Expert mental health care for kids & teens in Brooklyn

When your child is struggling, you don't have to figure it out alone. We provide expert care that helps them get back to feeling like themselves and addresses common concerns like anxiety, ADHD, avoiding school, or frequent tantrums. Get flexible care that fits your life, online or in our Brooklyn clinic.

Brightline Brooklyn Clinic

We're in network with leading health plans

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UnitedHealthcare
Optum
Centivo
Carelon
1199 SEIU Funds

Brightline services are available in person and online for families in NY, NJ, and CT

Why families choose Brightline

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Care that fits your life
Getting your child support shouldn't be stressful. We offer flexible in-person and online care — so your family can get help in the way that works best for you.

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Experts who understand children
Our therapists and psychiatrists know how to connect with children and teens, using evidence-based approaches that help them feel better and move forward.

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Support for your whole family
We'll guide you through every step — helping your child make progress and giving you the tools and confidence to keep it going at home.

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Why parents love Brightline

The care we received through Brightline was top notch. The provider knew just how to help and incorporated my daughter's interests into therapy. Our provider had answers on how to help regulate emotions that we'd never considered. The whole process was super streamlined. I can't recommend Brightline enough!

Brightline has been a ray of light on our family! We communicate in healthier ways and work through each day and each problem without all the fussing. I'm so thankful for Lauren and the guidance she provided for my son and our family. Our care at Brightline is exceptional!

Working with our Brightline therapist has given my son new confidence that he can manage his anxiety through the different techniques given. He also has really benefited from having an adult who is not a parent to talk through his emotions and experiences.

My son was very nervous about therapy, but he instantly connected with his therapist and looked forward to chatting with her each week and telling others about his positive experience. I noticed improvements in his mood and behavior after only a few sessions. I'm very thankful for Brightline!

I highly recommend placing your child in the amazing care of Brightline's therapists. My child went from instantly aggressive with no remorse to the amazing kid I've always known he could be. I understand him in a better way with the insights provided to me from his therapist and I'm forever grateful. Can’t recommend this program enough.

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Get the right care for your child

If your child has been having a hard time — maybe feeling anxious, acting out, or just seeming “off” — you’re not alone. Our pediatric therapists and psychiatrists help kids and teens work through what they’re feeling and guide parents along the way. Not sure what’s happening yet? We’ll help you figure it out and get the right care in place.

Brightline Pediatric Mental Health
32 Court Street, Suite 808
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Monday

8am - 7pm

Tuesday

8am - 7pm

Wednesday

8am - 7pm

Thursday

8am - 7pm

Friday

8am - 7pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Public Transportation

  • Across the street from Jay Street Metro Tech (A, C, F + R subway lines)

  • Five blocks away from Hoyt Street (2/3 subway line)

  • Eight blocks away from DeKalb Ave (B, Q, R lines)

Arriving

Please check in and be ready to show your photo ID at the desk in the lobby. Take the elevator to the 8th floor and go to Suite 808.

Meet our Brooklyn care team

Tara Balin, LMSW

Tara Balin, LMSW- headshot

“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

Ramya Chunduri, LCSW headshot sq 500x500 (Ramya_Chunduri_LCSW-headshot_sq_500x500.jpg)

"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."


Stephanie Eichler, LMSW

Stephanie Eichler, LMSW- headshot

“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

Annie Elfers, LCSW- headshot

“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.”

Sierra Freeman, LMSW

Sierra Freeman, LMSW- headshot

“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.”


Gina Foster, LMSW

Gina Foster, LMSW- headshot

“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.”


Edward Merritt, PhD

Edward Merritt PhD 500

“What excites me most about the field is being able to connect therapeutic skills to the interests or passions of my clients. It is very motivating when I see something that we have been working on finally click with a child.”

Nikhil Nadkarni, MD

Nikhil Nadkarni MD headshot

“Prior to becoming a doctor, I had spent time working in leprosy colonies in rural India and there I learned that the social consequences of illness can be profound and often more impactful than the medical consequences of illness. With this in mind, I found my way to Psychiatry, which is the discipline in medicine that I believe is the most attuned to the social determinants of health and the social consequences of mental and physical disorders.” 

Hannah Rush, MSN, FNP, PMHNP

Hannah Rush, MSN, FNP, PMHNP headshot

“My inspiration to become a nurse practitioner was because of my desire to help people, especially in underserved areas." Focus areas: Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD

Sylvia Ryszewska, PhD

Therapist Sylvia Ryszewska

"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

Nikki Vega, LCSW headshot

"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."

