Meet Our Healthcare Professionals
Jay Lawrence Friedman, M.D.
Owner and Managing Member (at NJ and NY offices)
Jay Lawrence Friedman, M.D. is the owner of the practice. He has Manhattan offices at 310 West 72nd Street in the Upper West Side and at 440 East 79th Street in the Upper East Side. He is also the owner and managing member of Tenafly Psychiatric Associates, L.L.C. in Tenafly, New Jersey. Dr. Friedman graduated from Princeton University. He is an Instructor in Psychiatry at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. He completed an internship in internal medicine at a Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons Program and he completed his residency in Psychiatry at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School as Chief Resident. His fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry was at New York Presbyterian Hospital - Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Dr. Friedman is appointed to the Medical Staff of New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Click to Read More About Dr. Friedman.
Margaret E. Cummins, APRN-BC
Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Margaret Cummins is a certified advanced practice clinical nurse who specializes in adult psychiatric and mental health nursing, with prescriptive privileges. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Hunter College in New York City. She completed her Master's degree in nursing from Hunter College, as well, and subsequently became a Ph.D. candidate in nursing theory and research at NYU. She has extensive experience in treating geriatric patients and has been in practice for over 25 years.
Mera Marie Keh, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Mera Marie Keh, APRN, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental
Health Nurse Practitioner. She gained her Master’s Degree and completed her PMHNP from Walden University
in Minnesota. Prior to becoming an APRN, PMHNP-BC Mera was a nurse for 19 years with her focus on
Psychiatry and Geriatric Psychiatry for many years. Mera has also gained outstanding experience from
different departments in the health care system, including in ICU, Wound Care, Medical-Surgical area,
and the Emergency Department. As a nurse practitioner, she believes in a holistic approach to mental
illness by putting the patient at the center of the treatment plan, addressing individuality, and
providing culturally informed mental health care in all populations. Her experience enables her to
consider the whole mind and body situation of her patients. Mera is a member of Sigma Theta Tau
International Honor Society of Nursing.
Andrew Alm, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (at affiliated NY Practice)
Andrew Alm, MSN, PMHNP-BC is a dedicated board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
with a Master of Science in Nursing from Pace University.
With more than a decade of experience in the field of psychiatry, he has cultivated a strong clinical
foundation in treating a wide range of mental illnesses.
Andrew is deeply committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care through a trauma-informed and
patient-centered approach. He places great emphasis on
fostering therapeutic relationships grounded in trust, respect, and collaboration, and he tailors each
treatment plan to meet the unique needs of every individual.
Throughout his career, Andrew has worked in diverse settings. This breadth of experience has equipped
him with a nuanced understanding of the complex challenges
faced by individuals and he remains passionate about supporting his patients on their journey toward
improved mental wellness and resilience.
John Paulo C. Penetrante, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-C
Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Dr. John Paulo C. Penetrante, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-C is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who
earned both his Doctorate in Psychiatric Nursing Practice and
Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rutgers University. With over seven years of experience in acute and
subacute psychiatric settings, Dr. Penetrante provides comprehensive
care for a wide range of mental health conditions. Dr. Penetrante is known for combining clinical
expertise with a warm, approachable style. His care is grounded in evidence-based
practices and focused on patient safety, collaboration, and individualized treatment. Dr. Penetrante
takes a holistic approach, integrating medication management with nutritional,
physical, and behavioral strategies to support overall wellness. As a military veteran, he brings a deep
sense of empathy, respect, and understanding to his work—meeting each
patient with compassion and honoring their unique life experiences.
Chelsea Darca, APRN, PMHNP-C
Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (at affiliated NY Practice)
Chelsea Darca is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with seven years of
diverse clinical experience across multiple healthcare specialties. She earned her Master of Science in
Nursing from Purdue University, specializing in Psychiatric and Mental Health. Chelsea specializes in
adult and geriatric psychiatry, providing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, individualized
medication management, and supportive psychotherapy.
Chelsea’s approach to care emphasizes thoughtful prescribing, evidence-based treatment, and compassion.
She is committed to developing personalized treatment plans that reflect each individual’s unique needs
and preferences, with a focus on promoting mental wellness and enhancing overall quality of life.
Melissa Lillien, LCSW
Providing multiple modalities of therapy (in New Jersey and at affiliated New York practice).
Melissa Lillien has a Masters Degree from the Wurzweiler School of Social
Work at Yeshiva University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York and New Jersey with
over 10 years of experience. As a psychotherapist, Melissa is available to empower you to overcome
obstacles and reach your personal goals using clinically tested and evidenced-based interventions. She
provides compassionate counseling and support and has experience with the geriatric population as well
as with patients of all ages. Melissa is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the
NEFESH – International Network.