Our clinical staff includes licensed psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors. Each clinician has unique training and experience, specializing in the treatment and prevention of various behavioral health concerns. Our staff respects individual differences and provides compassionate, confidential sessions in an emotionally safe environment.
Dr. Jessica J. Ruiz
Chief Psychologist and Director of Behavioral Health
Dr. Jessica Ruiz obtained her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) where her training focused on motivational evidenced-based treatment of substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. She completed her internship, postdoctoral training and was a junior faculty member at Yale University’s Division of Substance Abuse where she obtained additional clinical experience with the treatment of serious mental illness and addictive behaviors.
She has worked as a Motivational Interviewing trainer, coach, supervisor and consultant at a variety of agencies including: Yale University School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry, Connecticut Mental Health Center, The New York State Smoker’s Quitline, and NSU’s Area Health Education Centers (AHEC).
She is particularly interested in the prevention, assessment and treatment of addictive behaviors and the use of motivational strategies to help individuals meet their desired treatment goals. Her professional activities in this area earned her the American Psychological Association’s Society of Clinical Psychology (Division 12) Distinguished Student Practice Award in 2008.
Dr. Robert J. Cipriano Jr., ABPP
Licensed Psychologist
Board Certified in Police and Public Safety Psychology
Dr. Robert J. Cipriano Jr. has served the community in the field of professional psychology since 1994. He completed his undergraduate training in psychology at Florida State University and he successfully completed a doctoral program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) in clinical psychology at Carlos Albizu University (CAU) in Miami, Florida. Dr. Cipriano has been a licensed psychologist in Florida since 2002 and became a licensed psychologist in North Carolina in 2018. He is board certified in Police and Public Safety Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) and specializes in trauma psychology utilizing a cognitive behavioral therapeutic treatment (CBT) approach. His clientele include individuals, couples, families, and groups. He has significant experience in conducting psycho-educational, gifted, and psychological assessments.
“My commitment to helping others in time of need is a big part of who I am. Compassion, empathy, and a willingness to help others is what the world needs to be a better place. We are all about those principles at Behavioral Health Associates of Broward, Counseling Centers of Goodman JFS.”
Deborah C. Fox, LCSW, BCD
Certified Hypnotherapist
Deborah Fox is a licensed clinical social worker and a certified hypnotherapist. She earned a master’s degree in social work from Barry University and two bachelor’s degrees from the University of South Florida in Tampa, including one in English/journalism for secondary education and the other in public relations. Debbie has been with the Counseling Centers of Goodman JFS since 1977. Her compassion and empathy paired with her knowledge and skills has literally helped thousands of clients through life’s most difficult challenges.
“I have always wanted to help others, providing them a bridge between what they are struggling with and the hope of a more positive tomorrow. The many clients with whom I have worked for over 40 years is very valuable to me. I enjoy working with people to help them create a healthier path. It is especially rewarding to provide clients with direction and special guidance to foster their learning and growth.”
Dr. Sharon Rabinovitz
Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Rabinovitz completed her Bachelor’s degree in Biopsychology at Vassar College, including a semester at Princeton University. She continued her studies at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, obtaining first her Master’s degree and then her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 1979. During that time, she interned for a year at Shands Medical Center at the University of Florida. Her doctoral thesis involved examining biological and psychological precursors in patients with chronic pain. Her thesis advisor was Theodore Millon, Ph.D., a world renowned expert who developed the current standards for Personality Disorders. Dr. Rabinovitz considers it a privilege to have worked with the Counseling Centers of Goodman JFS for more than 20 years.
Diane Wacks
LCSW
Diane Wacks is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 18 years of experience in assisting clients in reaching their highest potential. Diane received her master’s degree in Social Work from Barry University and a bachelors degree in Education from the University of Florida. Diane works with individual adults, couples, and families, with special interest and expertise in the areas of Depression, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Stress Management, Adult ADHD, Marital and Family Issues, Grief and Loss as well as substance use disorders.
“I believe that everyone deserves to be happy and happiness comes from being at peace from within. It comes from living a valued life. Sometimes we encounter difficult times and we need help to get our lives back on track. I utilize a broad holistic approach, taking into account individual psychopathology as well as environmental factors. I create a comfortable, judgment free environment, where my clients can begin the process of change. I utilize a variety techniques, some of which come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness Based Therapies (MBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I view every client as an individual and therefore, customize the sessions to reflect that. It would be my honor to work with you in achieving your goals and creating a more valued life.”
Orly Doron
LCSW
There are times in life when having the possibility to speak with someone about our life issues is of special importance. After earning my degree in Social Work from Barry University, I have been practicing as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the past 27 years. I specialize in treating emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression in adults and seniors. I also specialize in couples counseling.
“I believe that the way we think about our life situations has a big influence in the way we feel and the way we behave. Through the cognitive behavioral therapy approach, I will help you perceive your life situations in the best of ways so you can regain your emotional stability. Every stage of life has its own challenges. Being able to find the most adequate coping strategies to overcome them is crucial for our well-being. Feeling that we have the ability to move forward and build a peaceful life for ourselves with our own personal internal resources is what counseling is all about.”
Se habla espanol.