OUR team

Meet your Match

Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, ocd, relationship issues, complex trauma, or personal growth, we will expertly match you with one of our therapists who has the knowledge and skills to help you navigate your challenges and develop the tools for lasting change.

Our team of highly skilled, deeply compassionate therapists is dedicated to supporting you throughout your therapy experience.

Our diverse team brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and unique perspectives to the therapeutic process. They draw from a range of evidence-based practices and therapeutic modalities, ensuring that you receive care that is grounded in the latest research and adapted to your specific needs.

At The Better Center, our approach to therapy is that it is a collaborative partnership. We work closely with you to develop a tailored treatment plan that aligns with your goals, values, and preferences.

Meet Our Team

  • Avrohom Leffler LCSW

    Avrohom Leffler, LCSW

    Senior Clinical Supervisor

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    Avrohom Leffler, LCSW, is a Senior Clinical Supervisor in our Lakewood office. He received his Master’s in Social Work from Long Island University. A seasoned clinician with 15 years of experience, prior to The Better Center, Avrohom has worked in various outpatient settings, including at Chemed Health Center, and the Center for CBT of NJ. He specializes in anxiety, emotion regulation, parenting, relationships, and trauma, utilizing modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, and EFT.  Avrohom is dedicated to providing safe, compassionate, evidence-based care and is frequently published in various local media outlets.

  • Alexander Rand LCSW

    Alexander Rand, LCSW

    Senior Clinical Supervisor

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    Alexander (Alex) Rand, LCSW, is a Senior Clinical Supervisor in our Lakewood office. He received his Master’s in Social Work at Fordham University. Alex has over 20 years of extensive clinical experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. In addition to his role at The Better Center, Alex currently serves as a Professor at the Wurzweiler Graduate School of Social Work and as an Adjunct Professor at Brooklyn College. He is formally certified in IFS and EMDR and extensively trained in Transformative Couples Therapy under David Mars, PhD.

  • Raizy Nagel, LCSW

    Senior Staff Clinician

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    Raizy Nagel, LCSW, is a Senior Staff Clinician in our Lakewood office. She completed her master’s degree in Social Work at Touro College. Given her vast clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families, Raizy specializes in trauma, attachment, and on nurturing healthy relationships. She is focused on providing techniques that are most suitable to the needs of each individual client. Raizy is formally trained in several modalities, most notably in Internal Family Systems (IFS) Levels One and Two, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Marriage Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, Somatic Intervention, and Progressive Counting.

  • Rivki (Rikki) Israel, LCSW

    Staff Clinician

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    Rikki Israel, LCSW, is a staff clinician at our Lakewood office. She completed her master's degree at Long Island University and specializes in trauma, substance abuse, self-identity, and relationships. Rikki utilizes a range of therapeutic modalities, including EMDR, CBT, Imaginal Nurturing (inner child/attachment), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), to best support her clients' healing and growth. Driven by a deep passion for the human experience, Rikki is dedicated to working alongside individuals on their journey toward personal development and self-empowerment. Before joining The Better Center, Rikki gained valuable experience at Alley Valley and the Jewish EFT Institute.

  • Gamliel Beyda, LSW

    Staff Clinician

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    Gamliel Beyda, LSW, is a Staff Clinician in our Lakewood office. He completed his master’s degree in Social Work at Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work. Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gamliel provides services to clients with trauma, depression, anxiety, addiction, and OCD. Prior to joining The Better Center, Gamliel worked in various outpatient settings, including Empower Health Center, with adolescents, young adults, adults, and couples. Gamliel enjoys assisting clients in achieving their goals and values building strong, supportive relationships. The mission is to create a safe space for clients to express themselves and use their strengths to overcome challenges.

The better match promise™  

We understand that finding the right therapist is a deeply personal process. 

The heart of transformative therapy lies in the quality of the therapeutic relationship. That's why we prioritize creating strong therapeutic alliances built on trust, empathy and shared understanding. 

We'll work closely with you to find the therapist who is the best fit for your unique needs and preferences, ensuring that you have a supportive partner in your journey towards healing and growth.

Call us at no cost or commitment