Lisa Scionti, PsyD
Dr. Lisa Scionti is a New York State licensed psychologist who earned a doctorate in Psychology from Pace University with a combined degree in Child Clinical Psychology and School Psychology as well as a Master’s degree in Education. Her dissertation, which was used and adapted for publication in the Comprehensive Psychiatry journal in 2005, was entitled “Do daughters with eating disorders agree with their parents’ perception of family functioning?”
Dr. Scionti also earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology from U.C.L.A. where she had the opportunity not only to take coursework, but also to provide behavioral therapy to autistic children.
Prior to joining the Familyhealth Associates team, her experience included an interim staff psychologist position at North Central Bronx Hospital on an adult inpatient unit, a maternity-leave replacement school psychologist in a Westchester Country elementary school, as well as a triennial evaluator and a Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) coordinator. She also served as staff psychologist and administrator and was responsible for developing, implementing and supervising the APA approved doctoral level internship at a residential treatment center for children and adolescents. At the residential treatment center, she provided trauma-based work and worked with individuals who had been physically, emotionally, and sexually abused.
Dr. Scionti currently conducts psychological evaluations at an evaluation site in Westchester for the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). In addition, Dr. Scionti is a member of the Familyhealth Associates private practice and provides consultation services and psychotherapy to young children, adolescents, adults, and families, working closely with and increasing collaboration between individuals, families and schools is emphasized.
Scott Tessler, PsyD
Dr. Tessler is a Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist. He received a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and School Psychology, as well as a Master's degree in Psychology, from the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology of Yeshiva University. Dr. Tessler completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in Neuropsychology at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, part of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), where he also worked as a Staff Neuropsychologist. He is licensed in Psychology in New York and New Jersey and holds New York State certification in School Psychology.
Dr. Tessler has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a wide range of settings, including residential treatment programs, mental health clinics, day treatment programs, schools, nonprofit organizations, hospitals, and private practice in New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and New Jersey. He has lectured and conducted workshops with parents, mental health professionals, and school faculties on various mental health topics and behavioral interventions. Dr. Tessler has taught undergraduate college courses in developmental psychology, behavioral management of children and adolescents, and group dynamics. In addition to his work at Family Health Associates, Dr. Tessler works as a psychologist in a school district in Westchester and as a consultant for an organization that operates various programs for children and adolescents across the country where he trains staff in therapeutic and behavioral interventions and crisis intervention. At Family Health Associates, Dr. Tessler works with children, adolescents, young adults, and parents.
Kristi Bracchitta, PhD
Dr. Kristi Bracchitta is a licensed psychologist in New York, Connecticut, and Delaware. She earned her doctoral degree in Applied Developmental Psychology from Fordham University and completed her pre- and post-doctoral training at an inpatient children’s rehabilitation hospital where she conducted psychotherapy and psychoeducational testing. Dr. Bracchitta also served as a full-time faculty member in the psychology department at a nearby college and was involved in staff training, consultation, and psychological testing at a local preschool.
Dr. Bracchitta integrates traditional psychotherapy methods with mind-body exercises and nutrition into the treatment of psychological issues in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, with a specific focus on the treatment of anxiety and ADHD. Her interests also include the development and improvement of executive functioning, as well as issues related to parenting. At FHA, Dr. Bracchitta provides psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and young adults, consults with parents and schools related to childhood psychological and developmental issues, and conducts comprehensive neuropsychological testing across age groups.
Paula Dorinson, PhD
Dr. Dorinson uses a cognitive behavioral approach to therapeutic work with clients. She currently treats individuals who are managing anxiety, depression, and executive functioning challenges. Dr. Dorinson sees clients throughout the lifespan, but presently is focused on adolescence and young adulthood. In addition to her role as a clinician at Family Health Associates, Dr. Dorinson also works as a lower school psychologist at an independent school.
Dr. Dorinson received her Ph.D. In School Psychology from Fordham University, with a concentration in Therapeutic Interventions. She also holds an MA in Social Organizational Psychology from Columbia University’s Teachers College. Dr. Dorinson completed extensive clinical training at NYU Langone’s Child Study Center.