Find a therapist in Ridgewood, NY — covered by insurance

Does your child or adolescent’s behavior leave you wondering, “What is going on?”Are they having meltdowns, withdrawing, struggling at school, worrying, or feeling sad? Children and adolescents often communicate their feelings through behavior long before they have the words to explain what they are experiencing.I work with children, adolescents, and families navigating challenges such as adoption, divorce, co-parenting, blended-family transitions, grief and loss, school-related worries, family conflict, and the growing push for independence. I help children and caregivers better understand what may be underneath the behavior while strengthening connection, communication, and emotional regulation. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S). I received my Doctorate in Clinical Social Work (DSW) and Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from New York University, and my Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work (BSW) from Cornell University. With more than two decades of clinical experience across inpatient, outpatient, and residential settings.

Hi, I’m Yitzchok Wagshul. One day, my young grandson asked me what kind of doctor I am. I’m a clinical psychologist, so I replied, “I’m the kind of doctor who helps sad people feel happy.” He looked at me and said, “Zaidy,” (that’s “Grandpa” in Yiddish) "that’s not being a doctor, that’s just being nice!” That’s a cute story, but I want to tell you something: the better part of therapy is “being nice.” I know a lot of psychology. But if I didn’t respect each person I work with, if I didn’t view them with complete acceptance and unconditional positive regard, all of that would be worthless, because no one would listen to me.

Do you notice patterns of behaviors that you are unsatisfied with? Therapy is a significant step towards working through and facing life's most difficult challenges. I have worked with adults, adolescents and children treating issues of adjustment, self-doubt, mood swings, trauma and anxiety attacks. When you approach the therapeutic process with curiosity, you can grow, heal, and thrive.

I earned my PhD in Clinical Psychology in 2002. Having worked in healthcare and academic settings, I appreciate being part of a treatment team and am available to coordinate care with other providers when beneficial. Rather than see 'how many problems' a person may be facing... I see 'how many ways things can get better'. I value working with folks to see their puzzle from a different angle and to use tools to clarify, change and improve the picture.

Hi, I’m Melisa, a licensed mental health counselor passionate about helping individuals of all ages navigate life’s challenges. I specialize in working with children and adolescents, using play therapy to foster expression and healing, while also supporting adults with issues like anxiety, depression, and relationship struggles.

If you're seeking support in overcoming life’s challenges, I’d be honored to work with you.

Reaching out is hard, especially if you've already tried therapy before and it didn't quite get you where you needed to go. I want you to know that doesn't mean something's wrong with you, it usually just means the approach wasn't the right fit. I've spent over a decade working with people carrying trauma and addiction, adults and teens both, and what I care about most is helping you feel truly understood, maybe for the first time, before we even get to the work of healing.

I believe prioritizing mental health is key to stability in life. I know there is a better world out there and people need the tools to connect with their upmost insight for mental well being. In this field I am always eager to research and find healing processes to tailor the need of each individual.