--- title: >- Brightline Providers | Pediatric Mental Health professionals: Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Therapists, and prescribing Mental Health Nurse Praticioners description: >- Brightline offers New York families virtual & in-person therapy, psychiatry, & testing for kids up to 18. Call (888) 255-7040 to schedule. category: Page canonical_url: https://www.brightline.com/providers/ source: Brightline license: © 2026 Brightline. All rights reserved. slug: providers id: 14YDv0DW8EcbQoHuWEjTfU contentType: page --- # Meet our Brightline care team Our expert clinicians have a diverse mix of backgrounds and experience. And their shared commitment to helping kids, teens, and parents is just as powerful. ![Wrapper for 2Zx1oLgKpek7Eeb43ObWc2](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/5jqupirylMR6d7TRurFEqB/f8c391f246859a890307c5487616082b/Brightline_Brooklyn_Clinic.jpg) - [I’m ready to schedule](/care/appointment/) ## Meet our clinical leaders ### Nikhil Nadkarni, MD “Prior to becoming a doctor, I had spent time working in leprosy colonies in rural India and there I learned that the social consequences of illness can be profound and often more impactful than the medical consequences of illness. With this in mind, I found my way to Psychiatry, which is the discipline in medicine that I believe is the most attuned to the social determinants of health and the social consequences of mental and physical disorders.”  ![Nikhil Nadkarni, MD headshot](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/OfczNLA17yn0QQrKt57AZ/9d652a93f1acbca703c7d8b90e0d7fec/nik.jpg) - [Dr. Nadkarni's Profile](/providers/nikhil-nadkarni-md/) ### Caroline Mendel, PsyD "I’ve known that I wanted to be a child psychologist since middle school! I had my sights set on this career because I naturally found myself supporting others, and I knew working with kids to help bring out the best in them would bring me joy." ![Wrapper for 3ge6gDDTRohQcOLkuHPlAV](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/3ge6gDDTRohQcOLkuHPlAV/2a9119887245d331b4fbf6794cf9787d/Caroline_Mendel__PsyD_headshot_v2_500x500.jpg) - [Dr. Mendel's profile](/providers/caroline-mendel-psyd/) ### Kendra Read, PhD “It is our commitment to be good stewards of families’ resources: their time, energy, and financial commitment. If we’re going to recommend and offer an intervention, we want it to be something that we have confidence will work. Our goal is to bring every family we serve state-of-the-science care.” ![Kendra Read, PhD](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/5akiQ2ZhQSnlXh4pikK27O/7b6517e93ed7ce2b153d789a8d903940/Kendra_Read_PhD.jpg) - [Dr. Read's profile](/providers/kendra-read-phd/) ### Jen Regan, PhD "I became a clinical psychologist because I am so inspired by the growth that occurs when kids learn new skills and start applying them in their own lives. Whether it’s helping kids and teens challenge their fears, slowly try out new activities or re-write their own narrative after a traumatic event, I love sharing the tools that we know work well to increase their confidence and adaptability and open their worlds to new possibilities." ![Jen Regan, PhD photo](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/6je8zz7aLonkIZWBrMw5IZ/43282cebdac20cb5f604c5190ddd2461/Jen_Regan_PhD.png) - [Dr. Regan's profile](/providers/jen-regan-phd/) ## Meet our Brooklyn clinical providers ### Tara Balin, LMSW “What excites me most is being able to sit with kids and families through the highs and the lows of life, to foster and witness growth, healing, and change.” ![Wrapper for 78ke9lwgcMlpU7C8G6nDfm](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/78ke9lwgcMlpU7C8G6nDfm/410a3fbce5f1ead2cdb675013c27ecbb/Tara_Balin__LMSW-_headshot_500x500.jpg) - [Tara's profile](/providers/tara-balin-lmsw/) ### Stephanie Eichler, LMSW “ I am passionate about helping clients lead fulfilling lives, empowering them to discover their inner strengths and overcome challenges.” ![Wrapper for 4bBiItiuHLzJ16G97xBnGK](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/4bBiItiuHLzJ16G97xBnGK/2eab03de505eb388f2ee8da01ca65c46/Stephanie_Eichler__LMSW-_headshot_500x500.jpg) - [Stephanie's profile](/providers/stephanie-eichler-lmsw/) ### Sierra