Leslie Friedman

I chose to work with children, teens and families so that I could focus on mental health issues as they arise earlier within family history. In addition to my training at outpatient family mental health clinics, I enhanced my commitment to bringing evidence-based treatments to my private practice through postgraduate training at the Ackerman Institute for the Family, the National Institute for the Psychotherapies, and trainings in infant mental health at Columbia and Harvard Medical Schools.

My clients describe me as "down-to-earth," which I really appreciate. I like all clients, young and old, to feel heard and understood by providing them with unconditional positive regard. I let clients know they can feel comfortable sharing all relevant history without fear of judgment so that I can provide them with the correct diagnosis, recommendations and course of action. Treatment plans are customised to meet the needs of both the diagnosis and the family dynamic.

Clients will receive a diagnosis with recommendations regarding any further school or medical assessment, as well as a recommendation for treatment. For children under 7, I implement highly structured, evidence-based Parent-Child Interaction Therapy or Child-Parent Psychotherapy. For older children, CBT protocols are used to manage anger, depression, anxiety, trauma. Parent training and guidance helps supplement the child's treatment with the teaching of evidence-based parenting skills