Dr. Julian Herskowitz is a nationally recognized clinical psychologist with over 45 years of experience helping individuals overcome anxiety, phobias, and various life challenges. He has led the most successful branch of the country’s only nationally acclaimed anxiety and phobia treatment center, working with thousands of patients struggling with fear, worry, and other difficulties.

Passionate about empowering people, Dr. Herskowitz equips them with the tools and strategies needed to take control of their lives. His approach integrates all major evidence-based modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), emotional reeducation, and expressive techniques, all within a comfortable, safe, and open therapeutic relationship. He is particularly committed to teaching methods that have facilitated lasting change for many clients.

Dr. Herskowitz holds diplomate status with the Academy of Behavioral Medicine and is a Certified Anxiety Therapist. He has been featured on national television programs such as *Geraldo*, *Sally Jessy Raphael*, and *Best Talk in Town*, and his insights have been quoted by major media outlets including *WebMD* and *Newsday*.

Bernadette Francos is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who began her affiliation with TERRAP in 1986. At that time, she was suffering from debilitating panic attacks which began at the age of 14. After going through the 18-week program with TERRAP, she became a paraprofessional group assistant in addition to providing home visits to housebound agoraphobics. After her own recovery from panic and phobias she went back to school and graduated from the Adelphi School of Social Work. As well as treating hundreds of clients, she has extensive experience in treating the full range of anxiety disorders in both individual and group settings. In addition to her expertise in anxiety disorders, Ms. Francos has a special interest in a variety of women’s issues including mood and hormonal disorders and relationship issues. Ms. Francos will also work with the family members of her clients to provide them with the education on how to best help and support their loved ones to overcome their fears, phobias, and OCD symptoms. She has found that positive involvement from family members can expedite her client’s recovery.

After a detailed intake to identify what the clients’ symptoms and goals are, Ms. Francos will collaborate with the client in setting up a treatment plan to address their specific goals. Treatment often includes a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, including Systematic Desensitization, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Assertiveness training. It is important that the clients begin to incorporate some of these strategies in their day to day life.

During her career Ms. Francos has appeared on television to discuss her journey from panic disorder and phobias to a professional who successfully treats the entire spectrum of anxiety disorders. She has also appeared in Newsday articles featuring anxiety disorders. If you would like to speak to Ms. Francos to hear more about her own journey from panic disorder, or to take the first step in your own recovery, please leave a message for her at the main office.

Dr. Yael Aboulafia earned her Doctorate in Clinical and School Psychology from Hofstra University and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Binghamton University. She specializes in psychotherapy and psychological assessment for children, adolescents, and young adults, with a primary focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Her professional background spans schools, clinics, counseling centers, and hospitals. She completed her APA-accredited clinical internship at the Child and Family Institute of St. Luke’s–Roosevelt Hospital Center, where she provided individual, group, and family psychotherapy to a diverse population in New York City. Her training also included infant assessment, work in an adolescent day treatment program, and specialized services in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), substance use treatment, and crisis intervention.

For the past thirteen years, Dr. Aboulafia has served as a certified School Psychologist, working with children and adolescents from kindergarten through middle school. In this capacity, she has supported students with school-based anxiety, school avoidance, ADHD, learning differences, and social-emotional challenges. She partners closely with families, teachers, and multidisciplinary teams to design individualized support plans that promote students’ academic success, emotional well-being, and social development.

In addition to her role at TERRAP as a child and adolescent psychologist, Dr. Aboulafia has special expertise in anxiety and mood disorders, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), stress and anger management, behavior modification, and social skills training. Known for her patience, professionalism, and commitment to confidentiality, Dr. Aboulafia’s warm and empathic approach fosters strong therapeutic relationships with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds.

Dr. Cassandra D’Accordo earned her PhD in clinical psychology from St. John’s University in 2014 and has been a proud member of TERRAP since then. Currently, she serves as the Director of Marital and Family Services and the Clinical Coordinator of Child and Adolescent Services.

Throughout her career, Dr. D’Accordo has developed extensive skills and experience in diverse environments, including her role as the DBT Team Leader on an inpatient adolescent unit and coordinating a program for individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis. She has also held associate faculty positions at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, St. John’s University, and Hofstra University.

Dr. D’Accordo has worked with children, adolescents, and adults facing anxiety and mood disorders, trauma and stress-related disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and personality disorders. She is adept at helping clients build on their existing strengths and develop new skills, employing various treatment approaches tailored to their unique needs, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

With a particular interest in couples and family therapy, she also specializes in treating adolescents with behavioral problems. Her ability to establish and maintain strong therapeutic relationships is integral to her practice, especially when addressing the complex demands of individuals and couples working to resolve conflicts, reduce symptoms, and strengthen their relationships.

Dr. Erica Ehrenzweig earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology, specializing in children and adolescents, from the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, IL. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Pace University.

Dr. Ehrenzweig’s training emphasizes working with children, adolescents, and their families from diverse backgrounds and addressing a variety of mental health needs. She has extensive experience with complex trauma-related symptoms, helping her clients build on their strengths and develop new coping skills for everyday stressors.

