Athena Counseling

Your journey begins put yourself first

The decision to start therapy can be overwhelming. It is time to put yourself first to reach healing, and start living the life you deserve!

What We Help With

You are in the space for growth

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming. Taking the first step is putting yourself first. We specialize in working with adolescents and adults work through various challenges including anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, school/work challenges among others. Our goal is to foster a safe and supportive space to guide and empower you to become the best version of yourself!

A safe space for your emotions
Here you will be heard
What does the first visit look like?

During the first meeting, we focus on your needs, fears and expectations. This is the time to get to know each other and discuss the best therapeutic path.

Is therapy for you?

You don't have to be "in crisis" to benefit from psychological help. If you feel that you want to change something in your life or understand yourself better – it's worth a try.

Take the First Step

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you deserve support. We provide a safe space for adolescents and adults to work on anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, school, and life challenges while building coping skills and confidence.
About me

Who am I?

I am a dual Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. With years of experience supporting adolescents and adults, I am verified by Psychology Today and committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each client’s needs.

  • Licensed in New Jersey and Pennsulvania
  • Education: Master of Social Work, Rutgers Graduate School of Social Work
  • Verified By: Psychology Today
A safe space for your emotions
Stayla Elacqua, MSW, LCSW
What types of insurance do you accept?
We accept Aetna, Cigna/Evernorth, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Optum, and UnitedHealthcare (UHC/UBH). Out-of-network options are also available—contact us to verify coverage.
Do you offer telehealth sessions?
Yes! We provide secure virtual sessions for clients who prefer to meet from home or have scheduling constraints.
What services do you provide?
We offer individual therapy for adolescents and adults, addressing anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, school/work challenges, mood disorders, and life transitions.
What therapy approaches do you use?
We tailor treatment using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Therapy, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Strengths-Based approaches.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
We offer a free 15-minute consultation so you can ask questions, discuss your needs, and determine if our approach feels like the right fit.
Who can benefit from your services?
Adolescents and adults seeking support for emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges can benefit. Each session is personalized to help you reach your goals in a safe, supportive environment.