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Bored With Life? What That Feeling Might Actually Be Telling You | Williamsburg Therapy Group
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No two children arrive the same way, and therapy shouldn't treat them as though they do. Every child carries a different temperament, history, and set of family dynamics. Our psychologists understand that - and build treatment around it.
Since 2013, Williamsburg Therapy Group has provided child therapy to Brooklyn families across Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and the wider borough. Every psychologist on our team holds a doctoral degree - PhD or PsyD - and is licensed to practice in New York State.
Brooklyn children face their own set of pressures: post-pandemic social development gaps, academic stress, screen time, overscheduled days, and the emotional weight of growing up in one of the world's most stimulating - and demanding - cities. These are the concerns families bring in. When a child is struggling, it's rarely just about the behavior on the surface. Our team is trained to look deeper, and work accordingly.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, our experienced child psychologists blend evidence-based techniques with approaches tailored to each child's age, developmental stage, and what's actually driving the difficulty.
You'll speak with our patient coordinator before anything else. They'll learn about your child's situation and match you with the psychologist whose training and approach align with what your family needs - not just whoever has the next opening.
For children 12 and under, the first session is typically a parent-only meeting. This gives the psychologist space to understand the referral, gather developmental and family history, and begin building a collaborative relationship with the parents who will be partners throughout the process. For adolescents 13 and up, the first session is usually split between time with the parents and time with the young person directly.
When the child joins, the session is led by their cues. Play materials, emotion tools, and a warm, unhurried approach help the child feel safe before anything clinical is asked of them.
Sessions draw from play therapy, CBT-informed play, and parent-child dyadic approaches - the balance shifts depending on the child's age and what the presenting concerns call for. Monthly parent meetings are a built-in part of treatment, keeping families informed and involved without compromising the child's therapeutic space. Sessions run 45–50 minutes.
Research consistently shows that children who receive psychotherapy show meaningful improvement - in emotional regulation, daily functioning, academic performance, and family relationships.
Anxiety in children often shows up as school avoidance, physical complaints, or difficulty separating from parents. Our psychologists help children understand what's driving their worry and build practical coping strategies that work in real life.
Children don't always have the language for what they've experienced. Our psychologists create the safety and structure needed for children to process difficult events at their own pace, without pressure.
Persistent sadness, withdrawal, loss of interest in activities, and low energy can all be signs that a child needs support. Our doctoral-level clinicians are trained to identify and treat childhood depression with evidence-based care.
Defiance, emotional outbursts, and difficulty following rules are among the most common reasons parents seek help. Our psychologists look beneath the behavior to understand what the child is communicating - and what changes in the family system may be needed alongside individual work.
Divorce, a new school, a new sibling, relocation - major changes can destabilize even a resilient child. Our psychologists help children adjust with clarity and emotional support.
Difficulty focusing, impulsivity, and disorganization affect children's confidence and performance across every area of life. Our team offers both therapeutic support and neuropsychological assessment to provide a complete picture.
WTG Brooklyn provides assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorders and other neurodevelopmental conditions for children as young as two years old. Our team works with children and families to understand strengths, challenges, and what support looks like day to day.
Friendships are central to a child's development. Our psychologists help children who struggle to connect with peers build the social and emotional skills that make relationships feel more rewarding.
Low confidence affects how children engage at school, with friends, and at home. Our psychologists help children develop a stronger sense of self-worth and the resilience to handle life's inevitable setbacks.
Based on our experience with Brooklyn families, most children attend therapy for 3–6 months, though this varies significantly depending on the presenting concerns and goals. Some children find meaningful relief within 8–10 sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. Progress is assessed regularly and the approach is adjusted as needed.
Most Brooklyn families attend weekly sessions, though frequency can be flexible depending on the child's needs and the family's schedule. Some families begin weekly and transition to bi-weekly as progress is made.
It depends on the therapist's approach and what's appropriate for the child's age and situation. If you have a preference either way, our patient coordinator will factor that into the matching process.
Early signs that therapy is working often include the child looking forward to sessions, showing greater emotional awareness, and demonstrating increased comfort with their therapist. Parents typically begin noticing shifts in behavior and regulation within the first several weeks.
Dr. Chelsky is a licensed clinical psychologist providing child therapy and assessments for children and adolescents. She works with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relational challenges, identity development, and life transitions, with extensive experience supporting autistic individuals through a warm, thoughtful, and respectful approach.
Dr. Taralyn Teo is a licensed clinical psychologist at Williamsburg Therapy Group providing child therapy to young children and adolescents. She works with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress, and identity development, offering culturally attuned, warm, and precise care tailored to each child’s needs.
Dr. Schira is a licensed clinical psychologist at Williamsburg Therapy Group providing child therapy with a focus on early childhood intervention. She works with anxiety, depression, anger, life transitions, and parenting concerns, using a collaborative, in depth approach to support healthy emotional and developmental growth.
Dr. Mazetto is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of international experience providing child therapy to children and adolescents. She specializes in developmental psychology, neuropsychological assessment, and supporting healthy cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development across different stages of childhood.
