Ali Faris, PsyD

My passion for working closely with medical teams has lead me to my work in hospital and outpatient medical settings, including in the field of oncology. In my work I have directly witnessed the struggles of healthcare professionals and have learned how to support these providers through the many challenges they face in their professional and personal lives.

My approach focuses on honoring your knowledge in the hope of creating an empowering environment where you benefit from freedom to discover your strengths, resiliencies, and courage. It is important to me that we consider culture, history, and identity in the context of your struggles. I truly appreciate the beautiful complexity that makes each of us who we are.

I specialize in working with clinicians struggling with burnout, stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, grief/loss, relationship struggles, existential crisis, transitions, performance challenges, self-worth, and perfectionism. In additional I have experience working with clinicians with serious medical conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, brain and spinal cord injuries.

When not working, I can be found doing many physical activities including circus arts and spending time catching up with friends and family.

Amy Trachter, PsyD, PhD

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with people struggling with substance use issues, relationship problems, learning disorders, and eating and weight difficulties. I have specialized training in working with those who have experienced trauma. I spent the early part of my career in academics at the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami working with those living with medical conditions and substance use disorders.

Throughout my career I have focused on working with people with both physical and mental health difficulties, many of those with acute and chronic medical disorders including Crohn’s Disease, IBS, hepatitis, cancer, cardiac and liver disease including those on the waiting list for transplant and people living with HIV/AIDS. I also have extensive expertise working with people with dementia, traumatic brain injury, CVA/Stroke, and other cognitive difficulties.

I was a special education teacher prior to becoming a psychologist and am a strong advocate for those with special needs. I care deeply about the needs of those I work with. I am particularly interested in working with people to improve interpersonal relationships and communication skills.

I live in Bergen County, New Jersey, and enjoy hiking, running and yoga.

Brian Van Buren, PhD

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and have spent several years training and working in academic medical centers throughout New York City and Boston. After receiving my PhD, I completed a post-doctoral fellowship focused on the treatment of post-traumatic stress.

I have spent most of my career working in hospitals and understand the unique pressures of inpatient medicine, rounding on the wards, and caring for people with complex medical problems. I am passionate about partnering with healthcare professionals to foster wellness, resilience, and meaning in their personal and professional lives. Working in healthcare, there are many opportunities for exposure to traumatic events and I work with people to address the residue of this work.

In my spare time, I enjoy exercising, spending time with family and friends, and exploring all that New England has to offer.

Marilyn Piccirillo, PhD

I have nearly 10 years of experience helping folks navigate challenging emotions and experiences, particularly within the context of anxiety, stress/trauma/PTSD, OCD, substance misuse, and suicidality. I strongly value a collaborative approach to therapy and am skilled at tailoring evidence-based treatments (e.g., CBT, ACT, ERP, and DBT) to fit your individual needs.

I'm grateful to have worked alongside health professionals in multiple medical organizations and maintain several close relationships with those working in healthcare. I draw on these experiences to help me understand the unique challenges of being a healthcare provider.

As a human and therapist, I strive to be radically genuine and I aim to bring my expressive, goofy, and irreverent self into our work together. I prioritize being direct and compassionate and am committed to understanding you - as best as I’m able.

In my free time, I enjoy relaxing outdoors, snuggling my two cats, or testing out spicy curry recipes.

For existing patients: Meet with Marilyn.

Marilyn is not taking new patients at this time.

Marta Pagán-Ortiz, PhD

I am a licensed psychologist with over a decade of clinical experience working with adults. I have worked in academic medical centers and teaching hospitals alongside medical professionals and trainees. Many of my patients have been medical professionals and I’m aware of the unique stressors they face.

I’ve worked with individuals facing a range of issues, including transitions, professional challenges, relationship concerns, and chronic health conditions. I also have specialized training in traumatic stress and working with populations with marginalized backgrounds and identities. I’m passionate about working holistically and collaboratively to help individuals feel safe, feel heard, understand their needs, their strengths, and develop ways to face their challenges effectively. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and I’m happy to work with patients in Spanish, as well as in English.

Outside of work, I value spending time with my family and my community, as well as reading and writing.

For existing patients: Meet with Marta.

Marta is not taking new patients at this time.

Medication Support

Alan Lorenz, MD

I was born and raised in Madison, WI, completed my undergraduate degree at Stanford, and did some graduate school in clinical psychology in Palo Alto. I then returned to the University of Wisconsin for medical school. I moved to NY, for my Family Medicine Residency, Family Systems Fellowship, and Family Therapy Training at the University of Rochester. Despite moving west, then east, I have maintained my core Midwestern values. I trained with George Engel (biopsychosocial model) for a couple of years, co-authored a couple books, and spent a decade practicing in a lovely, rural family practice in upstate New York. I spent another decade as faculty in the Family Medicine Residency before working at the University Health Service as – among other things – “the doctor’s doctor.”

I strive to be thoughtful, systemic, and bring a practical, individualized approach to each and every person.

When not working, I enjoy connecting with people, skiing (especially helicopter), hiking, biking, most everything outdoors, reading, writing, and just hanging out.

Meet with Alan (for Bassett Healthcare Network only).