Mental Health Expert From Livingston Is ‘Immigrant Success Story’

LIVINGSTON, NJ — A mental health expert from Livingston who is the “quintessential success story of an immigrant” will be among the guests of honor when Gov. Phil Murphy delivers his Fiscal Year 2025 budget address on Tuesday.

Several educators, students, health care professionals and workers were invited to the annual event, which will take place in Trenton. They include Saba Daneshyar of Livingston – a mental health professional with 25-plus years of experience in the field.

According to the New Jersey governor’s office, here’s why the inspiring Essex County resident scored one of the prestigious invitations this year:

“Dr. Saba Daneshyar is a mental health professional with 25-plus years of experience in the field. She currently heads the Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services at Clara Maass Medical Center in Essex County, New Jersey. A native of India, Saba is the quintessential success story of an immigrant, who made her way to the U.S. with a master’s degree in social work from Delhi University. Once in the States, she joined the graduate program in counseling psychology at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, achieving a master’s with honors. While working with families, couples, and individuals as a therapist, Saba embarked on an academic career with a doctorate in clinical social work from New York University. After a teaching and research stint at NYU, Dr. Daneshyar joined various mental health programs in New Jersey, providing administrative and clinical leadership. In programs like Vantage Health and New Jersey Hopeline, she mentored their planning and implementation of mental health treatment services. Saba is dedicated to the delivery of competent, efficient, and cost-effective mental health crisis services to Essex County.”

Daneshyar resides in Livingston with her husband of 14 years and her 11-year-old daughter. An avid reader, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Other guests this year include Talithea Duncan of Hamilton, Mariluz Lantiqua De Peralta of Elizabeth, Jayson Maksymovich of Hopewell, and Lestine Robinson of Paterson.

“As we look ahead to a new fiscal year, I am thrilled to be joined by this exceptional group of special guests from across our state, each of whom inspire the work of our administration,” Gov. Murphy said.

“Although each of their stories is unique, every one of these individuals embody the true meaning of ‘Jersey Strong,’” First Lady Tammy Murphy agreed.

• See Related: NJ And India Strengthen Business Ties; New Commission Launches

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