We haven’t walked in your shoes. But we have a well-worn pair just like them.
You’re full of questions about pediatric mental health. What you really want are answers. How do we know? Because we’ve been there.
You’re not the only parent searching “pediatric therapist near me” at 2am
You know your child better than anyone. When it’s hurt feelings or a scraped knee, you’re the first and best person to care for them. But when it comes to things like depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, or autism, it’s easy to feel unsure of how to help.
Whether you are here because you’re looking for specific support (like medication management or psychological testing), or because you want to talk through what the options are, you’re in the right place.
Care for every child begins with a diagnostic evaluation, which is a fancy way of saying we’re going to have a focused, friendly conversation with you and to your child to get a deep understanding about what their life looks like right now, so we can paint a clear picture about how their clinical care should begin.
After that conversation, we’ll do a follow-up session to share what we learned, what it all means, and what next steps look like.
What to expect
Once we’ve had a chance to have in-depth conversations with you and your child, which help our clinicians fully understand what your child (and you) have been experiencing, we will carefully review that information and determine what your child needs.
You’ll receive recommendations, risk assessments, and a diagnosis (if that applies) — all documented and shared with you in a follow-up session.
Our care plans and recommendations aren’t based on guesses as to what might work. We make clinically-indicated decisions and use evidence-based approaches.
With Brightline, your child may start with ongoing therapy and depending on progress, could layer on psychiatry services (for medication consultation or management). Or, it might be recommended that your child start with psychological testing, and based on results, be guided into a therapy program to support their needs and their growth. Maybe your child receives therapy elsewhere — and you’re happy with it — you just need testing or a medication consult from our experts.
We meet your child wherever they are when you bring them to Brightline, and any necessary transitions to other types of care are simple, because it’s all done right here at Brightline. No starting over, no confusing referrals, no communication gaps.
Brightline’s care fits into your life — and your lifestyle
In-person and online: Our therapy and psychiatry sessions can be held in person, online, or a combination of both, which means you have flexibility, convenience, and options.
Inclusive space: Our clinicians and support staff are trained to provide LGBTQ+ and BIPOC families the identity-centered healthcare they need and deserve.
Family focus: Our evidence-based approach works. It also keeps the whole family in mind, knowing that when one person struggles, there can be a profound ripple effect on everyone else.
Meet some of our care team
Sylvia Ryszewska, PhD
"I knew I always wanted to work with children and families in some capacity - I am a strong advocate of early intervention and want children and families to have the necessary coping skills to navigate life effectively as it can, and does, change the trajectory of their lives."
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.”
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."
Charlie Xiao, PMHNP
“My inspiration to become a therapist was was raising a son with a serious mental illness. I aspire to use that lived experience to help children and their families overcome mental health challenges.
Meet some of our care team
Sylvia Ryszewska, PhD
"I knew I always wanted to work with children and families in some capacity - I am a strong advocate of early intervention and want children and families to have the necessary coping skills to navigate life effectively as it can, and does, change the trajectory of their lives."
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.”
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."
Charlie Xiao, PMHNP
“My inspiration to become a therapist was was raising a son with a serious mental illness. I aspire to use that lived experience to help children and their families overcome mental health challenges.
Get in touch with us
It's okay if you don't know the root of the issue or are unsure what to say. We've been there — and now we're here for you.
