02/05/2026
We are so happy to introduce our newest team member, Ana Castro, LAC! Ana is now accepting referrals and will be seeing clients in person at our Tinton Falls location.
Ana is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC). She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Monmouth University. Ana has experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults impacted by mental health and substance use disorders in partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient levels of care. She has also worked with youth in the community and those involved in the juvenile justice system, engaging them in a variety of developmentally appropriate, strengths-based interventions.
Ana has provided clients with psychoeducation, conflict resolution skills, support in developing healthy coping strategies, and other individualized, needs-based clinical interventions. She is well-versed in working with families and understands that each family member may need something different from the therapeutic process. Ana values collaboration and believes it is important to recognize these differences while working toward shared goals.
Ana aims to meet clients and their families where they are, creating a safe, supportive environment where trust and a strong therapeutic relationship is nurtured. She strives to help clients feel empowered and confident in guiding their therapeutic journey in a way that feels right for them. Whether a client needs space for humor or support in navigating difficult conversations, Ana encourages authenticity within session to promote healing.
Ana believes that Sand Play is a powerful tool for children, adolescents, and young adults to explore emotions they may not yet have words for, while also discovering new insights along the way. She enjoys walking alongside clients in their journey, fostering creativity, self-expression, and healing in a way that feels natural and meaningful.
