Chief Executive Officer & Licensed Psychotherapist

Hello, and welcome to my page. I am excited you have chosen to take the next step in your journey to healing and transformation! I am a Licensed Psychotherapist serving Jacksonville, Orange Park, and surrounding areas. 

 I was born in sunny Southern California and raised in the Central Valley of California.  Growing up, I had a younger sibling diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, which is why I am a therapist today.  After high school,  I attended Rutgers University graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with Honors in Urban Studies with a minor in Art History in 2006. After undergraduate, I had the pleasure to go on for my Masters of Social Work (M.S.W.) from the University of Pennsylvania. While in my M.S.W. program, I trained in School Social Work, Social Work Practice with At-Risk Youth, and Developmental Disabilities. 

        I am a  Licensed Clinical Social Worker (L.C.S.W) in the State of Florida and I belong to the Academy of Certified Social Workers (A.C.S.W.). Additionally, I am a Licensed Behavioral Specialist (L.B.S.) in Pennsylvania.  I am also a Certified PreK-12 School Social Worker (C.S.S.W.) in Florida and New Jersey.   As a trained school social worker, I have extensive knowledge in Special Education, 504 Plans, Behavioral Plans, & IEPs. 

      I bring over 14 years of clinical experience with children and families working with well-known agencies, private practices, and schools in Arizona, California, Florida, Maryland, and New Jersey. I am an accomplished and published scholar in Youth Leadership, Civic Engagement, and Special Education. I am considered a Subject Matter Expert in Employment for youth with disabilities, civic engagement, and Service Learning at the collegiate and federal levels. 

   In 2012, I went back to school and earned my Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) from the University of Southern California, and I am a proud member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. In 2017, I earned my third graduate degree, a Master of Science (M.S.) in Homeland Security, focusing on Emergency Management and Public Health from Colorado Technical University. 

Over my 14-year career, I have received specialized training as a social worker in adoptions, art therapy, child welfare, LGBTQ+, Life Coaching,  play therapy, and Trauma.

Currently, I am finishing the requirements to become a Registered Play Therapist (R.P.T.) through the Association for Play Therapy.  

At this time,  I hold Certification as Master Life Coach (C.M.L.C.), a Master Transformation Life Coach,  a Master Growth Mindset Life Coach & a Master Spritual Life Coach through Transformation Academy, Certification as a Clinical Trauma Professional (C.C.T.P.) through the International Association of Trauma Professionals and, Certification as a Veteran Ready Healthcare Professional (C.V.R.H.C.P.) through the PsychArmor Institute and Certification as a Clinical Trauma Specialist with Families (C.C.T.S-F.) through the Arizona Trauma Institute. 

Lastly, I also hold my Certification in Professional Development Series in Emergency Management and as a Professional Continuity Practitioner through F.E.M.A. Emergency Management Institute. Additionally, in expanding my training in Trauma and continuing to find new and innovative approaches to helping my clients, I completed specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Trauma in Schools (C.B.I.T.S.). 

 Outside of the social work and mental health field, I have worked as an organizational consultant serving communities, businesses, and non-profits. I also hold multiple certifications and advanced emergency management, Disaster Preparedness, and Psychological First Aid training. My diverse background and experience allow me to provide counseling, life coaching, and consulting for Children, Adolescents, Young adults, families, and Adults. I work with clients in the following areas, including Autism, ADD/ADHD, Assessments, Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities, O.C.D., Men’s Issues, Single Fathers, Behavioral challenges/concerns, Disaster Counseling, and Case Management, Mood Disorders, School-Based Problems, P.T.S.D., Trauma, C.B.T., Psychoeducation, Individualized Educational Plans (I.E.P.s), Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Sand-Tray Therapy, school-based interventions, siblings of individuals with disabilities, and children from military families. As a life coach, I can help those looking to tackle spirituality, post-secondary, and career coaching challenges. 

  As a mental health therapist, I have specialized in LGBTQ+ therapy and community training, trauma, P.T.S.D., and developmental/intellectual disabilities. I am available to provide consultation and assessments upon request. As a trained LGBTQ+ therapist, I work with clients who struggle with coming out, gender identity/fluidity, sexual orientation and provide LGBTQ+ Couples therapy. I am currently one of several therapists in the Northeast region who consults on LGBTQ+ issues, provides counseling to the community, and gives back as an adjunct professor teaching new social workers about LGBTQ+ Social Work Practice. My approach to mental health treatment is client-centered and strength-based. I believe that every client can transform, gain insight, and change their current life situation. I drive my client through my passion for achieving their goals. I am a driven and dedicated therapist who works closely with families in therapeutic processes.

  Mr. Oster currently offer services in-person in Florida & virtual services for Pennsylvania & Florida clients.  Please visit our scheduling page today for an appointment.