Our Team and Medical Staff

Mercedes A Paine, MD

Co-founder and Medical Director 

Mercedes A Paine, MD is a Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience and a diplomate of the American Bpoard of Psychiatry & Neurology. She recieved her medical degree from Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra and completed her training at New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, Department of Psychiatry. Her approach to patients is characterized by a holistic understanding of biological as well as psychosocial and environmental contributions. She incorporates psychotherapy, pharmacological management as well as other integrative approaches in treating each patient as a whole person. Her approach to individuals is strongly influenced by the belief that the mind, body & spirit work best when in concert. 

Dr. Paine specializes in the diagnosis, treatment & management of Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Disruptive Behavioral Disorders, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Eating Disorders as well as Schizophrenia & Personality Disorders. She works closely with the team at the center in the diagnosis, management & supervision of clinical cases. In addition, Dr. Paine provides ongoing consultation services to schools  and clinical support to child study teams.

Dr. Paine is an intuitive, empathic & compassionate physician who is skilled at recognizing maladaptive patterns of behavior and emotions and dedicated  to  assisting the patient towards a sense of well being in the therapeutic process.

mpainemd@thecipc.com

Heidi Flax, MA, LPC

Co-founder and Clinical Director

Heidi Flax is a NJ state-licensed  marriage & family psychotherapist with a degree from New York University, who has been working with families, children, adolescents, adults and couples for over 20 years. Many people begin therapy to work towards moving aside obstacles or issues that prevent movement forward, whatever that looks like to them...it is all individual. 

In her work with families she connects especially well with struggling adolescents/teens. As many families enter treatment in crisis, they require help to move towards developing clearer, realistic goals. The diversity of having worked in mental health, education & private practice has helped adopt a versatile approach to treatment.

In her practice, the mind-body connection is fundamental for growth and the use of relaxation, yoga and hypnotherapy as tools offers success in decreasing stress & anxiety & developing goals. It is important to know how to incorporate certain mindful techniques to increase self-awareness.

hflax@thecipc.com

Cathy Gilio, LCSW

Cathy Gilio is a lisenced clinical social worker with a graduate degree from New York University. She is an experienced clinician with over 20 years of practice in a variety of settings, including schools, treatment facilities, hospitals, partial care and substance abuse centers. In her current practice, she specializes in treating children as young as age 3, adolescents and families. 

As an EMDR trained therpaist, Cathy has expertise in working with trauma and anxiety.

In her work, an understanding of the connection between mind and body is addressed with the use of mindfulness techniques, Somatics Experiencing, Sensory Motor Therapy & Relaxation.

Cathy brings to the relationship  a warmth &  sense of humor which fosters a safe, nurturing envirnment for healing.

cgilio@thecipc.com

Pat Murphy, LCSW

Pat joined the team bringing with her 25 years of experience in the field of mental health. She is a graduate of Columbia University School of Social Work and is a licensed clinical social worker. She recently completed  DBT training to enhance her skills working with patients who struggle with emotion regulation & distress tolerance. She has a wealth of experience working with those who struggle with addictions and their families. Pat enjoys individual, couple and family therapy where she brings her down to earth personality into the therapeutic space fostering a comfortable, safe environment.

Randi Linick, LPC, LCADC

Randi has been working in the field of mental health for 7 years. She utilizes an eclectic, holistic approach in working with clients.   She not only helps the clients assess their strengths and build upon them, but also believes that there is a mind/body connection that must be nurtured in order to promote balanced, well-rounded mental health.  Her practice is also rooted in a family systems approach.

She received her Bachelor's Degree from Washington University in St. Louis double- majoring in Education and Psychology.  She went on to obtain her Master's in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University.  During her graduate level training she held internships at Spring House, a halfway house for women recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.  Prior to becoming a therapist at the Center for Integrative Psychiatry and Counseling, Randi worked as a clinical case manager at Spring House and ultimately became the Family Counselor.  

Randi is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), as well as a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC). 

Melissa is a licensed psychologist in New Jersey & New York, credentialed by the National Register of Health Service Psychologists and a certified school psychologist in NY and NJ (NCSP). 

Dr. Sapio completed her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at Montclair State University and received her Professional Diploma in School Psychology and MSEd in Therapeutic Interventions at Fordham University in 2006. 

Dr. Sapio works as a psychologist with individuals, couples and families. Her specialties include child and adolescent psychology and the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD & Asperger's Syndrome. Her professional interests include enhancing academic and emotional resilience and psycho-educational assessment. She has extensive experience in mental health education, behavioral consultation, program evaluation and counseling.

Dr. Sapio frequently delivers lectures and workshops in various schools and community settings. Her employment experience includes serving as a school psychologist on child study teams, instructing psychology courses at colleges and universities, providing hospital-based crisis intervention services and delivering consultative services/psychological assessments to various agencies and educational systems. For many years, Dr. Sapio has worked as a private academic coach and tutor for students from preschool to graduate level.

Dr. Sapio incorporates literature (bibliotherapy), art and mindfulness/awareness in her therapeutic practice.