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 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
Meet some of our providers
Noora Abdulkerim, PhD
Dr. Abdulkerim 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, Dr. Abdulkerim is passionate about helping kids find healthy ways to stay grounded and learn about their own feelings.
Tara Balin, LMSW
"I was inspired 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 has worked with children and families in hospitals (OB, pediatric cardiology, and pediatric oncology) and in private practice/telehealth specifically regarding OCD, behavior concerns, and ADHD.
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 gained first hand experience working with families, adults, and children in crisis at an emergency department setting in Brooklyn for three years. I take pride in always meeting members and families exactly as they are, without judgment, and working as a team from there.”
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.”
Kellie McFarlane, PsyD
Dr. McFarlane, focus areas include Anxiety, Depression, Disruptive Behaviors, Trauma, ADHD, Sleep, OCD, Grief, Divorce/Separation, Life transitions, Anger management, LGBQ+, TGNC, BIPOC.
Caroline Mendel, PsyD
Dr. Mendel is a Clinical Psychologist with focus areas: Anxiety, Depression, Disruptive Behaviors, ADHD, OCD, Life transitions, Anger management, Tics/Tourette’s
Michele Neuhaus, LMHC, LCAT, MA
Michele Neuhaus is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), andLicensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) with a Master of Professional Studies in Art Therapy and Creativity Development degree.
Hannah Rush, MSN, FNP, PMHNP
Hannah Rush is dedicated to helping patients navigate their mental health challenges with compassion and expertise. Serving the vibrant communities of New York, she specializes in medication management focusing on evidence-based practices tailored to each individual's needs. With a dual board certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner, Hannah approaches mental health care holistically.
Sylvia Ryszewska, PhD
For the last ten years, Dr. Ryszewska 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. Dr. Ryszewska is an advocate of early intervention and is passionate about teaching the coping mechanisms that help kids and families navigate challenges.
Nikki Vega, LCSW
Nikki Vega is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Master of Social Work (MSW) with focus areas: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, ADHD, Sleep, OCD, Grief, Divorce/Separation, Life transitions, Anger management, LGBQ+, TGNC, BIPOC, Relationship Issues / Relational Trauma
Charlie Xiao, PMHNP
Focus Areas: Anxiety, Depression, Disruptive Behaviors, Trauma, ADHD, Sleep, OCD, Grief, Life transitions, LGBQ+, TGNC, BIPOC, ASD, Bipolar, Psychosis, Eating Disorders
Madelyn Williams, LMSW
“I am inspired 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 some of our providers
Noora Abdulkerim, PhD
Dr. Abdulkerim 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, Dr. Abdulkerim is passionate about helping kids find healthy ways to stay grounded and learn about their own feelings.
Tara Balin, LMSW
"I was inspired 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 has worked with children and families in hospitals (OB, pediatric cardiology, and pediatric oncology) and in private practice/telehealth specifically regarding OCD, behavior concerns, and ADHD.
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 gained first hand experience working with families, adults, and children in crisis at an emergency department setting in Brooklyn for three years. I take pride in always meeting members and families exactly as they are, without judgment, and working as a team from there.”
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.”
Kellie McFarlane, PsyD
Dr. McFarlane, focus areas include Anxiety, Depression, Disruptive Behaviors, Trauma, ADHD, Sleep, OCD, Grief, Divorce/Separation, Life transitions, Anger management, LGBQ+, TGNC, BIPOC.
Caroline Mendel, PsyD
Dr. Mendel is a Clinical Psychologist with focus areas: Anxiety, Depression, Disruptive Behaviors, ADHD, OCD, Life transitions, Anger management, Tics/Tourette’s
Michele Neuhaus, LMHC, LCAT, MA
Michele Neuhaus is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), andLicensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) with a Master of Professional Studies in Art Therapy and Creativity Development degree.
Hannah Rush, MSN, FNP, PMHNP
Hannah Rush is dedicated to helping patients navigate their mental health challenges with compassion and expertise. Serving the vibrant communities of New York, she specializes in medication management focusing on evidence-based practices tailored to each individual's needs. With a dual board certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner, Hannah approaches mental health care holistically.
Sylvia Ryszewska, PhD
For the last ten years, Dr. Ryszewska 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. Dr. Ryszewska is an advocate of early intervention and is passionate about teaching the coping mechanisms that help kids and families navigate challenges.
Nikki Vega, LCSW
Nikki Vega is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Master of Social Work (MSW) with focus areas: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, ADHD, Sleep, OCD, Grief, Divorce/Separation, Life transitions, Anger management, LGBQ+, TGNC, BIPOC, Relationship Issues / Relational Trauma
Charlie Xiao, PMHNP
Focus Areas: Anxiety, Depression, Disruptive Behaviors, Trauma, ADHD, Sleep, OCD, Grief, Life transitions, LGBQ+, TGNC, BIPOC, ASD, Bipolar, Psychosis, Eating Disorders
Madelyn Williams, LMSW
“I am inspired 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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