Child and adolescent therapy is confidential, one-on-one work with a licensed psychologist, clinical social worker, or postdoctoral resident, with parents involved in ways that fit your child’s age. It supports children and teens who are facing anxiety, low mood, behavior concerns, school stress, friendship struggles, or a major change at home. Sessions are available in person and online.
Children often show what they are feeling through behavior long before they can put it into words. Therapy gives them a steady place to build skills for handling emotions, getting along with others, and communicating what they need. Your child’s therapist will get to know their strengths, interests, and history, and will work with you on goals for your family.
At a Glance
- Who it’s for: Children, preteens, and teens, and the parents who support them.
- Locations: In person in Chappaqua and Hartsdale, and by secure video.
- Approaches: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills, play therapy, art therapy, and parent-led programs such as SPACE and Parent Management Training.
- Clinicians: Licensed psychologists and clinical social workers, and art therapists, plus supervised postdoctoral residents.
- Getting started: A free consultation call, then a match with a clinician who fits your child and family.
What We Help With
Emotions & Mood
- Therapy for anxiety and separation anxiety
- Therapy for OCD
- Therapy for teen depression and self-harm
- Low self-esteem and social isolation
- Therapy for grief and loss
- Sleep, bedwetting, and eating concerns
School, Family & Relationships
- School performance and academic demands
- Peer conflict and bullying
- Parent-led programs for behavior concerns
- Sibling conflict
- Family therapy
- Identity development, including gender and sexual orientation
How Therapy Works at PPG
Matched to Your Child’s Age
Younger children often work through play, art, and storytelling. Older children and teens tend to use more conversation along with cognitive and behavioral strategies. Your child’s therapist adjusts the pace and format as they grow.
Building Skills They Can Use Right Away
Therapy teaches practical tools for managing worry, anger, and big feelings, and for solving problems and getting along with others. Younger children practice through games, stories, and role play. Older children and teens learn cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior skills and try them out between sessions.
Parents Are Part of the Work
Parents are partners at every age. With younger children, that often means joining parts of sessions and learning strategies to use at home. With teens, therapists also protect space for independence and privacy, while keeping you informed in ways that support your teen’s safety and progress.
What to Expect
You don’t need to have it all figured out before you reach out.
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1
A Free Consultation
We will talk briefly about what you are noticing at home and at school, answer your questions, and match your family with a clinician.
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2
The First Sessions
Your child’s therapist will meet with you and your child to understand their history, strengths, and goals. Many clinicians meet with parents separately at first, then begin work with your child.
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3
Ongoing Work
Sessions are weekly and last 45–60 minutes to start. Your child’s therapist will check in with you regularly, and with your consent can connect with your child’s school or other providers.
Care That Connects Across Specialties
Children’s needs often cross more than one area. Our clinicians consult with colleagues in neuropsychological testing, eating disorder treatment, art and play therapy, and family and parent work, so your child’s care is informed by the right expertise.
With your consent, your child’s therapist can also coordinate with guidance counselors, school psychologists, special education teachers, educational consultants, and occupational therapists. Because the team works within one practice, your family does not have to start over if your child’s needs change.
Meet Our Child & Adolescent Therapists
Eva Leighton, PhD
CFO, Training Director
Dr. Leighton is a licensed clinical psychologist who works with adults, couples, children, and families on trauma recovery, substance use, parenting and behavioral concerns, and relationship difficulties. Her style is warm and supportive, with a natural sense of humor.
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Melissa Klay, PhD, LCAT, ATR-BC
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Director of Art Therapy Program
Dr. Klay is a licensed psychologist and board-certified art therapist with more than 25 years of experience treating complex trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation in children, adolescents, and adults. She directs PPG’s art therapy program.
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Valerie Scelsa, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Scelsa specializes in anxiety, OCD, ADHD, ARFID and related behavioral challenges in children, adolescents, and young adults, and coaches parents to support their child’s progress.
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Emily Mudge, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Emily is a licensed clinical social worker and parent coach who works with children, adolescents, adults and families on anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. She helps parents turn what happens in therapy into everyday strategies at home.
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Gerard Micera, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Micera is a licensed clinical psychologist and performing arts educator who works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families on anxiety, depression, and life transitions. His style is warm, humorous, and engaging.
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Megan Sedita, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Sedita is a licensed clinical psychologist who works with adults, adolescents, and couples on trauma, anxiety, mood, and relationship difficulties. She trained at the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System, working with Veterans.
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Lily Brown, PhD
Clinical Psychologist, Postdoctoral Resident
Dr. Brown is a postdoctoral resident in clinical psychology who works with adolescents and adults on trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Her approach is collaborative, integrative and grounded in CBT and other evidence-based models.
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Emily Bly, PhD
CEO, Clinical Director, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Bly founded Psychology Partners Group on the idea that people do best when they're matched with the right expertise and feel at ease with their clinician. She works with adults, adolescents, and couples on anxiety, depression, ADHD challenges, relationship strain, and major life transitions, including infertility, adoption, and divorce.
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Kate Testa, MA
Art Therapist in Residence
Kate is an art therapist who works with children and adolescents in grades preK–12, with a focus on neurodiverse young people, including autistic children, English language learners, and students with learning or physical disabilities. She also offers individual art therapy for adults, on its own or alongside traditional psychotherapy.
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