Connecticut families, when you know it’s time, Brightline is the right place
Our pediatric mental health clinics are open in Brooklyn Heights, Lake Success on Long Island, and Columbus Circle in Manhattan — schedule your child’s first appointment today!
New York Clinics
Brooklyn Heights
Our Brooklyn Heights clinic offers families therapy, psychiatry services, and psychological testing for kids up to age 18.
Lake Success
Our Lake Success clinic on Long Island is now seeing patients in-person and virtually.
Columbus Circle
Our pediatric mental health clinic at Columbus Circle in Manhattan is now seeing patients in-person and virtually.
New York Clinics
In-person, virtual and hybrid care available.
Brooklyn Heights
Our Brooklyn Heights clinic offers families therapy, psychiatry services, and psychological testing for kids up to age 18.
Lake Success
Our Lake Success clinic on Long Island is now seeing patients in-person and virtually.
Columbus Circle
Our pediatric mental health clinic at Columbus Circle in Manhattan is now seeing patients in-person and virtually.
What Brightline offers to families in Connecticut
Care for every child starts with a two-step diagnostic evaluation. Step one is an in-depth, 1.5-hour conversation with a Brightline therapist. Step two is a 1-hour follow-up session for evaluation results and care path recommendation.
The goal? That you come away holding a care plan you helped create, knowing we truly understand your needs. From there, Brightline will recommend one of these paths:
Psychological Testing
Autism
Learning differences
Giftedness and school readiness
Memory and cognitive skills
General Therapy
Persistent low mood, lack of motivation, withdrawal
Trauma and stress
Physical symptoms without an identified medical cause
Sustained difficulties with everyday tasks
Anxiety Program
Worries and fears, difficulty concentrating
Physical symptoms (like racing heart)
Feeling nervous, restless, edgy, afraid, or fearful
Avoidance of things they need or want to do
OCD Program
Repeated or ritualized behaviors that are driven by anxiety, fear, or disgust
Overdoing things more than is needed
Fear of not doing something “just right”
Avoiding things they need or want to do
Intrusive thoughts about any number of topics
ADHD Program
Difficulties paying attention
Difficulty sitting still
Distracting or disruptive behaviors
Impulsive actions
Disruptive Behaviors Program
Tantrums and other behavioral upsets
Impulsive actions
Troubling behaviors at school or with friends
Difficulty following directions
Our clinicians
Noora Abdulkerim, PhD
"I was inspired to become a psychologist because I am passionate about helping clients transform their relationship with their emotions and challenging experiences in a healthy and grounded in order to help them live fulfilling lives."
Tara Balin, LMSW
“I was inspired to become a therapist by a deep interest in creating space for healing and supporting others in facing challenges and reaching their personal and emotional goals.”
Ramya Chunduri, LCSW
"Growing up, I noticed a lack of representation/cultural awareness . As I grew up dealing with life's struggles alone, I later realized that I wanted to bear witness to life's hardest moments and walk with others in their respective journeys."
Jessica Cohen, LCSW
Jessica Cohen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with focus areas of Anxiety, Depression, Disruptive Behaviors, Trauma, ADHD, Divorce/Separation, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, Child & Adolescent.
Stephanie Eichler, LMSW
“I have always been genuinely interested in learning about people and hearing their stories. I am passionate about helping clients lead fulfilling lives, empowering them to discover their inner strengths and overcome challenges.”
Annie Elfers, LCSW
“I am a proud former ADHD kid who has had her own fair share of good and bad experiences in behavioral health settings. I aspire to provide the thoughtful, empathetic care that all children and families deserve, though many wish they could find.”
Gina Foster, LMSW
“I was inspired to become a therapist after my experience providing one-on-one and group counseling to 6th-8th graders while pursuing my MSW. I find it energizing to watch individuals grow in confidence and self-understanding, while supporting them through such a formative time.”
Sierra Freeman, LMSW
“As a former teacher who grew up with ADHD, I know how hard it can be when children don’t yet have the words to share what they’re feeling. That inspired me to become a therapist, so I could support kids and families in finding those words, feeling understood, and knowing they are valued just as they are.”
Anthony Giammanco, LMHC
“My inspiration to become a therapist was born out of my desire to help others. While this is of course an obvious answer, I truly believe there is nothing more fulfilling than to try and help others to be their best selves.”
Kellie McFarlane, PsyD
"My inspiration for becoming a therapist comes from a long-held passion for helping children navigate difficult circumstances, particularly through creative expression and play. I am dedicated to creating a safe, supportive space where young people and their families can grow and thrive together."
Caroline Mendel, PsyD
"I’ve known that I wanted to be a child psychologist since middle school! I had my sights set on this career because I naturally found myself supporting others, and I knew working with kids to help bring out the best in them would bring me joy."
Michele Neuhaus, LMHC, LCAT, MA
“I enjoy helping people express their feelings. I am also passionate about helping my clients learn new ways to manage emotions and experiences that might feel overwhelming."
