Child & teen therapists

Psychologist, PhD

Dr. John Ferrera is a licensed psychologist in New York City, working as a clinical neuropsychologist and learning specialist with 13 years in practice. He works with toddlers through adults and with families on learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression and OCD, and he offers parent coaching. His holistic method pairs cognitive reframing, which targets unhelpful thought patterns, with behavior change and mindfulness practice. He also looks at daily habits such as sleep, exercise, food sensitivities, social contact and intellectual interests, which he groups under the idea of a personal sensory diet. Psychological testing and evaluation are part of his work as well. He sees clients in person in New York and online.

Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, MPhil, CMFSW

Dr. Tarra Bates-Duford is a licensed marriage and family therapist in the Bronx with 26 years in practice and licenses in New York, Florida and Washington. She holds a PhD in forensic psychology along with master's training in marriage and family therapy and clinical psychology. Her work centers on trauma, including sexual abuse, physical violence and human trafficking, as well as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, grief and strained family and couple relationships. She serves teens, adults, older adults, couples and families. Her eclectic, cognitive behavioral approach is tailored to each client's needs and strengths, drawing on CPT, DBT, ACT, narrative and family systems work. She offers sessions in person in the Bronx and online.

Psychologist, PsyD, NCSP

Dr. Chelsey Laurito is a licensed psychologist and nationally certified school psychologist in New York City with four years in practice. She specializes in children, adolescents and young adults, and she also sees adults of all ages. Common concerns include anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, school and learning issues, autism and life transitions. Her approach is warm and person-centered, using cognitive behavioral therapy alongside ACT, DBT and motivational interviewing. She works with clients to set goals, spot obstacles and build practical strategies, keeping each person's values at the center so the work fits their life. She sees clients in person in New York and online.

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, MA, MSSW, LCSW

Matthew Cordova Frankel is a licensed clinical social worker in Forest Hills, Queens. He sees children, teens, adults, older adults, couples and families, whether they are new to therapy or have tried it before without lasting change. Common concerns include anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship conflict, grief, OCD, ADHD and self-defeating patterns. His training spans CBT, DBT, mindfulness and psychoanalytic psychotherapy, and he also draws on attachment-based, emotionally focused and family systems work. Before social work he earned a PhD in English literature and taught the humanities at the university level for over a decade, and he now teaches and supervises other therapists. Sessions are available in person in Forest Hills and online.

Counselor, MS, LMHC

Michael McDonald is a licensed mental health counselor in White Plains with 17 years in practice. He works with preteens, teens and adults who feel stuck, lost or caught in worry about the past or future, and with those who see themselves harshly or fall into habits that work against them. His focus areas include trauma, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality and family conflict. He blends evidence-based methods, including DBT, CBT, interpersonal therapy and humanistic and existential approaches, and he pays attention to the strengths each client already has as well as the problems at hand. He views reaching out for help as a strength. He sees clients in person in White Plains and online.

Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, NBCC

Katie Nuzzo is a licensed mental health counselor in Staten Island who works with preteens, teens, adults, couples and families. She treats clients as the experts on their own lives and sees therapy as a shared effort. Her work covers depression, anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, coping skills, OCD and eating disorders, and she especially enjoys working with adolescents, couples, families and parents. She has also worked with emancipated young women and adults with intellectual disabilities. Her integrated approach is grounded in empathy, active listening and respect, drawing on CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems, emotionally focused and humanistic methods. She offers sessions in person in Staten Island and online.

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW

Mandie Pitrel is a licensed clinical social worker based in Sherman Oaks with 14 years in practice. Pitrel works with teens, adults, couples and families, especially during periods of change such as divorce, the loss of a loved one, becoming a parent or an empty nest, a career shift, starting college or the move from adolescence into adulthood. Areas of focus include anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships and couples work, grief, family concerns and substance use. The approach is eclectic and strength-based, drawing on CBT and psychodynamic therapy, with an emphasis on facing fears, holding hard emotions with compassion and letting go of shame. Sessions are offered online.

Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR, MFA

Sarah Eggers is a licensed marriage and family therapist and registered art therapist in Pasadena with 12 years in practice. She sees individuals, couples and families and especially enjoys working with teens and young adults dealing with depression, anxiety, eating disorders and trauma. She also supports clients through grief, life transitions and perinatal challenges. Her practice is trauma-informed and rests on the view that every person has worth, creativity and the capacity for connection. She recognizes how racism, sexism, homophobia and other forms of oppression affect mental health. Alongside talk therapy she uses art and expressive arts, EMDR, narrative and family systems work, and mindfulness. She offers sessions in person in Pasadena and online.

Psychologist, PsyD

Dr. Katie Strang is a licensed psychologist in Encino who works with teens, young adults, adults, parents and families. She focuses on intense emotions and emotion dysregulation, relationship difficulties and harmful behaviors, as well as anxiety, depression, OCD, borderline personality and substance use. She has more than ten years of experience delivering comprehensive DBT and CBT, is DBT-Linehan Board certified, and previously served as clinical director of a large group practice focused on CBT and DBT. She also uses exposure and response prevention. She brings a warm, collaborative, solution-focused style and is an LGBTQIA+ allied clinician who aims for an inclusive, culturally sensitive experience. She offers a free 15-minute consultation and sees clients in person in Encino and online.