

While I have experience in treating substance use, anxiety, and mood disorders, most of my training is in addressing and helping folks to heal from past trauma. To that end, in addition to my Master's degree, I hold the following certificates as proof of my clinical training: Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies, Certification in Prolonged Exposure for the Treatment of PTSD, and I am an EMDR Trained Clinician. I primarily provide individual counseling for adults (ages 18+).
I have 15+ years in the psychiatric-mental health field. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and have an additional certification in treating clients with addiction (CARN-AP).
Welcome to my practice! My name is Nichola Lydon, and I’m excited to work with you. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist. I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Montclair State University.
With over six years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals facing a wide range of challenges—including substance use disorders, perinatal mood disorders, and the overwhelming stressors of daily life. Whether you’re struggling with substance use dependency, navigating a difficult transition, or feeling stuck, I’m here to help.
My approach is honest, direct, and always rooted in compassion. I believe in having the tough conversations without judgment—because healing starts with truth, not sugarcoating. My practice is a safe, stigma-free space, where you can feel supported, heard, and empowered to create meaningful change.
If you're ready to do the work, face challenges head-on, and build a more resilient life, I’m ready to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Let’s begin your journey toward healing and growth—together.
help patients find hope in adversity. I explore a patient's need for external validation and identify old, negative motivators used to inspire achievement-based goals. I teach self-care and self-regulating practices while modeling healthy attunement. Together, we explore conflict-avoidant behaviors and healthy dependency. Being a highly sensitive person is not a weakness but an empathic strength. I explore the guilt, shame, and fear that cause "analysis paralysis." I analyze unhealthy habits and teach clients to build trust and reconnect with a traumatic body that no longer trusts. You are the expert and I am your guide.
When I began seeing a therapist, I realized just how much I needed an outlet to process hardships in my life and to feel genuinely heard, and this is exactly what I want to provide to clients who come to see me. As I have advanced in my own self-discovery and identity exploration, I have become interested in helping others in the LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent (specifically autism and ADHD), and disability communities on their own journeys. I believe that having lived experience related to my specialties is a fundamental component to the care I can provide.


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