Dana Serino, Ph.D.

I am the founder of Serene Psychotherapy (and NeurodiverseCity - coming soon!), specializing in precise assessments tailored for neurodiverse individuals (AD/HD, LD, ASD, OCD, CPTSD). The evaluation process fascinates me as it provides intricate puzzle pieces that elucidate clients' lives: their strengths, weaknesses, and what they should prioritize next, including necessary accommodations at home, work, or school. This aspect of my work resonates with my initial attraction to psychiatric research, minus the lengthy waits for data analysis or funding challenges. Assessments offer validation, instill hope, and pave a clear path forward for individuals and families, a journey I am passionate about guiding. While reactions to findings can sometimes be fraught with frustration, I strive to strike a delicate balance, offering support, empathy, and motivation. Though a lifelong diagnosis can be daunting, there are strategies to mitigate challenges, recognizing the brain's compensatory mechanisms. In my experience, every cognitive weakness uncovers an undiscovered strength.

I am the founder of Neurodiverse City, offering neuroaffirming care in Westchester and Manhattan. I specialize in precise, or ala carte evaluations tailored to neurodiverse individuals (do I have AD/HD an LD, ASD, OCD, and/or CPTSD?). I also specialize in standardized testing accomodations, such as the College Board exams (SATs and ACTs) or graduate school exams (BAR, LSATs, GREs, MCAT, etc). I balance evaluations with virtual therapy for a curated group of patients in NY or CT. I work best with supporting those with AD/HD, LDs, anxiety, depression, and generally those who are highly motivated yet lacking accountability and insight into their challenges. Typically I tailor treatments to the person in front of me in this present moment in time, not necessarily just their diagnosis. Usually I pull techniques from psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and dialectical behavioral therapies in treatment as warranted. I value coordinated care, consultation, refreshing my knowledge, and using highly effective evidenced-based methods. Many of my patients opt for long-term therapy, although I emphasize flexibility and encourage progression or reduction in sessions as needed. My patients would describe me as optimistic, warm, caring and insightful.

About me

    • Clinical Fellowship in Women’s Mental Health - Cognitive Therapy for Women

    • Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neuropsychology - Brooklyn Learning Center

    • PhD in Clinical Psychology, with Distinction - Fairleigh Dickinson University

    • MA in Clinical Psychology - Teachers College, Columbia University

    • Peterson, B.S., Rosen, T.S., Dingman, S., Toth, Z., Swardekar, S., Hao, X., Liu, F., Xu, D., Zhengchao, D., Peterson, J.B., Ryu, J.H., Serino, D., Branch, C., Bansal, R. (2020). Associations of maternal prenatal drug abuse with measures on newborn brain structure, tissue organization, and metabolite concentrations. JAMA Pediatrics, 174(9), 831-842.

    • Serino, D., Peterson, B. S., & Rosen, T. S. (2018). Psychological functioning of women taking illicit drugs during pregnancy and the growth and development of their offspring in early childhood. Journal of Dual Diagnosis, 14(3), 158-170.

    • M. N., Serino, D., Bansal, R., Hao, X., Nati, G., Toth, Z., … Peterson, B.S. (2015). Morphological features of the neonatal brain following exposure to regional anesthesia during labor and delivery. Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 33(2), 213-221.

We like the way you think.

We like the way you think.

Christine Clark, Psy.D.

I am the founder of Serene Psychotherapy (and NeurodiverseCity - coming soon!), specializing in precise assessments tailored for neurodiverse individuals (AD/HD, LD, ASD, OCD, CPTSD). The evaluation process fascinates me as it provides intricate puzzle pieces that elucidate clients' lives: their strengths, weaknesses, and what they should prioritize next, including necessary accommodations at home, work, or school. This aspect of my work resonates with my initial attraction to psychiatric research, minus the lengthy waits for data analysis or funding challenges. Assessments offer validation, instill hope, and pave a clear path forward for individuals and families, a journey I am passionate about guiding. While reactions to findings can sometimes be fraught with frustration, I strive to strike a delicate balance, offering support, empathy, and motivation. Though a lifelong diagnosis can be daunting, there are strategies to mitigate challenges, recognizing the brain's compensatory mechanisms. In my experience, every cognitive weakness uncovers an undiscovered strength.

Dr. Clark has extensive experience with adolescents and their parents. She works with adolescents on a wide range of issues that are impacting them at home, school, and socially. She has worked with children with AD/HD, depression, anxiety, trauma, and school or socialization related fears. She is adept at connecting with adolescents and meeting them where they are. She has a particular drive to support the parents providing them the care they need while coaching them as they help their child. She has addressed local chapters of NAMI and parent groups and lead research on the topic of supporting parents of children with mental health disorders. In addition, she works as an adjunct professor at Georgian Court University teaching courses on Cognition, Biology of the Brain, Psychology of Learning, and undergraduate research. Her approach to therapy is one of empathy, non-judgment and affirming the client. She utilizes a combined approach of mindfulness, person centered and cognitive-behavioral therapies.

About me

    • Psy.D. in School Psychology, Georgian Court University

    • Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study, School Psychology at Georgian Court University

    • MA in School Psychology, Georgian Court University

    • Clark, C. L. (2022). Parent Experiences of Grief when Caring for a Child with a Diagnosed Mental Health Disorder (Order No. 29390304). Available from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. (2718154886).

    • Brown, T.J. & Clark, C. (2017). Employed parent of children with disabilities and work life family balance: A literature review. Child Youth Care Forum. doi:10.1007/s10566-017-9407-0

    • Ponton, R., Brown, T., McDonnell, B., Clark, C., Pepe, J., & Deykerhoff, M. (2014). Vocational perception: A mixed-method investigation of calling. The Psychologist-Manager Journal, 17(3), 182-204.