Approaching therapy from a diverse perspective, Dr. Ehrenzweig incorporates Cognitive-Behavioral and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral techniques tailored to individual needs. She believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is crucial for fostering growth and change, and she strives to create a safe and supportive therapy environment.

Doug Friedman is a professional psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience. He is currently completing postdoctoral training in clinical psychology while also working in human resource management in healthcare. He excels at listening with empathy and establishing rapport with clients. Doug assists clients in overcoming anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behavior, phobias, depression, and difficulties adjusting to major life changes by helping them explore how they think about their lives and the world, replacing problematic patterns with a positive, empowering outlook.

His areas of expertise include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, PTSD/Trauma Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Grief Treatment.

Dr. Joanna Fraser earned her doctoral degree in School Psychology from St. John’s University after studying psychology at Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Fraser received clinical training at both the Center for Psychological Services at St. John’s University and the Krasner Psychological Center at Stony Brook University. She has experience treating a myriad of anxiety and mood disorders, including, but not limited to, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Depression for clients of all ages.

In addition, Dr. Fraser is well-versed and passionate about working with children and families, specifically addressing the problematic dyads surrounding child and adolescent behavioral difficulties through parent training. Furthermore, Dr. Fraser works with children to achieve positive social-emotional growth and development while teaching specific coping and social skills via behavioral therapies, CBT, and play therapy in order to foster success in school, socially, and at home. She employs Evidence-Based Practices, including various Cognitive-Behavioral therapies such as Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Exposure Response Prevention Therapy, and more.

Dr. Fraser’s eclectic approach allows her to individualize treatment plans based on presenting problems, functionality, and therapy goals. Moreover, Dr. Fraser’s patient and empathic approach assists in the creation of strong therapeutic bonds that facilitate client growth. Dr. Fraser encourages patient feedback to promote a collaborative problem-solving approach for symptom relief. Currently, Dr. Fraser also works as a School Psychologist, helping children with special needs, specifically those experiencing behaviors commonly associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities.

Dr. Karen Pinto received her doctorate in Clinical and School Psychology from Pace University and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from New York University. She completed a year-long internship at Nassau University Medical Center, followed by her post-doctoral fellowship at Pride of Judea Community Services (JBFCS). During this time, she provided inpatient and outpatient psychotherapy with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. In addition, Dr. Pinto’s experience includes training and work at Queens Children’s Psychiatric Center, MercyFirst Residential facility, Beth Israel Medical Center, and Pace University’s McShane Center for Psychological Services. Dr. Pinto has extensive training in individual, group, couples, and family therapy. She has also been trained in psychological assessment. She approaches therapy from a psychodynamic and relational perspective, frequently utilizing cognitive and behavioral techniques to meet the individual needs of her patients. Dr. Pinto provides a warm, honest, and inviting environment that enables patients to explore and work through challenges, utilize personal strengths, and develop insight and ways to confront difficulties.

Dr. Kerry Torrell earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Hofstra University and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Binghamton University, where she also minored in Anthropology and became certified in Evolutionary Studies. She has practiced in both inpatient and outpatient settings, gaining experience with child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations. Dr. Torrell practices Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), utilizing hands-on, evidence-based techniques designed to empower clients to manage distress. Additionally, she emphasizes building a strong therapeutic alliance and strives to create a safe and supportive environment for change.

Dr. David Kropff holds a doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Walden University and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Binghamton University. With over fifteen years of experience in outpatient settings, he works closely with children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Kropff employs an integrative therapy model that combines Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Psychodynamic approaches.

He is skilled in clinical assessment, counseling, and providing behavior-based support for individuals with various developmental, behavioral, and psychiatric diagnoses. By using evidence-based techniques, he incorporates mindfulness and self-awareness into his clients’ therapeutic processes. His professional interests also include Applied Behavioral Analysis and assessment.

In addition to his role at TERRAP, Dr. Kropff works for a non-profit organization that supports individuals with developmental disabilities. He takes pride in building positive rapport with the children he treats, creating a safe and nurturing environment that fosters positive change and growth.

Veronica Watkins has completed her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Molloy University. She currently holds a certificate as a National Certified Counselor. Veronica has experience working with clients across the lifespan with varying diagnoses. She believes that building a positive therapeutic relationship with her clients is the first step to treatment. Veronica incorporates techniques from various theories into her sessions, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness exercises, tailoring her approach to the client’s needs. Since working at TERRAP, she has become proficient in conducting exposure therapy for clients presenting with panic attacks and phobias. Veronica provides a safe space for clients to share openly without fear of judgment.

During her master’s program, she completed and excelled in courses such as psychopathology, psychodiagnostics, counseling theories, counseling skills and foundations, multicultural counseling, and human sexuality. Veronica gained additional skills conducting individual therapy and group therapy sessions through the Molloy Mental Health and Wellness Center. She approaches therapy from a person-centered background by incorporating empathetic listening and unconditional positive regard. Veronica holds a bachelor’s degree from Bryant University in Communications and has worked in the field of communications and public relations for five years before pursuing her passion for becoming a mental health professional.