Freeman, LMSW “I’m continually inspired by the resilience of the kids and families I serve. I strive to blend warmth, empathy, and evidence-based structure so every child feels supported, understood, and equipped with skills that will carry them forward." ![Wrapper for 2Bd0Zp30O3j7CvugjeCgrs](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/2Bd0Zp30O3j7CvugjeCgrs/e8ccf06218cd1dd4c4fd3938e6c888a9/Sierra_Freeman__LMSW-_headshot_500x500.jpg) - [Sierra's profile](/providers/sierra-freeman-lmsw/) ### Gina Foster, LMSW “I’m inspired by the resilience kids and families develop and show throughout the therapeutic process. I find it energizing to support people as they grow in confidence and self-understanding during their formative years.” ![Wrapper for 6oCQ1HZrXviDeBCa3rSyhp](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/6oCQ1HZrXviDeBCa3rSyhp/85f875b3f89bc0e2c4aff6abff73432d/Gina_Foster__LMSW-_headshot_500x500.jpg) - [Gina's profile](/providers/gina-foster-lmsw/) ### Stephen Fox, PsyD “What I love the most about this field is working with kids and teens and seeing them meet their goals, connect with their peers, and thrive in their individual settings." ![Wrapper for 47TXYL8rR3i3aLHqYOjB5W](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/47TXYL8rR3i3aLHqYOjB5W/a0e263d288a180833843633307e37d5c/Stephen_Fox__PsyD_-_Brooklyn.jpeg) - [Dr. Fox's profile](/providers/stephen-fox-psyd/) ### Bria Leyden, LMHC-D, LPC "I am passionate about supporting kids and teens as well as collaborating with parents to support their families." ![Bria Leyden Photo](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/2EnPkclB7aC0UOtHPVBCfk/d7f7fe1df5dd4feca76bf2d5858fcb3d/Leyden__Bria_LMHC_Brooklyn.jpeg) - [Bria's Profile](/providers/bria-leyden-lmhc-d-lpc/) ### Edward Merritt, PhD “What excites me most about the field is being able to connect therapeutic skills to the interests or passions of my clients. It is very motivating when I see something that we have been working on finally click with a child.” ![Wrapper for 2l6qUz3fxxMbAbatx4lbef](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/2l6qUz3fxxMbAbatx4lbef/39151666f971bd19f05cd6398e94786e/Edward_Merritt_PhD_500.jpeg) - [Dr. Merritt's profile](/providers/edward-merritt-phd/) ### Sylvia Ryszewska, PhD "I am most passionate about providing early intervention care as it can and does change the lives and trajectory of kids and families." ![Wrapper for 54TNkzBSn3pBwt9VpHugT](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/54TNkzBSn3pBwt9VpHugT/a5e597252f80d9cd6258ff14ca051d33/Therapist_Sylvia_Ryszewska.jpg) - [Dr. Ryszewska's profile](/providers/sylvia-ryszewska-phd/) ### Nikki Vega, LCSW "I’m passionate about helping families strengthen connection while building skills that support their child’s confidence and independence." ![Wrapper for 4yw5sZbaV6jaiZrFODjtJj](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/4yw5sZbaV6jaiZrFODjtJj/9e7202326138f46d73a8dddb57dcceec/Nikki_Vega_headshot_500x500.jpg) - [Nikki's profile](/providers/nikki-vega-lcsw/) ### Sarah Wallin, LMHC "Being able to provide a space where kids can express themselves openly, discover their strengths, and build skills that foster resilience is what inspires me every day." ![Wrapper for 5jFyeeUARnYAuNy8hzqype](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/5jFyeeUARnYAuNy8hzqype/6a1fceb22d7f28d3afa5f28ee817298d/Sarah_Wallin_LMHC-headshot_sq_500x500.jpg) - [Sarah's profile](/providers/sarah-wallin-lmhc/) ### Madelyn Williams, LMSW “I’m passionate about giving kids tools they can carry throughout their lives, and I’m continually motivated by the courage youth and parents show each time they show up, share openly, and take steps toward greater confidence and connection.” ![Madelyn Williams Photo](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/7BuMbSGCtN0VpEF97WAUKV/9aed9715ad94c5a8a5b79f5df4df893b/Madelyn_Williams_LMSW_Brooklyn_copy.jpeg) - [Madelyn's profile](/providers/madelyn-williams-lmsw/) ## Meet our Long Island clinical providers ### Julie Black, LMHC “After every session, my hope is that kids, teens, and their parents leave feeling a little lighter, more hopeful, and more confident in their ability to weather life’s storms. I