Dr. Amanda Salerno is a licensed psychologist providing child therapy to children and adolescents. She works with trauma, OCD, eating disorders, and life transitions, while supporting identity development and emotional wellbeing, with a strong commitment to Latino, immigrant, refugee, and underserved communities.
Dr. Kato is a licensed clinical psychologist in New York and New Jersey with over 20 years of experience providing child therapy to children and adolescents. She specializes in CBT, neuropsychological evaluation, and integrative care for ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and cognitive and developmental concerns.

Our Brooklyn office is located at 109 N 12th St, Suites 503, 507, 701 & 702, in the heart of Williamsburg. We're easily accessible from Manhattan and all Brooklyn neighborhoods.
Getting Here:
Subway: L train to Bedford Ave (5-minute walk)Our doctoral-level psychologists are recognized experts in their fields, regularly consulted by leading national and international publications for their clinical insights. When major media outlets need expert perspectives on mental health, they turn to our Brooklyn-based team.
We are here to help you and your family, no matter where you are, and we want to pair your child with a professional who truly cares and can help.
We are an out-of-network provider, with select post-doctoral therapists accepting United Healthcare and Aetna plans. Brooklyn patients with out-of-network benefits can file reimbursement claims at no cost through Reimbursify, which handles the entire process from submission to payment.
Our patient coordinator will verify your coverage and explain expected costs before your first session.
A child therapist works explicitly with children and adolescents and studies children's mental, social, and emotional development. They help children cope with life situations such as divorce, death, and family or school transitions.
The children they treat may also have a variety of developmental or learning disabilities. No matter the age, the goal of our child psychologists is to understand, prevent, and help cognitive, behavioral, and social issues in each individual child.
Under the scope of child psychologists, a school psychologist works specifically within a school or educational environment. Their responsibilities include assessing and developing educational plans and programs for individual students under consultative care.
After learning more about your child and your goals during the free consultation, our dedicated patient coordinator will match you with the right therapist in Brooklyn, NY.
Child therapy is a specialized form of mental health treatment designed to help children navigate emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. Family therapy focuses on the relationships and dynamics between family members as a whole. The two are often used together, and our team can help guide which approach - or combination - makes most sense for your family.
No, you do not need a referral to start child therapy.
Sometimes it takes a few tries to find the right fit and that's okay. If your child doesn't feel comfortable after the first session, reach out to our dedicated patient coordinator and they will help you find a better match.
Everything your child discusses with their therapist is confidential and protected by HIPAA. With that said, as a mandated reporter, we are legally required to break confidentiality and notify authorities if we suspect child abuse or neglect, abuse of elderly or dependent adults, or if a client presents an imminent danger to themselves or others.
Yes, we offer virtual therapy as an option for all clients. Some families prefer the convenience of telehealth, while others prefer meeting in person. 70% of patients at our Brooklyn office prefer in-person appointments because of our beautiful space.
Child therapy sessions are typically 50–60 minutes.
Bring your insurance card, ID, a list of any current medications or providers, and any questions or goals you'd like to discuss.
Yes, research consistently shows that children who receive therapy fare better than those who don't. Evidence-based approaches like CBT and play therapy have strong track records. With that said, outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.
If you need to cancel an appointment, reach out to our dedicated patient coordinator at least 48 hours in advance.
“I highly recommend working with Dr. Jessica Chelsky. She’s incredibly thoughtful, perceptive, and genuinely dedicated to helping children feel understood and supported as they grow.” – Jessica T., Brooklyn resident
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“I was referred to Williamsburg Therapy Group for my child and matched with Dr. Alexandra Schira. The approach, communication, and progress we’ve seen have been far more effective than anything we tried before. It’s comforting to know a place like this truly delivers.” – Daniel K., Brooklyn resident
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“Kaori Kato was incredibly warm and professional in her care. My child felt safe from the start, and we noticed positive changes quickly. Highly recommend.” – Sofia L., Brooklyn resident
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“WTG has beautiful office spaces and also skilled therapists. Dr. Camilla Mazetto, who is very warm and competent in her clinical care, helped me a lot.”
– Ligia F., Brooklyn resident
Better mental health begins with one step. Our Brooklyn team is ready to support you with personalized, effective child therapy.
Our highly skilled therapists can help you develop the tools to deepen and strengthen your relationship by fostering communication, trust, and understanding. Learn how to lovingly resolve conflicts, rebuild intimacy, and grow together through life’s challenges.
Create a more peaceful and harmonious family dynamic with family therapy. Learn how to skillfully manage communication breakdowns, conflict, and life transitions while building empathy and understanding.
Individual therapy, otherwise known as psychotherapy, is the process of meeting one-on-one with a provider to address different struggles.
Find the right therapist to support you on your journey of personal growth and healing. Whatever obstacles you’re facing, our integrated team is here to support you every step of the way with compassionate, individualized care.
Founded in 2013, Williamsburg Therapy Group is a mental health collective that provides the very best comprehensive mental healthcare to the Brooklyn community. We have thoughtfully curated a team of over 50 multidisciplinary doctors so that you can come to one place for most of your mental healthcare needs. We select only the most highly trained doctor-level therapists who are warm, professional, relatable, and proactive as they work with you.
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