We haven’t walked in your shoes. But we have a well-worn pair just like them.
How do we know that you’re full of questions about pediatric mental health (when what you really want are answers)? Because we’ve been there.
Here’s how care begins at Brightline:
Families start with a two-step process that we call a diagnostic evaluation. The evaluation consists of an in-depth conversation with a Brightline psychologist or therapist (1.5 hours) and a follow-up session (1 hour) to discuss evaluation results and recommendations.
The goal? That you come away holding a care plan you helped create, knowing we truly understand your needs. Both of these visits can be held in person or virtually.
What to expect
Share
A detailed history
You and your child help us learn about behaviors, symptoms, and what your child has been going through. We then take all of that information and evaluate what the next right step for your child should be.
Plan
Get a clear path
The second appointment is where you get clear, concise impressions, diagnoses, risk assessment, and treatment recommendations, including written documentation for IEP plans as needed.
Improve
Match with a clinician
Ongoing therapy or psychiatry sessions could be scheduled with the clinician who did your child’s evaluation or another provider. You’ll help decide the best match for your child’s needs at your follow-up session.
What to expect
Share
A detailed history
You and your child help us learn about behaviors, symptoms, and what your child has been going through. We then take all of that information and evaluate what the next right step for your child should be.
Plan
Get a clear path
The second appointment is where you get clear, concise impressions, diagnoses, risk assessment, and treatment recommendations, including written documentation for IEP plans as needed.
Improve
Match with a clinician
Ongoing therapy or psychiatry sessions could be scheduled with the clinician who did your child’s evaluation or another provider. You’ll help decide the best match for your child’s needs at your follow-up session.
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.”
Rachel Havens, LMHC
“I bring 17 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in academic and clinical environments, having served as a tutor, educator, school counselor, and mental health therapist for ages 2 through 18."
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."
Ashley Nelson, LMHC
Ashley Nelson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with focus areas of Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Divorce/Separation, Life transitions, LGBQ+, BIPOC.
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.”
Rachel Havens, LMHC
“I bring 17 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in academic and clinical environments, having served as a tutor, educator, school counselor, and mental health therapist for ages 2 through 18."
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."
Ashley Nelson, LMHC
Ashley Nelson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with focus areas of Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Divorce/Separation, Life transitions, LGBQ+, BIPOC.
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.”
From there, your therapist will recommend one of the following 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
Get in touch with us
It's okay if you don't know the root of the issue or are unsure what to say. We've been there — and now we're here for you.