try to be the kind of person who sees the best in others and helps them discover that same light within themselves. When people truly begin to see the best in themselves, I believe they act in ways that honor that truth and stop getting in their own way.” ![Wrapper for 1vxOH4VlKDG0G0udQwUIzD](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/1vxOH4VlKDG0G0udQwUIzD/5854dd3a919f1a17ffab4668ccc873de/Julie_Black_LMHC.jpg) - [Julie's profile](/providers/julie-black-lmhc/) ### Karley Gabriel, PsyD “ I have always had a genuine interest in each person’s unique story and a drive to help others reach their goals. I believe we all have our own strengths that can be best accessed when we are empowered and supported with compassion." ![Wrapper for 6pm3RUyYq1K6K1mlCbWQLm](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/6pm3RUyYq1K6K1mlCbWQLm/46248d7954083ac8e1352ea54a68db97/Karley_Gabriel_PsyD.jpeg) - [Dr. Gabriel's profile](/providers/karley-gabriel-psyd/) ### Lauren Moy, PhD “I strive to meet kids, teens, and parents where they are. I work to tailor treatment to meet their needs, always considering each person’s unique social and cultural context and background." ![Wrapper for 3YWFY5LNyEVhQMW61bvH2V](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/3YWFY5LNyEVhQMW61bvH2V/ca10f47e8072db8ea04999041b8cf820/Lauren_Moy__PhD__WhitePlain_reduced.jpeg) - [Dr. Moy's profile](/providers/lauren-moy-phd/) ### Dawn Nero, PsyD "I'm passionate about helping parents understand how to support their kids, providing them with information and tools through testing and ongoing treatment." ![Wrapper for 2A9DqV7JJUbCowZB0SuMWz](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/2A9DqV7JJUbCowZB0SuMWz/750399c7cecc6db16cac14892106ea0a/Dawn_Nero_headshot.jpg) - [Dr. Nero's profile](/providers/dawn-nero-psyd/) ### Michele Neuhaus, LMHC-D, LCAT “I am passionate about guiding kids to help them connect their feelings to their mind and body. Helping kids appreciate themselves as individuals enables both kids and their parents to find lasting success and thrive as families." ![Michele Neuhaus LMHC Virtual](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/20ZcjFcVXwYgiwVQfWqRFf/28c247ec3d5b2aeecb7d718af2ada570/Michele_Neuhaus_LMHC_Virtual.JPG) - [Michele's profile](/providers/michele-neuhaus-lmhc-d-lcat/) ### Subina Sharma, LMHC-DP “What inspires me most about my work is helping families build resilience and connection while supporting kids as they develop confidence and emotional balance.” ![Wrapper for 43yH9MLKeJFNJsH9KvxT5Z](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/43yH9MLKeJFNJsH9KvxT5Z/4ddec753ca56d8f4ede267f91ea6cb73/Subina_Sharma_LMHC.jpg) - [Subina's profile](/providers/subina-sharma-lmhc/) ### Charlie Xiao, PMHNP “I am passionate about making a positive impact on each child's life and helping them overcome their struggles and challenges. Their resiliency and successes, large and small, are what inspire me each and every day." ![Wrapper for 53sNdVGxkiUYIXEs8pkxys](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/53sNdVGxkiUYIXEs8pkxys/034d2d978ccbc28a0e5ddb8c6519c5be/Charlie_Xiao__PMHNP_headshot_500x500.jpg) - [Charlie's profile](/providers/charlie-xiao-pmhnp/) ## Meet our Manhattan clinical providers ### Brittany Armstrong, LCSW "My greatest professional passion is the delivery of high-quality mental health care. I am deeply committed to leveraging technology and human-centered design to scale effective, accessible mental health solutions that work for modern families." ![Wrapper for 5JtSOr4NqfBDC0gLpFiszd](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/5JtSOr4NqfBDC0gLpFiszd/4c70acda83ba4e430b16156bab52b0ba/Armstrong__Brittany_LCSW_Columbus_Circle.jpg) - [Brittany's profile](/providers/brittany-armstrong-lcsw/) ### Jamila Mclaughlin, LCSW "What excites me most about my profession is the opportunity to see lives transform in meaningful ways. I am passionate about helping kids, teens, and families recognize possibilities, develop greater awareness, and build confidence." ![Wrapper for 6BtoQPyVEzprpK5dbKHwMK](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/6BtoQPyVEzprpK5dbKHwMK/42ab3b8ebac4fcfcc1d81d0d88053709/Jamila_Mclauglin_LCSW.jpg) - [Jamila's