South Asian Therapists in New Jersey- Therapists For 1st and 2nd gen women


Being a woman navigating today’s modern society is challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you're looking for a South Asian therapist in NJ, our team of 1st and 2nd generation immigrant South Asian and East Asian therapists is here to help. We understand the unique challenges you face, whether it’s navigating cultural expectations, resolving relationship conflicts, healing from trauma, or managing the pressures of success. Our clinicians specialize in treating first-generation clients, adult children of immigrants, and the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, as well as People of Color (POC), empowering you to find authentic happiness and thrive.

Our Specialties

We work with clients in various stages of life, looking for support to help them navigate stressors, build coping skills and gain insight and clarity.

Our therapists

We are passionate about helping you find your inner strength and discovering your true identity. Our mission is to rise above the mental health stigma that surrounds marginalized and diverse communities by providing inclusive and culturally sensitive wellness services to treat the mind, body and spirit.

Neha Darji, MS, LPC

Founder, Therapist (she/her)

Antwanette Sutton, MS

Admin and Client Care Coordinator (she/her)

Tabeer Qazi, MSW, LSW

Therapist (she/her)
Telehealth- New Jersey

Chandni Pathak, MSW, LCSW

Therapist (she/her)
Telehealth- New Jersey

Ruby Sekhon, MSW, LCSW, CCS

Therapist (she/her)
Telehealth- New Jersey

Knou Xiong, MSW, LCSW

Therapist (she/her)
Telehealth- New Jersey

Samia Qadri, M.Ed, M.S, LAC

Therapist (she/her)
Telehealth-New Jersey

Kajal Patel

Therapist (she/her)
Telehealth- Pennsylvania

Your Pain Matters

We customize the therapeutic process to the needs of each client, using behavioral methods—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT),  Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR (Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing), Mindfulness, culturally-informed and trauma-informed techniques to combat the effects of anxious thinking, emotional distress, and unhealthy relationship behaviors. Operating from a culturally aware perspective, we will help you understand where your feelings originated, which strategies you’ve been using to cope with those feelings, and how to shift your perspective so that you can experience more joy and satisfaction.

Whether you are undergoing a significant transition in your life, struggling with a lack of trust and security as a result of unprocessed trauma, or simply looking for individualized mental health support, we create an open, nonjudgmental atmosphere where healing and new direction can take place. Working together, we can help you rise above the patterns and obstacles keeping you stuck. 

Our Process

Step 1

First, complete the consultation request form
*Now in network with UHC and Horizon BCBS, virtual only*
Ask about reduced fee rates

Step 2

After completing the consultation request form you will be taken to our booking calendar to schedule a consultation with our client care coordinator.

Step 3

Meet with our helpful masters level client care coordinator to understand your needs and get matched and scheduled with a therapist.

Danielle Bachant
Danielle Bachant
2023-03-01
As a former colleague of Uttara Desai, I can say with confidence that she is a wonderful addition to the We Rise team. She meets clients where they are with compassion, knowledge, and understanding. She is a fierce advocate and cares deeply about the South/East Asian community and womxn of color. She has extensive experience with working with individuals with mental illness and works through a trauma lens to meet your goals.
Matthew Bitten
Matthew Bitten
2023-02-17
If you are looking for exceptional therapists in the New Jersey/Tri-state area this is the place to go. All of their clinicians are well trained in providing exceptional care for their clients and utilizing the best therapeutic techniques to help each individual achieve their goals. I worked with Uttara Desai and cannot express enough the level of professionalism she brought to each session and her ability to make a genuine connection. Her ability to utilize an array of modalities to help me achieve symptom relief was impeccable. she knew exactly when I needed to challenge my negative thoughts and helped me change my outlook on how I view things in my life. I'm grateful for the level of expertise, training, and competence she brought to each session. I would highly recommend anyone to inquire about any openings she may have.
Jayme Ganey
Jayme Ganey
2023-02-12
As a former colleague of Ravjit (Ruby) Sekhon, one of We Rise’s therapists, I have always been impressed with her dedication to treating each of her clients (and colleagues, for that matter) as though they are her only focus and that their individual needs matter. She sees, values and honors their unique journeys and simultaneously is always conscious of the larger cultures that influence how they make decisions and behave. She doesn’t judge, even when she doesn’t understand. She finds the thread that leads her to better understanding and delivers loving energy while doing so. If I wasn’t her former colleague, I’d see her for therapy! The fact that she is supporting a mission to serve the underserved South/East Asian and BIPOC communities doesn’t surprise me either. Her heart is always aligned with equity and justice. As a woman of color, and knowing Ravjit (Ruby) as long as I have (over 8 years), I am proud to know she is meeting these communities’ needs, and am confident her heart and mind are invested in each client’s success.
Angela Torres
Angela Torres
2023-02-09
Hema Solanki is an incredibly knowledgeable and proactive counselor who creates a warm, supportive, and confidential environment for her clients. She listens intently to their stories and makes sure that they feel heard, understood, and respected as she guides them through their emotional journey. Her caring nature and vast expertise make her the perfect choice for anyone seeking meaningful therapeutic support.
Brenda Gupta
Brenda Gupta
2023-02-02
Uttara is a skilled professional counselor who has a range of experiences. She has worked with various clients who face a multitude of challenges in their lives. Uttara is kind, empathetic, and professional. She understands the various systems that impact an individual's life. She is passionate about the mission and values of helping to break the mental health stigma in South/East Asian and BIPOC womxn of color population.
Nikkia Blair
Nikkia Blair
2023-01-30
Hema Solanki is very supportive and attentive. She is relevant and provides a comfortable therapeutic experience for her clients. She is relevant seeks professional development to stay current. She is extremely trustworthy and holds space for clients to process and express themselves.
Aparna Sagaram
Aparna Sagaram
2023-01-25
We Rise Therapy is a diverse group practice that specializes in working with women of color. It is important for women of color to feel that they have a safe space for therapy where they don't have to show up a certain way or explain their culture and We Rise Therapy is just that safe space! The team at We Rise Therapy is diverse and inclusive. If you are looking for a therapist in NJ, I highly recommend this practice!
Diane Travers
Diane Travers
2023-01-20
Ruby Sekhon is a skilled and compassionate therapist. Highly professional and respectful of all with knowledge and understanding of life struggles. She offers interventions to help all reach their full potential and life goals.
Lauren S
Lauren S
2019-10-25
Neha is a knowledgeable and caring therapist. I trust her to care for clients in an empathetic and professional way.

Get The Tailored Support You Need

You are brave for seeking out therapy, and we honor you for taking meaningful steps in service of your health and wellness. To get matched with the therapist best suited to your needs, we invite you to fill out a consultation form.