Madelyn Williams, LMSW

Madelyn Williams, LMSW- headshot

“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.”

Meet our Brooklyn care team

Tara Balin, LMSW

Tara Balin, LMSW- headshot

“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.”

Tara's profile

Ramya Chunduri, LCSW

Ramya Chunduri, LCSW headshot sq 500x500 (Ramya_Chunduri_LCSW-headshot_sq_500x500.jpg)

"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."


Ramya's profile

Stephanie Eichler, LMSW

Stephanie Eichler, LMSW- headshot

“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.”


Stephanie's profile

Annie Elfers, LCSW

Annie Elfers, LCSW- headshot

“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.”

Annie's profile

Sierra Freeman, LMSW

Sierra Freeman, LMSW- headshot

“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.”


Sierra's profile

Gina Foster, LMSW

Gina Foster, LMSW- headshot

“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.”


Gina's profile

Edward Merritt, PhD

Edward Merritt PhD 500

“What excites me most about the field is being able to connect therapeutic skills to the interests or passions of my clients. It is very motivating when I see something that we have been working on finally click with a child.”

Dr. Merritt's profile

Nikhil Nadkarni, MD

Nikhil Nadkarni MD headshot

“Prior to becoming a doctor, I had spent time working in leprosy colonies in rural India and there I learned that the social consequences of illness can be profound and often more impactful than the medical consequences of illness. With this in mind, I found my way to Psychiatry, which is the discipline in medicine that I believe is the most attuned to the social determinants of health and the social consequences of mental and physical disorders.” 

Dr. Nadkarni's Profile

Hannah Rush, MSN, FNP, PMHNP

Hannah Rush, MSN, FNP, PMHNP headshot

“My inspiration to become a nurse practitioner was because of my desire to help people, especially in underserved areas." Focus areas: Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD

Hannah's profile

Sylvia Ryszewska, PhD

Therapist Sylvia Ryszewska

"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."

Dr. Ryszewska profile

Nikki Vega, LCSW

Nikki Vega, LCSW headshot

"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."

Nikki's profile

Madelyn Williams, LMSW

Madelyn Williams, LMSW- headshot

“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.”

Madelyn's profile

Let's get your child feeling better

Ready to take the first step? Here's how to connect with our care team.

What To Expect
  • In-person and virtual appointments available

  • Fill out the form below and a member of our team will contact you to discuss your concerns and care options

  • Want to speak to someone now? Call us at (718) 715-1585 Monday-Friday, 8am-7pm

  • If you or your child is in crisis, please call 911 or call/text 988 for emergency services

Request an appointment

Please complete the form below to request an appointment at Brightline.

Our Engagement Specialist team will contact you to discuss your situation, explain the process, and schedule your appointment.

Brightline currently provides services in NY, NJ, CT, MA, and WA.

Brightline is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. Email and SMS are not always secure and Brightline cannot guarantee their security or confidentiality. Even if you do not agree to receive emails or SMS, Brightline may send you transactional messages necessary to provide its service. Message frequency varies depending on your use of services. Standard carrier message and data rates apply. Reply to an SMS text with “STOP” to opt-out of messages or click “unsubscribe” in emails to unsubscribe from emails. Checking a box on this page qualifies as a legal signature. Fields marked with a '*' are required.

Brightline Care

Brightline supports kids and teens up to age 18. Teens who turn 18 while in our care will continue to receive support as appropriate and if needed, we will create a transition plan for them.

Ask us! We will have a structured, in-depth conversation with you and your child to gather details about your child’s developmental history, patterns or changes you’ve noticed, and any concerns you have. Together, we will decide whether your child could benefit from therapy or another type of support. 

It depends on what your child needs. Your child’s therapist will partner with you to create an individualized care plan. Part of the plan will include an estimated number of sessions. The number can vary based on two things — the program your child is in and how they progress over time. Our goal is to help your child feel better and to move them out of care once they are equipped with the skills they need to thrive long term.

Yes, parental involvement and support is vital to every child’s progress. If your child is in therapy, you will likely participate in some sessions along with your child. You also have the option of having parent-only sessions with your child’s therapist. And, depending on your child’s age, stage of development, and the main reason you’re seeking support, it might be the case that most of the sessions could be held with the parent(s) only.