profile](/providers/jamila-mclaughlin-lcsw/) ### Jack Reibstein, LMSW “ I’m inspired by the boundless capacity kids and teens have for imagination, creativity, growth, and change. My hope is that in our sessions, I can create a safe space for them to explore and discover more about themselves." ![Wrapper for 5P48DGLq5S3hhDdnUbxPNa](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/5P48DGLq5S3hhDdnUbxPNa/05c49c7c0e0c4871aa80f0fa310e8d96/Jack_Reibstein__LMSW.jpeg) - [Jack's profile](/providers/jack-reibstein-lmsw/) ### Zachary Seow, LMSW “ I’m inspired by the moments where a stumbling block becomes a stepping stone for progress." ![Wrapper for WarsHwQRB4wlLIrz6Yr9m](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/WarsHwQRB4wlLIrz6Yr9m/46ecf88c462b711210fe15aaded8f5f8/Zachary_Seow__LMSW.JPEG) - [Zachary's profile](/providers/zachary-seow-lmsw/) ### Carly Stern, PsyD “ I’m passionate about providing evidence-based care to kids and their families and adapting interventions to benefit diverse, multicultural populations." ![Wrapper for 4pkHKgWh9hTmsyDeL21Zfd](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/4pkHKgWh9hTmsyDeL21Zfd/ad61dc6bf420ae021c75782691385f9f/Carly_Stern_PsyD.jpg) - [Dr. Stern's profile](/providers/carly-stern-psyd/) ### Charlie Xiao, PMHNP “I am passionate about making a positive impact on each child's life and helping them overcome their struggles and challenges. Their resiliency and successes, large and small, are what inspire me each and every day." ![Wrapper for 53sNdVGxkiUYIXEs8pkxys](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/53sNdVGxkiUYIXEs8pkxys/034d2d978ccbc28a0e5ddb8c6519c5be/Charlie_Xiao__PMHNP_headshot_500x500.jpg) - [Charlie's profile](/providers/charlie-xiao-pmhnp/) ## Meet our White Plains clinical providers ### Emily Anastasio, PhD "I have an abundance of love for working with neurodivergent kids and young people, especially those with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, social skills deficits, and high anxiety." ![Emily Anastasio, PhD photo](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/HL2aq64OF1uPM7CuadQoQ/3e87e09a2fe55c2190db24c3402baf83/Emily_Anastasio_PhD_White_Plains_copy.jpg) - [Dr. Anastasio's profile](/providers/emily-anastasio-phd/) ## Meet our online clinical providers ### Heather Buzbee, CPNP-PC, PMHNP-BC “I love helping families find holistic, evidence-based solutions to improve the mental health and well-being of their kids and teens." ![Wrapper for 5MziOtkXmkVXHQPND2l2C](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/5MziOtkXmkVXHQPND2l2C/3c96c23c408f32cdbe4d88a193b2d268/Therapist_Heather_Buzbee.jpg) - [Heather's profile](/providers/heather-buzbee-cpnp-bc-pmhnp-bc/) ### Jessica Cohen, LCSW "My work is rooted in creating a safe, supportive, and collaborative space where kids and families feel seen, understood, and empowered to explore their experiences." ![Jessica Cohen Virtual ](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/g57vkRaP6TtumhDTsUUS6/dbd572b69c705bb6424e1ec679209569/Jessica_Cohen_LCSW_Virtual_copy.jpeg) - [Jessica's profile](/providers/jessica-cohen-lcsw/) ### Rachel Havens, LMHC “I am passionate about helping kids and teens build confidence, face fears, and develop tools to help them navigate challenges independently." ![Rachel Havens LMHC Virtual](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/1S8F8oehlxwljwEAO3cSqb/2599212acdd5ed82ea5b148a4315f65f/Rachel_Havens_LMHC_Virtual.jpeg) - [Rachel's profile](/providers/rachel-havens-lmhc/) ### Ephat Russcol, MD “I truly love all my Brightline families and I value working as a team to help children be their best selves!”  ![Wrapper for 7L145KmyBIwKACshkcHPQs](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/eqr7DzcdbtbWc5QLNDxdr/944ca7e3db963f293cfa4def7857067f/Ephat_Russcol__MD__Virtual.jpeg) - [Dr. Russcol's Profile](/providers/ephat-russcol-md/) ## Join our clinical team If you are a New York-based clinician who wants to love where you work, you belong at Brightline. Browse our open roles today! ![Wrapper for 6iYK0yF239HUWQzMB7LGrI](https://images.ctfassets.net/96gdpqkm7elu/6iYK0yF239HUWQzMB7LGrI/196a898c6ad46e32c0633b6b27177855/In-person_Appointment.svg) - [Explore clinical roles](/about-us/clinical-careers/)