Meet Richard Clents, LPC. Richard Clements, LPCDepression and Anxiety therapist.Hello Everyone. I am available in New Jersey and Las Vegas for telehealth/virtual sessions. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, who has been working in the mental health industry for more than 35 years with an extensive background in treating gambling addiction, depression, anxiety, gambling disorders, adjustment in life challenges, and learning disabilities.Although I am well-trained in various treatment modalities, I often prefer to use alot of strength-based, relational, cognitive, experiential, humanistic and positive psychology approaches. With giving empowerment to you, we become solution-oriented.You can expect to feel warm, accepted, understood, and empathetic with my mode of therapy. In this process, I will help you to build confidence and search for workable solutions to help to resolve your individual issues and problems. Book an appointment with Rich, today! https://api.portal.therapyappointment.com/n/public/clientRegistration/?therapistId=02BA491E9F4B44508960BBF03908D994
Now Hiring BCBAs All Over New Jersey!
Visit our hiring page at www.stepupfamilyservices.com
Now Hiring Behavior Techs all over NJ!
Visit our hiring page at www.stepupfamilyservices.com
Open Enrollment in our ABA Centers!
Apply at www.stepupfamilyservices.com or call (973) 298-0763
Step Forward Family Network
Step Forward Family Network is a non-profit partner that helps families in need of mental and behavioral health services. The money raised will go towards supplies and resources for the clients of companies like ours.
Their Mission
PROVIDING GUIDANCE AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES IN NEED OF MENTAL HEALTH
SERVICES, (PARTICULARLY FOR YOUTH ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM IN NEED OF APPLIED BEHAVIOR
ANALYSIS.)
Please take a look at their fundraiser below
Dear Friends,
As the year comes to a close, Step Forward Family Network is launching a special campaign to bring hope and healing to individuals and families in need of mental and behavioral health services.
We’ve partnered with local ABA centers and IIC therapists that urgently need supplies to continue serving children and families. Every dollar you give will go directly toward providing therapy, counseling, emotional wellness programs, and essential resources for these centers and offices. Your support can transform lives. Together, we can make sure no one faces these challenges alone.
✅ Step Forward Family Network is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation is fully tax-deductible allowed by law. Our EIN is 39-4401622.
Donate securely online today using Cashapp or PayPal:
Dr. David Timpanaro, CEO of Step Up Family Services connects with Catherine Jones to discuss Family Court. Dr. Timpanaro has been involved in this area of the field for over two decades.
It starts in a courtroom with no cameras, no public transcripts, and no clear accountability. But, behind those closed doors, a quiet pattern is repeating itself. According to Dr. David Timpanaro, the CEO of Step Up Family Services in New Jersey, in recent years, mothers are losing custody, and “experts” are profiting. And children? Well, they’re caught in the middle of it all. Welcome to family court.
Please read and share if it hits for you:
Behind Closed Doors: What Family Court Doesn’t Want You to See
It starts in a courtroom with no cameras, no public transcripts, and no clear accountability. But, behind those closed doors, a quiet pattern is repeating itself. According to Dr. David Timpanaro, the CEO of Step Up Family Services in New Jersey, in recent years, mothers are losing custody, and “experts” are profiting. And children? Well, they’re caught in the middle of it all. Welcome to family court.
A System Built on Silence
Timpanaro says he’s been in the family court trenches for decades, as a professional working within the system. He holds a PhD in multidisciplinary human services, with a focus on what he calls “practices around children and families.” His job is to create what he describes as “a wraparound plan to ensure the success of that child and family,” pulling together court systems, therapists, schools, and psychiatrists who, he explains, often don’t communicate at all. But the courts are not working as planned. And he says that what he has seen from inside that system is deeply troubling.
“You have children and families that have court involvement, psychiatry involvement, psychology involvement, school and IEP involvement, private therapist involvement, and none of these entities talk to each other,” he says.
In fact, he says he has noticed a concerning and recurring issue in the past decade: the courts have turned against mothers. And that breakdown opens the door for unethical practices, often hurting the very people the system is designed to protect. What may seem shocking to the public is just routine in the family court world, he says. One example is a case unfolding in Jesup, Georgia, where a child has been removed from her mother’s home completely, without due process.
“It’s not unusual,” Timpanaro says.
Experts Without Oversight
Timpanaro believes real change must include transparency, retraining, and oversight. Because the stakes are too high. “These professionals thrive in a system that’s fractured,” he says.
“They can manipulate things, and there’s almost no oversight. Judges rely too heavily on their word, even when those so-called experts are acting unethically. That’s dangerous.”
The emotional toll runs deep, not only for the parents caught in the system, but for the children whose futures hang in the balance.
“When I entered family court, I believed it was about truth and justice. I quickly learned it was about business transactions,” Tina Swithin, founder of the advocacy organization One Mom’s Battle, writes. “To the system, your life is another case file, another hearing, another line on the docket. It is inhumane and calloused. … Expecting justice or fairness in family court is like searching for an avocado in a hardware store.”
The Rise of the Pink Sign Protest
Still, there is hope. Across the country, concerned mothers and other victims of family court are stepping out of the shadows. They’re showing up with hot pink signs and undeniable stories.
“There’s hope in that,” he says. “Once people start pulling back the curtain, it’s hard to unsee what’s really going on.”