Dr. Nadine Fitoussi is a distinguished clinical and school psychologist who holds a doctorate from the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at Yeshiva University. She completed her training at the NYU Child Study Center in Manhattan and Northwell Health’s Cohen Children’s Medical Center on Long Island, previously known as Schneider Children’s Hospital.

Specializing in child and family therapy, Dr. Fitoussi employs a Cognitive Behavioral approach to effectively address various anxiety disorders, including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Selective Mutism, Separation Anxiety, and School Phobia. Additionally, she has considerable experience supporting children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), behavioral challenges, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A key aspect of her practice is the active involvement of parents in the therapy process, which she believes is essential for achieving successful outcomes. Her warm and welcoming demeanor, paired with a direct and honest approach, fosters strong therapeutic relationships with her patients while building trust with their families.

In addition to her role at TERRAP, Dr. Fitoussi is a certified School Psychologist, possessing extensive knowledge of the special education process and psychological assessment. She regularly consults with parents on various concerns, including learning difficulties, attention issues, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and behavioral problems. Dr. Fitoussi emphasizes the importance of the home-school partnership when addressing educational settings to ensure comprehensive support for children.

Dr. Fitoussi has made significant contributions to the field through her presentations at local, national, and international conferences on topics such as Anxiety, Gifted Education, and the needs of LGBTQ students and families. Furthermore, she serves as an Advisory Board Member for KiDS NEED MoRE, an organization committed to supporting children and families facing cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Dr. Timothy McGowan earned his doctorate from the esteemed Derner School of Psychology at Adelphi University. With extensive experience across various clinical settings, Dr. McGowan offers psychotherapeutic interventions and clinical assessments that consistently adhere to the highest standards and best practices in the field.

He has a proven track record of assisting individuals across a diverse range of ages and clinical presentations, with a particular passion for working with those struggling with anxiety and depressive disorders. Dr. McGowan is also dedicated to helping individuals navigate trauma-related disorders and chronic health conditions. Furthermore, he possesses specialized training and has demonstrated effectiveness in addressing relationship challenges.

Dr. McGowan’s therapeutic philosophy is grounded in a psychodynamic framework, which he adeptly integrates with a variety of cognitive and behavioral techniques. He places great importance on an integrative process, striving to understand each individual within their unique familial and cultural contexts. This holistic approach enables him to develop customized treatment plans that are meticulously tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Dr. McGowan is committed to fostering an empathetic, supportive, and collaborative environment, empowering his patients to achieve positive change, personal growth, and optimal well-being.

Dr. Julianne Hayes earned her doctorate in school psychology with a concentration in applied behavior analysis from St. John’s University. She is a licensed New York State psychologist, a nationally certified school psychologist, and a board-certified behavior specialist. Dr. Hayes has worked as a school psychologist in a local school district for the past few years. Her training experiences include working in a special education school for children with severe behavioral and emotional disabilities, as well as in local school districts. Dr. Hayes specializes in working with children and families and has extensive experience in providing psychoeducation and behavior modification training to parents. She has worked with children and adolescents presenting with autism, ADHD, ODD, anxiety disorders, and mood dysregulation disorder. In addition to her clinical experiences, Dr. Hayes is a former college athlete and youth soccer coach.

Dr. Hayes implements a cognitive-behavioral approach to assist clients in developing skills to increase communication, independence, and self-regulation. She has an in-depth understanding of the special education process and experience in psychological assessment. Dr. Hayes often consults with parents about learning difficulties, attention and anxiety concerns, and behavioral challenges. She collaborates with all members of the patient’s “team” to provide a comprehensive treatment plan that meets their individual needs. Dr. Hayes approaches situations with care, compassion, and an understanding that we all have unique skills as well as areas in need of improvement. With this understanding, Dr. Hayes utilizes each child’s strengths to help improve their ability to regulate their emotions and communicate effectively.

Dr. Danielle Cali is a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist in New York State, with extensive experience supporting the emotional and behavioral well-being of children and adolescents. She earned both her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in School Psychology from the esteemed Derner Institute of Psychological Studies at Adelphi University.

For the past eight years, Dr. Cali has served as a school psychologist across diverse educational settings, and for the last five years, she has worked within a local school district, where she has developed a deep understanding of special education services and student mental health support. Her work includes providing psychoeducation and behavior modification strategies to families and children coping with complex emotional and behavioral challenges, including ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), anxiety disorders, and mood regulation difficulties.

As a therapist, Dr. Cali takes a collaborative, client-centered approach grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). She prioritizes building a strong therapeutic alliance by fostering trust and creating a safe, supportive environment. Her work focuses on helping clients recognize thought and behavioral patterns that may be impacting their mental health and overall functioning. She also explores relational dynamics to better understand how interpersonal experiences influence emotional well-being. Together with her clients, Dr. Cali creates individualized goals and develops practical strategies to enhance self-awareness, emotional regulation, and day-to-day functioning. Her mission is to empower clients with the tools they need to thrive both within and beyond the therapeutic space.