Children Psychologist at Mindwell NYC

Has your child been misbehaving lately and falling behind in school? Are they having trouble making friends and fitting in with their peers? Do you think they might be suffering from anxiety, depression, or another mental health issue? These could be signs that your child needs professional support.

Signs Your Child May Be Struggling

As a parent, it can feel exhausting when your child is struggling, especially when you feel like you’ve tried everything to help. This can lead to burnout, stress, and even feelings of guilt, questioning, “Where did I go wrong?” or “What could I have done differently?”

If you’re seeing signs like the below, it may be time to talk to a child psychologist. A child psychologist specializes in understanding and treating emotional and behavioral challenges in children, offering guidance and strategies that can improve their well-being.

defiance

Defiance is characterized by behaviors such as saying “no” to requests, deliberate disobedience, or frequent arguments with authority figures. It can strain the parent-child relationship and create a power struggle. PCIT teaches parents to remain consistent and firm while reinforcing positive behaviors.

impulsivity

Impulsivity involves acting without thinking, like interrupting or taking risks, commonly seen in ADHD. PCIT fosters better self-control in children while guiding parents in encouraging thoughtful actions.

AGGRESSION

Aggression includes behaviors such as hitting, kicking, biting, or yelling, which can disrupt family dynamics and pose safety concerns. These behaviors often arise from frustration, difficulty expressing emotions, or unmet needs. PCIT helps parents set clear boundaries and teaches children self-regulation skills and appropriate ways to express their emotions.

NonCOmpliance

Noncompliance refers to a child’s refusal to follow directions, ignoring instructions, or deliberately doing the opposite of what is asked. This behavior is often a way for children to test limits or assert control and can make daily routines like meal times or bedtimes challenging. PCIT provides parents with tools to give clear, calm commands and use positive reinforcement to encourage cooperation.

tantrums

Tantrums are intense emotional outbursts that may include crying, screaming, hitting, or throwing objects. These episodes are often triggered by frustration, unmet desires, or difficulty transitioning between activities. PCIT helps parents stay calm during these moments and equips them with strategies to help their child calm down and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Let us teach your child healthier ways to manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and develop coping strategies for life’s challenges.

At MindWell NYC, we want to take some of the weight off your shoulders. Our goal is to provide compassionate support for both you and your child. We specialize in therapy for children dealing with anxiety, depression, and other emotional and behavioral challenges.

Featured Children Psychologist

Dr. Erin Corcoran, Ph.D.

Dr. Erin Corcoran is a post-doctoral fellow at MindWell NYC. She specializes in behavior management and trauma across the lifespan with extensive experience treating anxiety, depression, and self-harm/suicidality. She also has experience working with substance use disorders, chronic pain, and relational difficulties. Dr. Corcoran is a certified parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) provider and is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and a range of trauma-focused therapies (Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Written Exposure Therapy (WET)). Dr. Corcoran provides individual and group therapy to children, adolescents, and adults at MindWell NYC. Dr. Corcoran received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Florida, College of Public Health and Health Professions and her B.A. in psychology from Harvard College.

You May Have Some Questions About Your Child Seeing a Children Psychologist...

What exactly is a child psychologist?

A child psychologist is a trained mental health professional who specializes in helping children and adolescents with emotional, behavioral, and social difficulties. They use various therapeutic approaches to assess, treat, and support children through challenges like anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation.

When should a child see a psychologist?

A child should see a psychologist if they are experiencing significant emotional or behavioral challenges, such as difficulty managing emotions, withdrawing from social activities, or showing signs of anxiety or depression. Therapy can help children learn healthy coping strategies and improve their overall well-being.

How do I know if my child needs a psychologist?

If your child is exhibiting extreme changes in behavior, such as frequent tantrums, social withdrawal, or signs of depression, they may benefit from seeing a psychologist. A professional can help assess your child’s needs and recommend the best course of action.

What type of therapy is best for children?

The best therapy for children depends on their individual needs. Common therapies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for managing thoughts and behaviors, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation, and mindfulness-based therapies to help children stay present and reduce stress.