The signs are part of a growing national, grassroots movement to bring awareness to the country’s family court system. Recently featured on the WPLG’s World News segment, the hot pink sign movement started with a handful of mothers demanding visibility and has since grown into a national symbol of protest and survival.
The Pink Signs That Say Everything
From front yards in Georgia to sidewalks in California, the hot pink signs with children’s photos are raising awareness, one family court case at a time. Much like the pink ribbons for breast cancer awareness, these signs are turning a spotlight on a crisis that has long remained hidden for years. Each sign carries the message that something is deeply wrong inside the nation’s family court system.
Timpanaro and a growing network of advocates believe these signs will awaken the public to the need for urgent reform. They see them as the start of a national reckoning. The hot pink signs force the country to ask a long-overdue question: what happens when the system meant to protect families becomes the one that tears them apart?
How CBT Therapy Helps Children and Teens Build Resilience
At Step Up Family Services, we believe every child deserves the tools to thrive. One of the most effective tools we use to support emotional growth and mental wellness is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—a proven, practical approach that helps children and teens understand and manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
What Is CBT?
CBT is a structured, goal-oriented type of therapy that focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and actions. It helps children recognize unhelpful thinking patterns and replace them with healthier, more positive ones.
For example, a child who often thinks, “I’m not good at anything,” may learn to challenge that thought and replace it with, “I’m still learning, and I’ve improved a lot.”
How CBT Supports Children and Teens
CBT is especially effective for children and adolescents dealing with:
Anxiety
Depression
ADHD
Behavioral challenges
Low self-esteem
Trauma or grief
Through age-appropriate techniques like role-playing, journaling, and interactive activities, CBT empowers young people to:
Build confidence
Improve emotional regulation
Strengthen problem-solving skills
Develop healthier relationships
What to Expect in CBT Sessions
CBT sessions are collaborative and engaging. Therapists work closely with children and their families to set goals and track progress. Parents are often included in the process to reinforce skills at home and support long-term success.
Why CBT Works
CBT is backed by decades of research and is considered a gold standard in mental health treatment. It’s effective, short-term, and adaptable to each child’s unique needs.
At Step Up Family Services, our licensed therapists use CBT to help children not just cope—but grow. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, behavior issues, or just needs extra support, CBT can be a powerful step forward.
Step Up Family Services Now Offering EMDR Therapy
Step Up Family Services Now Offering EMDR Therapy: A New Path to Healing
At Step Up Family Services, we believe that every journey begins one step at a time. That’s why we’re excited to announce a powerful new addition to our outpatient counseling services: Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
EMDR is a research-backed psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals heal from trauma and emotional distress. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, PTSD, or past experiences that continue to affect your daily life, EMDR offers a structured and effective path toward recovery.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR therapy uses guided eye movements to help the brain process and reframe traumatic memories. It’s a non-invasive technique that has helped millions of people worldwide find relief and regain control over their emotional well-being.
Meet Stacey Lukowiak, LCSW
We’re proud to have Stacey Lukowiak, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), leading our EMDR therapy sessions. Stacey brings compassion, expertise, and a deep commitment to helping clients navigate their healing journey.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Booking an appointment is easy. Visit our website at www.stepupfamilyservices.com/outpatient-counseling or call us directly at (973) 298-0763.
Our office is conveniently located at: 239 New Road, Bldg. A Ste. 302, Parsippany, NJ 07054
Why Working at Step Up Family Services Is a Truly Uplifting Experience
At Step Up Family Services, the workplace isn’t just where you clock in—it’s where you grow, connect, and make a lasting impact. From the moment you join the team, you become part of a mission-driven community that’s deeply committed to empowering families and transforming lives through compassionate care and collaboration.
A Culture of Collaboration and Care
Step Up Family Services thrives on a wraparound model of care, which means every team member—whether a therapist, behavior analyst, or care coordinator—is part of a unified support system. This collaborative approach ensures that services are consistent, family-centered, and tailored to each individual’s needs [1]. Employees work together across disciplines, creating a dynamic and supportive environment where ideas are shared freely and progress is celebrated collectively.
Empowerment Through Purpose
The organization’s mission is clear: to support and empower children and families through personalized, high-quality services. Staff members are not just employees—they’re advocates, mentors, and change-makers. Whether providing in-home ABA therapy, outpatient counseling, or diagnostic services, every role contributes to a larger purpose of healing and growth [2].
Leadership That Inspires
Led by Dr. David Timpanaro and a team of seasoned professionals, Step Up Family Services is built on a foundation of experience, empathy, and excellence. The leadership team brings decades of expertise in psychology, behavior analysis, and social work, fostering a culture where professional development and personal growth are encouraged [3].
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Core
Step Up Family Services is deeply committed to creating an inclusive environment where every staff member is valued for their skills and contributions. The organization actively supports diversity across race, nationality, gender, sexuality, and religion, ensuring that everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered [3].
Real Impact, Real Stories
The positive energy at Step Up Family Services is reflected in the heartfelt testimonials from families and clients. One parent shared, “My daughter currently receives services through Step Up and we could not be happier. They have gone above and beyond and consistently exceed our expectations. My team is amazing and I cannot thank them enough for their continued support” [2].
Why It’s More Than Just a Job
Working at Step Up Family Services means being part of a team that’s passionate about making a difference. It’s a place where your voice matters, your skills are nurtured, and your work has real meaning. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to grow in a supportive, mission-driven environment, Step Up offers a path to fulfillment and purpose.
