Dr. Gitkind will work with you to assess your presenting concerns, in order to find the right treatment. Diagnostic assessment is obtained through the use of clinical interview, structured report forms, and information gathered through other relevant data points. This information is then synthesized in order to make treatment recommendations for children, adolescents, and adults.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a skills-based, goal-oriented therapeutic approach. It is based on the principle that certain patterns of thinking and learned behaviors can be maladaptive, contributing to psychological challenges. CBT is an evidence-based treatment for managing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. CBT can also help manage nonpsychological health conditions, such as insomnia and chronic pain.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an action-oriented therapeutic approach that falls under the umbrella of cognitive behavioral therapy. The main principles focus on accepting challenging emotions as a part of psychological flexibility, rather than avoiding such emotions. Patients begin to accept that commitment to making necessary changes in their behavior can happen even while dealing with hardships.

Dr. Gitkind specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for children and adolescents (ages 7-17). Therapy is evidence-based, while being tailored to the child/teen and family’s needs. CBT is designed to be short-term, and while the patient may be the child/teen, parents play a vital role in treatment. Parents are included in sessions whenever possible so that they can support the generalization of the skills their children are learning.

Dr. Gitkind specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for a range of mental health conditions. Treatment is evidence-based, while being tailored to the individual’s needs. CBT is designed to be short-term, so that the patient learns the necessary skills, and can ultimately generalize these skills into day-to-day life.

Dr. Gitkind specializes in group work focusing on a range of clinical and sub-clinical themes. These include:

• Social skills

• Friendship groups for middle/high-school aged students

• Mommy-and-me groups

• Siblings of children with special needs

• Children of divorced parents

Dr. Gitkind is trained in parenting therapy approaches including Supportive Parenting of Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) and The Kazdin Method: Treatment for Oppositional, Aggressive, and Antisocial Behavior in Children and Adolescents. Parents learn strategies and skills that work to reduce unwanted behaviors, resulting in an overall more positive family dynamic.

As a former school psychologist, Dr. Gitkind has expertise in the comprehensive assessment/evaluation of children being considered for special education services (SPED) and gifted education. Dr. Gitkind has supported the development/implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and 504 Accommodation plans. Dr. Gitkind also has significant training in developing Functional Behavior Analyses (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) in the school setting. Dr. Gitkind is available to consult with schools interested in improving their assessment of mental health conditions in students.

Dr. Gitkind offers HIPAA compliant telehealth services for children, teens, and adults, as well as a hybrid treatment design, which includes a combination of in-person and telehealth sessions.

Dr. Gitkind is available to speak on a wide range of topics including anxiety disorders, parenting, social media influences on children/teens, school-aged developmental concerns, and more. Please contact the office to inquire about your organizations needs.