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.
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.
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.
Meet some of our therapists
Sylvia Ryszewska
LCP, MA, PhD
For the last ten years, Sylvia has worked in various settings with families who present with a wide variety of care needs. She’s adept at conducting psychological assessments, therapy, skills training, and parent coaching. Sylvia is an advocate of early intervention and is passionate about teaching the coping mechanisms that help kids and families navigate challenges.
Her care is rooted in collaborative support, and she employs a direct and non-judgmental communication style. Sylvia holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology, is trained and certified in multiple therapeutic approaches, and is licensed in New York.
Noora Abdulkerim
LCP, PhD
Noora has experience working with families in both clinical and school settings, and understands that parent support is vital to their child’s treatment and goals. Curious, compassionate, and dedicated, Noora is passionate about helping kids find healthy ways to stay grounded and learn about their own feelings.
With a PhD in School Psychology and training in special education, Noora is able to teach clinical concepts in a way that kids and adolescents find interesting and engaging. Noora utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in her approach and is licensed to practice in New York.
Jessica Cohen
LCSW, MSW
With a background in social work, Jessica has learned that parents and caregivers — through practice and support at home — hold the key to their kids’ true mental health and behavioral transformation. Her empathetic approach is shaped by her own childhood trauma experiences, and her passion is guided by her resiliency, hope, and faith.
Ephat Russcol
MD, FAAP
Ephat Bephat always knew she wanted to work with kids — in fact, she was a pediatrician for eight years before becoming a therapist. When she was a practicing physician, she saw the need for behavioral and developmental care, and is grateful now that pediatric and adolescent mental health is her focus.
Ephat is licensed in multiple states including New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. As a mom of four daughters, her strength lies in partnering with families to help kids identify their unique strengths and realize their potential.
Meet some of our therapists
Brightline therapists are trained experts who are devoted to helping kids reach their goals and bringing families relief.
Sylvia Ryszewska
LCP, MA, PhD
For the last ten years, Sylvia has worked in various settings with families who present with a wide variety of care needs. She’s adept at conducting psychological assessments, therapy, skills training, and parent coaching. Sylvia is an advocate of early intervention and is passionate about teaching the coping mechanisms that help kids and families navigate challenges.
Her care is rooted in collaborative support, and she employs a direct and non-judgmental communication style. Sylvia holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology, is trained and certified in multiple therapeutic approaches, and is licensed in New York.
Noora Abdulkerim
LCP, PhD
Noora has experience working with families in both clinical and school settings, and understands that parent support is vital to their child’s treatment and goals. Curious, compassionate, and dedicated, Noora is passionate about helping kids find healthy ways to stay grounded and learn about their own feelings.
With a PhD in School Psychology and training in special education, Noora is able to teach clinical concepts in a way that kids and adolescents find interesting and engaging. Noora utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in her approach and is licensed to practice in New York.
Jessica Cohen
LCSW, MSW
With a background in social work, Jessica has learned that parents and caregivers — through practice and support at home — hold the key to their kids’ true mental health and behavioral transformation. Her empathetic approach is shaped by her own childhood trauma experiences, and her passion is guided by her resiliency, hope, and faith.
Ephat Russcol
MD, FAAP
Ephat Bephat always knew she wanted to work with kids — in fact, she was a pediatrician for eight years before becoming a therapist. When she was a practicing physician, she saw the need for behavioral and developmental care, and is grateful now that pediatric and adolescent mental health is her focus.
Ephat is licensed in multiple states including New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. As a mom of four daughters, her strength lies in partnering with families to help kids identify their unique strengths and realize their potential.
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 and Psychiatry
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.
