Child Behavior Therapy
I’m a PhD clinical psychologist, specializing in parent-child relationships and behavioral challenges for families on the Upper West Side.
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Does Dr. Castro offer child behavioral therapy on the Upper West Side?
Yes, helping families navigate child behavioral challenges is one of my areas of expertise and passion. I provide services in-person on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and throughout New York City via telehealth.
By the time parents reach out to me, they often feel exhausted from dealing with daily arguments, tantrums, or defiance.
Are you struggling to manage your child’s aggressive or defiant behavior? Is the school talking about suspending or expelling your child? Do you and your partner disagree on how to handle it?
You’re not alone. Many parents face these challenges, feeling stressed and frustrated.
You might feel like you’re walking on eggshells around your child, wishing for the bond you once had.
Maybe you’ve tried everything and still feel like the “bad guy.” It’s easy to hope things will get better on their own, but that rarely works.
I help parents understand why their child acts out and how to manage noncompliance, tantrums, and aggression effectively.
What kinds of behavioral challenges does Dr. Castro help with?
What is Dr. Castro’s approach to child behavioral therapy?
At the core of my approach is the belief that parents are key to the solution.
I primarily utilize two intervention styles that are designed to address your child’s challenging behaviors while empowering you with the tools and confidence to manage them effectively.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
PCIT is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment that focuses on improving the parent-child relationship while also addressing your child’s behavioral issues.
This therapy is structured in two phases:
- Positive Behavior Reinforcement: In this phase, we focus on increasing desirable behaviors through positive reinforcement techniques.
- Effective Discipline Strategies: I teach you how to give clear, effective commands and consistently manage noncompliance, ensuring your child learns to follow instructions and behave appropriately.
Behavior Management Training (Parent Coaching)
I work directly with parents to teach proven strategies for managing your child’s behavior. You’ll learn how to set clear expectations, enforce consistent consequences, and reduce the power struggles that have become all too common.
Both approaches are designed to be practical, hands-on, and immediately applicable in your daily life. The skills you’ll gain are ones you can use every day to create a calmer, more cooperative home environment.
What results can families expect from child behavioral therapy?
When you engage in child behavioral therapy with me, you can expect improvements not only in your child’s behavior but also in your own sense of control and confidence as a parent.
Many parents report:
About Dr. Castro
My practice is dedicated to helping families on the Upper West Side navigate the challenges of child behavioral issues, and I’ve seen firsthand how effective the right approach can be in transforming a child’s behavior and restoring peace at home. My approach is rooted in practical, evidence-based techniques that work.
In addition to my clinical practice, I co-founded Healwise, a nonprofit focused on making mental health care accessible to everyone, especially those in underserved communities. My work with families is driven by a deep understanding of the challenges you face, and I’m here to offer compassionate, effective support.
I’m also an active member of several professional organizations, staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices. This ensures you and your child receive the most effective care possible.
Let’s work together to bring calm and joy back to your home. Book a consultation call today and take the first step toward a brighter future for your family.
Credentials:
Education:
- B.A. in Psychology and Anthropology from Wesleyan University
- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from DePaul University
- Predoctoral Internship at Columbia University Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
- Postdoctoral Fellowship at Columbia University Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
- Certified PCIT therapist
Professional Experience:
- Practice focusing on children, teens, and families since 2016
- Developed and led a program to increase access to evidence-based treatments for low-income youth of color at Columbia/NYP
- Taught third-year medical students at Columbia University about ADHD and disruptive behavior disorders
- Co-founder and Executive Director of Healwise (formerly Therapy4thePeople), a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to mental healthcare for underserved communities
Affiliations:
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Society for Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (APA Division 53)
- PCIT International
- New York State Psychological Association; Council member and Programming Committee Co-Chair
- International OCD Foundation
Interested in child behavioral therapy on the Upper West Side?
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation using the button below.