Dana Jerusalmi

Dana Jerusalmi

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

djerusalmi@westchesteranxietytreatment.com
201-394-3197

Dana Jerusalmi, Ph.D

Dr. Dana Jerusalmi is a Licensed Psychologist specializing in the use of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and evidence-based treatment for anxiety and disruptive behavior disorders in children, adolescents and adults. Prior to earning her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from St. John’s University, she earned her B.A. in Psychology from Stern College of Yeshiva University, followed by her M.A. in Psychology from Teacher’s College of Columbia University.

She has provided individual and group therapy across a range of settings including NYU Child Study Center, Rockland Children’s Psychiatric Center, St. John’s Center for Psychological Services, and Andrus Children’s Center. Dr. Jerusalmi has also completed psychodiagnostic, psychoeducational and neuropsychological assessments for both children and adults in various treatment settings. She frequently collaborates with school personnel to promote academic success and implement effective behavioral interventions.

Dr. Dana Jerusalmi applies an evidence-based approach to the assessment and treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Selective Mutism, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, as well as disruptive behavior disorders. Dr. Jerusalmi has expertise in Parent Management Training including Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), as well as The Incredible Years program. She has led multiple therapeutic groups, including parent management training, DBT skills, bereavement, and social anxiety groups.

Dr. Jerusalmi is a member of the American Psychological Association, Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, and the Selective Mutism Association.

Specialized Programs:

Selective Mutism Program

Dr. Jerusalmi specializes in the assessment and treatment of Selective Mutism (SM), which involves graduated opportunities to practice “brave talking” in treatment, community and school settings. Parents are also coached to promote and reinforce “brave talking” between sessions. She frequently leads SM workshops and presentations for parents, school staff, as well as for other clinicians. Dr. Jerusalmi provides both weekly individual sessions for the treatment of SM, as well as intensive treatment, when clinically indicated.

Short Term Intensives For OCD

Dr Jerusalmi has received specialized training in short term intensive cognitive behavioral therapy for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). She runs individual and group Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) intensive programs for youth and adults coping with symptoms of OCD.

  • Children
  • Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Families
  • Groups
  • Parents

Education

Yeshiva University

Dr. Dana Jerusalmi earned her B.A. in Psychology from Stern College of Yeshiva University,

Teacher’s College of Columbia University

Dr. Jerusalmi earned her M.A. in Psychology from Teacher’s College of Columbia University.

St. John’s University

Dr. Dana Jerusalmi earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from St. John’s University.

Specialization

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems. Research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life. In many studies, CBT has been demonstrated to be as effective as, or more effective than, other forms of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications.

Anxiety Disorders

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder and separation anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can cause people into try to avoid situations that trigger or worsen their symptoms.

Evidence-Based Treatment

Evidence-Based Treatments (EBT) are based on scientific evidence. Psychologists and other mental health care professionals who use EBTs are dedicated to offering the best level of care available by constantly evaluating and comparing the effects of various treatments for a variety of children’s and adolescents’ mental health problems.

Disruptive Behavior Disorders

Disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) can seriously impact a child’s daily life. Children with disruptive behavior disorders show ongoing patterns of uncooperative and defiant behavior. Their responses to authority figures range from indifference to hostility. Their behavior frequently impacts those around them, including teachers, peers, and family members.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a number of different things. People with GAD may anticipate disaster and may be overly concerned about money, health, family, work, or other issues. Individuals with GAD find it difficult to control their worry. They may worry more than seems warranted about actual events or may expect the worst even when there is no apparent reason for concern.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common, chronic and long-lasting disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that he or she feels the urge to repeat over and over.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a dyadic behavioral intervention for children (ages 2 – 7 years) and their parents or caregivers that focuses on decreasing externalizing child behavior problems (e.g., defiance, aggression), increasing child social skills and cooperation, and improving the parent-child attachment relationship.

Selective Mutism (SM)

Selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder in which a person who is normally capable of speech cannot speak in specific situations or to specific people. Selective mutism usually co-exists with shyness or social anxiety.