Child Therapy in Brooklyn, New York

Doctoral-level psychologists helping Brooklyn children and families navigate what's hard - with expertise, warmth, and real clinical depth.

Watercolor illustration of a wooden coffee table with stacked books and a small plant

At Williamsburg Therapy Group, child therapy is specific to every single child.

 

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.

 

Child Therapy for Brooklyn Families Who Want Real Change


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.

Calm and modern therapy office waiting area with minimalist decor and natural light

What Working With Us Actually Looks Like

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.

Before the First Session: Free Consultation

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.

First Session: Building Your Foundation

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.

Ongoing Sessions: Working Toward Your Goals

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.



"Before pointing something out in your child, first hold up a mirror to yourself. Practicing self-reflection and understanding our own reactions as parents shapes how we interact with and understand our kids."
 

Common reasons families come to child therapy at WTG

 

Research consistently shows that children who receive psychotherapy show meaningful improvement - in emotional regulation, daily functioning, academic performance, and family relationships.

 

Managing Anxiety

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.

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 Processing Trauma

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.

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Overcoming Depression

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.

 Behavioral Challenges

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.

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 Life Transitions

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.

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 ADHD and Attention

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.

 Autism Spectrum Disorder

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.

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 Social Skills

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.

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 Building Self-Esteem

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.

You don't need to be in crisis to bring your child to therapy. Many families come in because something feels off - and they want support from someone who can see the full picture clearly.
 

Common Questions About the Process

Meet Our Child Brooklyn Therapists

 

Our Brooklyn office is home to experienced therapists who specialize in child and adolescent therapy. Each therapist holds active New York State licensure and brings unique expertise to their practice.

Dr. Jessica Chelsky, PsyD

Dr. Jessica Chelsky, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist

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, PsyD

Dr. Taralyn Teo, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist (Virtual Only)

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. Alexandra Schira, PsyD

Dr. Alexandra Schira, PsyD

Licenced Psychologist

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. Camilla Mazetto, PhD

Dr. Camilla Mazetto, PhD

Licensed Psychologist

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.

Amanda Salerno, PsyD

Amanda Salerno, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist

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.

Kaori Kato, PsyD

Kaori Kato, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist

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.


Why Brooklyn Families Choose Williamsburg Therapy Group

  • Trusted by the Brooklyn community since 2013
  • Doctoral-level psychologists and psychiatrists only - PhD and PsyD
  • 50+ clinicians on staff
  • Dedicated child and adolescent specialists
  • Integrated child psychiatry available in-house
  • Evening and weekend appointments available
  • Select post-docs accept insurance
  • Free initial consultation and careful therapist matching
  • Beautiful, age-appropriate playroom and office spaces
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Visit Our Office in Brooklyn

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)
Bus: B62, B32 stops nearby
Parking: Street parking available; parking garage
The office is on the 5th floor of a modern building with elevator access
 

Our Therapists in Leading Publications

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.

 

Dr. Phoebe Shepherd quoted on the psychology of why we get "the ick"

Read Article →

time logo
 

Dr. Selling was interviewed about workplace mental health trends

Read Article →

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Dr. Selling was interviewed about parenting a young child

Read Article →

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Additional Publications

New York Post  |  SELF  |  WebMD

 

 
 

Other areas of expertise.

 

Feeling better is closer than you think

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.

Book an Appointment

Williamsburg Therapy Group Office with couch

How Insurance and Payment Work for Brooklyn Residents

 

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.

 
 
 

Common Questions About Child Therapy in Brooklyn

What Our Clients Say About WTG Child Therapy

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“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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“This group is great. Particular shout out to my therapist, Dr. Ben-Am, who is one of the best therapists I've seen. I feel like she really gets me and I always leave sessions with so much more clarity.” – Abby W., 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

 

Take the First Step Toward Change

Better mental health begins with one step. Our Brooklyn team is ready to support you with personalized, effective child therapy.

  1. Schedule Your Free Consultation
    • 15-minute call with our patient coordinator
    • We'll match you with the right Brooklyn therapist
  1. Call Us Directly
  1. Book Online
    • Browse therapist profiles and book your preferred appointment

Other Therapy Services We Offer in Brooklyn

Couples

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Couples

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.

Family

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Family

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

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Individual

Individual therapy, otherwise known as psychotherapy, is the process of meeting one-on-one with a provider to address different struggles.

LGBTQ+ Therapy

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LGBTQ+ Therapy

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.

 

About Williamsburg Therapy Group

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.

 

Additional Resources

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Feeling better is closer than you think.

We are here to help you no matter where you are at emotionally and want to pair you with a professional that cares and can help.

 

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Williamsburg Therapy Group Office and Chair