After a dozen years in the mental health industry, Madeline Cassano founded Helping Minds Heal Counseling Center. Opening her own practice allowed her to create a space where clients feel safe, supported, and understood while giving her the freedom to offer personalized care that truly meets their needs.

Madeline is dedicated to what she does. She decided to become a licensed clinical social worker because she has always been passionate about helping people navigate life’s challenges and find inner peace. Madeline shares, “Mental health is a public health crisis, and I saw firsthand how vital support can be in improving individuals' well-being and overall quality of life. I wanted to be part of the solution in a meaningful way.”

About Helping Minds Heal. What sets Helping Minds Heal Counseling apart from other practices is their ability to offer both virtual and in-person sessions, providing flexible options that fit the needs of their clients. They cater to a wide range of individuals, including children, adolescents, and adults, and offer specialized support for individuals, couples, families, and groups. They are committed to connecting clients with valuable community resources and support. Their counselors are trained in various specialties and interventions, ensuring clients receive personalized care. Additionally, Helping Minds Heal Counseling accepts insurance, making their services accessible to more people.

Origins of the Business. Helping Hands Counseling got started through a valuable network connection. By staying engaged and maintaining strong professional relationships, they were able to lay the foundation for their practice. These connections played a crucial role in helping them grow, as they continued to nurture and build on them over time. From the very beginning, fostering meaningful relationships has been at the core of their business, allowing us to expand and serve the community more effectively.

Inspiration. Madeline is most inspired by her clinicians and staff. “Watching them grow, pursue their passions, and dedicate themselves to helping others is incredibly motivating,” shares Madeline. “Their commitment to making a difference in the mental health field reminds me of the impact we can have on people’s lives. Their drive, compassion, and willingness to go the extra mile to support our clients inspire me to keep pushing forward and growing, both personally and as a business.”

Advice for Others. Madeline’s advice to someone starting out in business is to validate the anxiety that comes with it—it's normal to feel uncertain. The key is to push through those fears and surround yourself with strong support and resources. Take the leap but remember to take it one day at a time. Progress is built gradually, and trusting the process will help you grow and succeed over time.

Theme Song. If Helping Minds Heal had a theme song, it would be "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars. The message of accepting and appreciating people for who they truly are aligns perfectly with our approach to mental health care. We strive to help clients embrace their uniqueness, understand their value, and feel confident in their skin, just as the song celebrates authenticity and self-worth.

Fun Fact. Not many people know that Madeline volunteered on the West Essex First Aid Squad for three years. She shares, “It was a rewarding experience, allowing me to give back to the community in a hands-on way while supporting people during emergencies.”

Outside of Work. When she’s not at work, Madeline’s favorite thing to do is go for walks with her kids and dogs. She also loves connecting with her loved ones and being there for the important people in her life. She finds that it’s a great way to recharge and stay grounded.

As a Chamber Member. Madeline joined the North Essex Chamber to connect with local businesses and collaborate with them to support both their teams and the greater community. She feels that building strong partnerships and fostering a network of mutual support is essential to creating a healthier, more connected environment for everyone. “Together, we can make a lasting impact.”