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Megan DeRiso, Psy.D.

Dr. Megan DeRiso is a Licensed Clinical Health Psychologist offering therapy via telehealth. She began her training in medical settings, working with patients managing complex health conditions, and discovered her passion for supporting individuals throughout all stages of life. She now practices in private practice, combining her interests in anxiety, OCD, and physical health concerns while helping clients build long-term strategies for well-being.

Dr. DeRiso believes the therapeutic relationship is the foundation of effective therapy. She strives to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can feel supported, explore their experiences, and learn practical tools to manage stress, anxiety, or other challenges. While she specializes in evidence-based treatments for specific mental health conditions, she also believes therapy can benefit anyone looking to understand themselves better and improve their overall quality of life.

Her clinical work focuses on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions, and works with clients struggling with body image, disordered eating, and challenges related to managing medical conditions. She uses exposure-based therapies, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, interoceptive exposures for panic, and gradual exposures for phobias and social anxiety. Mindfulness meditation is also a central tool she integrates into care. Dr. DeRiso also has a special interest in working with individuals who have suffered from narcissistic abuse to regain emotional safety and self-trust.

Dr. DeRiso earned her Psy.D. in Clinical Health Psychology from Nova Southeastern University, an APA-accredited program, and received specialized training to work with mental health concerns alongside physical health conditions, including chronic illness, disability, and medical trauma. Dr. DeRiso has presented multiple clinical workshops at local and national meetings, was elected as a guest speaker for grand rounds at the University of Texas at San Antonio, and has published original research in peer-reviewed journals.

Dr. DeRiso is an active member of several professional associations, including the American Psychological Association (APA) and Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). Dr. DeRiso is a licensed psychologist in New Jersey (#35SI00756400) and participating states in the US by the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) through PSYPACT #20371.

Full Curriculum Vitae

RTCNJ’s Values

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    Evidence-based care.

    Care is grounded in current research and evidence-based practices, thoughtfully applied to support meaningful and lasting change.

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    Strong therapeutic relationship.

    A strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation of effective therapy, providing a safe, reliable space where trust and healing can develop.

  • A close-up photo of a stack of books placed horizontally on top of each other, varying in size, color, and condition.

    Focused expertise.

    Extensive, specialized training in anxiety disorders, relational concerns, and health psychology.

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    Client-centered care.

    We offer compassionate, client-centered care that prioritizes connection, collaboration, and emotional safety.

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    Innovative and flexible approach.

    We continually integrate current research and evidence-based techniques while maintaining a flexible, individualized approach that adapts to each client’s needs, goals, and lived experience.

  • A stone wall with large, rough gray stones and a small plant with yellow flowers growing in a crack.

    Empowerment and growth.

    We honor clients’ lived experiences and strengths, empowering them to heal and flourish outside of therapy.

  • A person in a red jacket jogging on a tree-lined road during sunset, with golden sunlight shining through the trees.

    Holistic approach.

    Our approach integrates lifestyle factors that support mental well-being, helping clients create sustainable habits (such as quality sleep, enjoyable movement, and stress management) that strengthen resilience and emotional balance.

Career Highlights

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I was elected Research Intern of the Year and invited to present my work as part of the Division of General Internal Medicine’s Grand Rounds series, which highlights innovative contributions across clinical care, research, education, and community health. The presentation provided an opportunity to share my research with medical students, residents, and faculty, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and learning.

University of Texas Health San Antonio Research Intern of the Year

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Alies Muskin Career Development Leadership Program Award

I was honored to receive the Alies Muskin Career Development Leadership (CDLP) Award from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), a program that supports emerging leaders in the field of mental health. This program provided intensive mentoring, clinical training, professional development, and discussion with career experts at the ADAA Annual Conference. The program’s training strengthened my clinical skills and advanced my professional and leadership development.

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American Psychological Association Convention Symposium

I co-presented a symposium at the American Psychological Association (APA) Convention on issues of disability, access, and inclusion within educational settings. This work reflects my ongoing commitment to centering lived experiences and promoting environments that are accessible, respectful, and inclusive.

Read the full symposium here
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IDEA Initiative Team Lead

I was elected to be an interdisciplinary team leader for the Interprofessional Diabetes Education and Awareness (IDEA) initiative at Nova Southeastern University, a community program focused on diabetes education and prevention. In this role, I collaborated with a medical team to develop and deliver accessible, practical health education for community members. We even filmed a local public service announcement that reached hundreds of thousands of viewers!

Watch the full public service announcement here!

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