Michael Balestrieri, MS, LPC

Michael is a licensed professional counselor who has been providing mental health services since 2011. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Delaware in 2009 and his Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from Monmouth University in 2012. As part of his clinical training, Michael completed more than 4,500 hours of supervised field experience, developing a broad foundation in counseling and behavioral health. He became a licensed professional counselor in the state of New Jersey in 2016.

Michael has pursued specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through the Beck Institute in Philadelphia, an organization founded on the work of Dr. Aaron Beck, one of the pioneers of CBT. This evidence-based approach has played an important role in Michael’s clinical work and reflects his commitment to providing thoughtful, effective, and individualized care.

Since 2016, Michael has owned and operated a private counseling practice in downtown Manasquan, New Jersey. Over the course of his career, he has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families across a variety of behavioral health settings. His experience includes intensive in-home and community-based counseling, care management in affiliation with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, and clinical and leadership roles within partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs in both nonprofit and private settings.

Michael believes that effective counseling begins with creating a genuine, supportive relationship in which clients feel heard, respected, and understood. He works collaboratively with each person to better understand their individual experiences, identify meaningful goals, and develop practical strategies for creating lasting change.

A lifelong resident of the Jersey Shore, Michael lives locally with his wife of more than 10 years and their two children. Having been a competitive athlete throughout childhood and adolescence, he understands the value of perseverance, balance, and maintaining perspective through life’s challenges. Outside of his practice, Michael enjoys spending time with his family, staying active, being outdoors, and enjoying a good cup of coffee.

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