Steven H. Padnick,  Ph.D., entered the field of psychotherapy initially as a school psychologist and child/family therapist.  He then spent several years as a research psychologist studying the physical effects of stress on health and wellness. Dr. Padnick served as a psychological consultant to various Employee Assistance Programs (EAP’s), government agencies, and nonprofit organizations where he developed and implemented pro-health programs. This formed the basis of Dr. Padnick’s on-going interest and commitment to treating patients suffering from the ill effects of stress, psychophysiological, and pervasive personality disorders.

Dr. Padnick received intensive post-doctoral training at the Humanistic Psychology Center, the Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies, and the Center for the Advancement of Group Studies. He specializes in the modern psychoanalytic treatment of individuals, couples, and groups; supervises and trains practicing therapists; serves on the Board of Directors and teaching faculty of the Long Island Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies.

Christine Machlica, LCSW, obtained her Master’s degree in social work from  Adelphi  University and is a  member of the  Academy of  Certified  Social  Workers. She has extensive post-graduate training in family therapy, anxiety disorders, and modern psychoanalysis, and receives on-going clinical supervision. She treats patients with various anxiety disorders, depression, and mood disorders, and has specific training in the areas of incest and sexual assault, PTSD, and family therapy. Her approach is psychodynamic, with a focus on modern analytic techniques.

Ms. Machlica accepts Medicare and is a member of the Northwell Health Premium Network, which includes CareConnect and the North Shore LIJ Clinical Integration Network IPA.

Mercedes Altshul, LCSW-R, obtained her Master’s degree in social work from Stony Brook University and also holds an M.S. in special education from Long Island University. Her post-graduate training includes certification in Advanced Clinical Practice from New York University, membership in the Continuing Education Recognition Program (through the National Association of Social Workers), and on-going clinical supervision. She has presented several scholarly and research papers on topics including Attachment Theory, Parenting, and the Child in Therapy.  Although she sees patients of all ages, most of her clinical work is with children and adolescents, using a highly flexible approach to therapy and accommodating the specific needs of each patient.

Diana Anklow-Bass, LCSW, obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in social work from New York University. Her post-graduate training includes Advanced Clinical Studies through the Training Institute for Mental Health in New York and Adelphi University’s Institute for Parenting. In addition to on-going clinical supervision, she is a member of The National Association of Social Workers (NASW). As a clinical social worker, Diana has provided crisis intervention, counseling, and case management to diverse populations, including seniors, children, adolescents,  parents, and families. She tailors her therapy to the needs of her patients using multiple psychotherapeutic approaches,  such as family systems techniques,  supportive methodologies, and plays therapy. Diana is skilled at working with children and adolescents, particularly those who experience psychological symptoms that interfere with productivity at school and emotional well-being at home and with friends.

Judith Charnet, Ph.D., received her doctorate in psychology at Union Institute and her M.Ed. in counseling at SUNY, Buffalo. Her experience includes working with a broad range of patients and patient populations: seniors in nursing homes, to develop coping strategies and improve daily living skills; students, to assist with academic, social, and personal issues; and couples and families (i.e., adults, children, and adolescents), to manage the array of issues and disorders they face. She is on the faculty of the Center for Group Studies, in Manhattan, and trained at the Philadelphia School of Psychoanalysis. Her orientation is Modern Psychoanalytic; she enjoys the “unfolding” process observed in individuals as they build ego strength and begin to use more adaptive approaches to meet life’s challenges. She believes that responding directly to patients, and connecting with them during a session, is essential to producing a favorable therapeutic outcome.

Annie Robertson, Psy.D., received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at William James College and her M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As a psychologist, her experience includes working with people of all ages, including children, young adults, mothers/parents, couples, families, and those with disabilities. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and transitions in life (e.g., school transitions, school to work, ending/starting a new job, parenthood, beginnings/endings with relationships). She works primarily from a psychodynamic approach, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, when it may be effective. She enjoys helping individuals through various life challenges to find ways to move forward and create more balance in their lives within a warm, safe environment where patients feel most comfortable.

Claire Weinberg, LCSW-R, earned her Master’s degree in social work from Adelphi University and began her career as a  Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist in an elementary school and later broadened her practice also to include high school students. She is dedicated to helping children, adolescents, and families deal with issues such as academic decline, divorce,
depression, addiction, and various social problems. She offers play, individual, group, and family sessions. Claire has a special interest in working with families facing the challenges in the often difficult process of adoption.  Her post-graduate training has focused on cognitive-behavioral interventions, family systems theory, and the psychodynamic process.