and offers unwavering support every step of the way. Harvey's empathy creates a space where I feel heard, valued, and accepted without judgment.
    Harvey was the first therapist I ever had. Harvey is knowledgeable, friendly, compassionate , patient, kind and funny. He helped me through a difficult time in my life and I am grateful. I highly recommend Harvey if you are in need of therapy.
    Harvey always creates a safe space for me discuss all of my concerns. His expertise, authentic approach, fine sense of humor and no nonsense personality make Harvey an ideal therapist.
    Harvey is an amazing therapist. He has a great sense of humor. I realize not all therapist would be confident having another therapist as a client. Harvey did not hesitate to start working with me. Harvey believes in me while also empowering me to a better individual more each session. I not only respect his views but I trust he wants what’s best for my future. In a short time it is evident Harvey Is invested in me as a person and a fellow clinician. I’m so grateful.
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    Frequently asked questions

    How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Harvey Cottrell?

    Generally, Dr. Harvey Cottrell has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Cottrell's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.

    Is Dr. Harvey Cottrell accepting new patients?

    Dr. Harvey Cottrell generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Cottrell's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.

    Does Dr. Harvey Cottrell accept my insurance?

    Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Cottrell is in-network.

    Can I make an appointment with Dr. Harvey Cottrell online?

    Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Cottrell using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.

    What practice does Dr. Harvey Cottrell work with?

    What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Harvey Cottrell?

    Dr. Harvey Cottrell frequently sees patients for Anxiety, Depression, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Harvey Cottrell on their profile.

    What languages does Dr. Harvey Cottrell speak?

    Dr. Harvey Cottrell speaks English.

    How do patients rate Dr. Harvey Cottrell in reviews?

    31 patients have reviewed Dr. Harvey Cottrell. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 4.96/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.91/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.

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    ZocdocJersey City, NJ PsychotherapistsDr. Harvey Cottrell, LCSW, PhD