Michelle Barnathan, LMHC joined the clinical team at South Shore Neuropsychiatric Center in 2015 after many years of working within the educational system as a school counselor. Michelle completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Adelphi University and went on to earn both a Master’s degree in School Counseling, from Long Island University – CW Post, as well as an advanced certificate in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Buffalo.
Michelle works closely with Dr. Fruitman to diagnose and treat our patients with a combination of counseling and medication management when necessary. Our interventions are uniquely customized to address the needs of each individual patient. As such, we involve both parents and the school system in order to provide the patient with the most comprehensive care.
Michelle specializes in treating Childhood Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is one of the most common disorders that develop in children. Children and young adults with ADHD may have impaired functioning in many arenas: at school, at work, at home and even socially. If untreated and unmanaged, the disorder can have long-term adverse effects that extend into adolescence and adulthood.
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in adolescents, teenagers, and young adults, Michelle draws on her extensive background working both inside and outside of the classroom. Due to her experience as a school counselor, she has an intimate knowledge of the special programs and accommodations available to students with ADD/ADHD. She is committed to integrating all available resources to set students up for success.
With the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and study skills training, Michelle partners with patients to develop strategies for daily success. These include skills to help clients create structure, stay focused, learn to set boundaries, and manage conflict. Michelle works directly with the patient to support their goals, and includes families every step of the way.
Adolescence is a challenging time for any student, but this difficulty can be exacerbated for those diagnosed with ADHD. Students with ADHD are equally capable of success. Our aim is to help our clients achieve their goals by bridging the gap between the school system and support systems at home.
What to expect:
During the initial 90-minute evaluation, we will discuss all areas of concern with both the patient and/or with family. Once the evaluation is completed, we will continue with an individualized treatment plan. Options include, but are not limited to, one weekly hour long session in the office, two 30 minute telecommunication sessions, medication management appointments, educational accommodations, etc.
Why our methods work?
At South Shore Neuropsychiatric Center we help people with physical, emotional and mental health issues improve their sense of well‐being, alleviate feelings of distress and resolve crises. Although medication may aid in helping the client focus and treat symptoms of ADHD, the counseling component will help the client with time management, stress management, school/work adjustments, organizational problems, feelings of self-efficacy, emotional exploration, learning disabilities, coping strategies, relationship/family issues with the client rather than strictly providing medication management.
What does this method NOT address?
Our methods can be extremely helpful to those with ADHD/ADD symptoms, however, there are many diagnoses that we do not treat with these methods. The following may be the primary diagnoses and therefore, should be treated first, mood and psychotic disorders, eating disorders, severe depression, self-destructive behaviors and drug use.