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, Greenwich and Manhattan. I specialize in precise, or ala carte evaluations tailored to neurodiverse individuals (do I have AD/HD, a learning disorder, OCD, and/or CPTSD? Or, I think I’m autistic…). I also specialize in standardized testing accommodations, 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.

experience

    • Postdoctoral Neuropsychology Fellowship -  Kaiser Foundation Rehabilitation Center

    • PhD in Clinical Psychology - Fordham University

    • MA in Clinical Psychology - Fordham University

    • Bastian, L. A., Cohen, S. P., Kasovich, L., Becker. W., C., Brummett, B. R., Burgess, D. J., Crunkhorn, D. P. T., Denneson, L. M., Frank, J. W., Goertz, C., Ilfeld, B. Kanzler, K. W., Krishnaswamy, A., LaChappelle, K., Martino, S., Mattocks, K., McGeary, C. A., Reznik, E., Rhon, D. I., ... Kearns, R. D. on behalf of the NIH-DOD-VA Pain Management Collaboratory. Pain Medicine, 21(S2), S13-S20. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnaa333. 

    • Brummett, B. R., Wade, J. C., Ponterotto, J. G., Thombs, B., & Lewis, C. (2007). Psychosocial well-being and a multicultural personality disposition. Journal of Counseling and Development, 85(1), 73-81. 

    • Jankowski, R., L., Black, A. C., Lazar, C. M., Brummett, B. R., & Rosen, M. I. (2019). Consideration of substance use in compensation and pension examinations of veterans filing PTSD claims. PLoS ONE, 14(2), e0210938. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210938. 

    • Lazar, C., Gilstad-Hayden, K., Brummett, B., Simon, P., Kachadorian, L., & Rosen, M. I. (in press). 

      Pilot clinical trial of a website-delivered motivational interviewing program for engaging veterans in paid work. American Journal of Psychiatric Rehabilitation. 

    • Martino, S. Lazar, C., Sellinger. J., Gilstad-Hayden, K., Fenton, B., Barnett, P. G., Brummett, B. R., Higgins, D. M., Holtzheimer, P., Mattocks, K., Ngo, T., Reznik, T. E., Semiatin, A. M., Stapley, T., & Rosen, M. I. (2020). Pain Medicine, 21(S2), S110-S117. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnaa334. 

    • Mattocks, K., Rosen, M. I., Sellinger, J., Ngo, T., Brummett, B., Higgins, D. M., Reznik, T. E., Holtzheimer, P., Semiatin, A. M., Stapley, T., & Martino, S. (2019). Pain care in the Department of Veterans Affairs: Understanding how a cultural shift in pain care impacts provider decisions and collaboration. Pain Medicine, 0(0), 108. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnz341 

    • Sellinger, J. J., Martino, S., Lazar, C., Mattocks, K., Rando, K., Serowik, K., Ablondi, K., Fenton, B., Gilstad-Hayden, K., Brummett, B., Holtzheimer, P. E., Higgins, D., Reznik, T. E., Semiatin, A. M., Stapley, T., Ngo, T., & Rosen, M. (2022). The acceptability and feasibility of screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for pain management among New England veterans with chronic pain: A pilot study. Pain Practice, 22, 28-38. doi: 10.1111/papr.13023. 

bradley brummett, ph.D., ABN

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. Brummett is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist. He primarily conducts psychological and cognitive assessments with ages 17 and older with particular expertise in the areas of neurodiversity (ADD/ADHD, autism) and neurologic illnesses including multiple sclerosis, stroke, and dementias (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease). He has worked with military veterans for over 10 years and has served as both a supervisor and training director for doctoral-level health professions trainees. Dr. Brummett uses a collaborative, supportive, and therapeutic approach to assessment that focuses on identifying strengths and helping clients move forward in a positive direction. His integrative approach to psychotherapy incorporates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy, ACT, and mindfulness. 

About me

experience