Meet Our Clinicians
Our practice is deeply committed to mental and behavioral health. We blend our medical expertise, experience in the breadth of pediatric growth and development, and compassionate personalized care to offer you and your child lasting ways to support and overcome their challenges.
Rita Aronov, MD
I’m Dr. Rita Aronov, a general pediatrician based in Brooklyn, New York. A few years ago, I shifted my focus to children’s mental and behavioral health—a natural extension of my work watching kids grow, adapt, and overcome challenges.
During my 20 years as a general pediatrician, I’ve seen children move from anxiety around bedtime to being independent sleepers, from picky eating to adventurous tastes, and from having a hard time in preK to learning the ropes and thriving in structured environments. I’ve also seen some of the children struggle with lasting anxiety, learning differences, and behavioral concerns. I have come to view the need to address common conditions like anxiety, depression, school problems, ADHD, etc. as a part of primary care, completing its scope as opposed to being outside of it.
My current practice is designed to give these issues the time and attention they deserve. I begin with a detailed parent interview, observe and examine the child, and gather input from schools and other professionals. My approach includes psychoeducation, motivational interviewing, teaching children mindfulness techniques, and when appropriate, medication or referrals for further evaluation and support. I emphasize the power of good sleep and help develop healthy sleep hygiene, and educate about the usefulness of healthy habits and consistent daily routines.
I believe that supporting parents is just as important as supporting the child. I aim to validate parental fears, reservations, opinions, hopes, and goals. Finally, I believe that success in reaching a goal rests on taking small, practical and consistent steps in its direction.
I look forward to working together.
Jessica Dennison, PMHNP
With over a decade of nursing experience across diverse healthcare settings and training as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner from New York University, I bring a comprehensive approach to mental health care that recognizes the profound connection between physical and emotional wellbeing.
My professional journey includes significant work with adolescent populations, having served in both the inpatient psychiatric setting and played a key role in developing and launching an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for adolescents. This experience has deepened my commitment to supporting young people at crucial developmental stages.
I am particularly passionate about working with adolescents, recognizing that early intervention and positive experiences with mental health care can shape lifelong attitudes toward wellbeing. My practice provides a non-judgmental, safe space where young people can explore their experiences and develop healthy coping strategies.
My approach to care is person-centered, incorporating evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy techniques while remaining adaptable to each individual's unique needs.
While I have training in therapy and am utilizing that knowledge and skills during our visits, at this time, I do not offer traditional weekly therapy sessions. I do offer medication management and therapeutic interventions, working collaboratively with patients and their families to develop treatment plans that align with their goals and values.
When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, taking our dog on local hikes, baking and reading mystery novels
I look forward to meeting you and partnering with you on your journey toward improved mental health and overall wellbeing.
“Dr. Aronov has guided us on our journey with our 8 year old who has ADHD and dyslexia. There is so much to learn as a parent of a child with ADHD and she has worked tirelessly to help us get our footing and help him get the support that he needs to succeed in school and in his friendships. Dr. Aronov is like another parent to our children, that’s the kind of care she provides.”
— Tessa W.