Hannah Rush, MSN, FNP, PMHNP
“My inspiration to become a nurse practitioner was because of my desire to help people, especially in underserved areas."
Sylvia Ryszewska, PhD
"I knew I always wanted to work with children and families in some capacity - I am a strong advocate of early intervention and want children and families to have the necessary coping skills to navigate life effectively as it can, and does, change the trajectory of their lives."
Nikki Vega, LCSW
"I became a therapist because I believe deeply in the healing power of relationships and the power of community. I wanted to learn from and work with people working to repair their relationships with themselves and with others."
Charlie Xiao, PMHNP
“My inspiration to become a therapist was was raising a son with a serious mental illness. I aspire to use that lived experience to help children and their families overcome mental health challenges.
Madelyn Williams, LMSW
“I am inspired to become therapist by seeing how powerful it is for children and families to have someone truly present with them in difficult moments. What continues to motivate me are the small but profound shifts in resilience and confidence that happen when kids feel safe, understood, and supported.”
Our clinicians
Our therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists are licensed, experienced, and ready to help families find the answers they need. They’re trained to deliver evidence-based care — in-person and online — that improves the mental health of kids and teens. Our teams work collaboratively, expanding the knowledge of each clinician, and surrounding your child with support.
Noora Abdulkerim, PhD
"I was inspired to become a psychologist because I am passionate about helping clients transform their relationship with their emotions and challenging experiences in a healthy and grounded in order to help them live fulfilling lives."
Tara Balin, LMSW
“I was inspired to become a therapist by a deep interest in creating space for healing and supporting others in facing challenges and reaching their personal and emotional goals.”
Ramya Chunduri, LCSW
"Growing up, I noticed a lack of representation/cultural awareness . As I grew up dealing with life's struggles alone, I later realized that I wanted to bear witness to life's hardest moments and walk with others in their respective journeys."
Jessica Cohen, LCSW
Jessica Cohen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with focus areas of Anxiety, Depression, Disruptive Behaviors, Trauma, ADHD, Divorce/Separation, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, Child & Adolescent.
Stephanie Eichler, LMSW
“I have always been genuinely interested in learning about people and hearing their stories. I am passionate about helping clients lead fulfilling lives, empowering them to discover their inner strengths and overcome challenges.”
Annie Elfers, LCSW
“I am a proud former ADHD kid who has had her own fair share of good and bad experiences in behavioral health settings. I aspire to provide the thoughtful, empathetic care that all children and families deserve, though many wish they could find.”
Gina Foster, LMSW
“I was inspired to become a therapist after my experience providing one-on-one and group counseling to 6th-8th graders while pursuing my MSW. I find it energizing to watch individuals grow in confidence and self-understanding, while supporting them through such a formative time.”
Sierra Freeman, LMSW
“As a former teacher who grew up with ADHD, I know how hard it can be when children don’t yet have the words to share what they’re feeling. That inspired me to become a therapist, so I could support kids and families in finding those words, feeling understood, and knowing they are valued just as they are.”
Anthony Giammanco, LMHC
“My inspiration to become a therapist was born out of my desire to help others. While this is of course an obvious answer, I truly believe there is nothing more fulfilling than to try and help others to be their best selves.”
Kellie McFarlane, PsyD
"My inspiration for becoming a therapist comes from a long-held passion for helping children navigate difficult circumstances, particularly through creative expression and play. I am dedicated to creating a safe, supportive space where young people and their families can grow and thrive together."
Caroline Mendel, PsyD
"I’ve known that I wanted to be a child psychologist since middle school! I had my sights set on this career because I naturally found myself supporting others, and I knew working with kids to help bring out the best in them would bring me joy."
Michele Neuhaus, LMHC, LCAT, MA
“I enjoy helping people express their feelings. I am also passionate about helping my clients learn new ways to manage emotions and experiences that might feel overwhelming."
Hannah Rush, MSN, FNP, PMHNP
“My inspiration to become a nurse practitioner was because of my desire to help people, especially in underserved areas."
Sylvia Ryszewska, PhD
"I knew I always wanted to work with children and families in some capacity - I am a strong advocate of early intervention and want children and families to have the necessary coping skills to navigate life effectively as it can, and does, change the trajectory of their lives."
Nikki Vega, LCSW
"I became a therapist because I believe deeply in the healing power of relationships and the power of community. I wanted to learn from and work with people working to repair their relationships with themselves and with others."
Charlie Xiao, PMHNP
“My inspiration to become a therapist was was raising a son with a serious mental illness. I aspire to use that lived experience to help children and their families overcome mental health challenges.
Madelyn Williams, LMSW
“I am inspired to become therapist by seeing how powerful it is for children and families to have someone truly present with them in difficult moments. What continues to motivate me are the small but profound shifts in resilience and confidence that happen when kids feel safe, understood, and supported.”
Join our clinical team
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