Clinical Psychologist
Alisa Powers, PhD
I work with many people who are amazing with clear strengths and talents but are having a hard time due to behaviors and experiences related to ADHD, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or tricky relationships at home, work, or school.
What looks like disruptive behavior on the outside may reflect distress someone cannot yet explain in words.
I am neurodivergent affirming and am committed to helping people understand themselves, celebrate their strengths, and make changes that fit them or their child rather than expecting every person to succeed in the exact same way.
You aren’t sure why you are always late to work or keep getting yelled out by your partner for forgetting to do simple household tasks. You want to know what is going on and what strategies may help you remain on task and feel better in your relationships.
You might be looking for help with…
Understanding yourself
Understanding your child
Your child is having meltdowns, pulling away, or struggling at school, and you’re trying to understand what they may be feeling.
Supporting your teen
Your teen is having a difficult time but wants more independence and privacy. You want them to have someone they can trust while staying connected to what can help them grow.
Finding your footing as a parent
You’re getting concerning feedback from school or confronting challenging behavior at home, and you want to understand what makes your child tick and how you can help.
How I work
I take time to get to know each person: what they enjoy, what feels difficult, and what they want me to understand about them. If someone is reluctant to be in therapy, I do not expect immediate trust. I want them to feel validated and have a say in what and when they share information about themselves.
Sessions are skills-based and draw from Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and parent management training, with strategies tailored to individual needs. I am collaborative, problem-solving oriented, and patient if change takes time.
Understanding what is happening at home, at work or school, and in relationships helps me make sense of someone’s experience and set clear goals. Depending on age, and individual goals, I may work closely with outside providers and parents or collaborate with school staff so the strategies we develop translate to daily life.
My experience
I was immediately drawn to working with individuals with ADHD and neurodivergence in graduate school when I realized that no two minds are truly alike. I became especially engaged with helping children and families build skills early on while witnessing growth take place and shape their everyday lives in real time. I am grateful to have spent more than 10 years providing therapy to individuals with ADHD across the lifespan, with emphasis on working with children, teens, and their families.
I graduated from Barnard College at Columbia University, earned my PhD in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University, and completed my clinical training at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. I currently serve as Director of Training at the Hallowell Center and as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine where I supervise graduate and medical students learning to provide evidence-based treatment.
I co-founded Active Minds Psychology with Dr. Liz Gustafson to build a practice where people with ADHD and related concerns can receive thoughtful care. Dr. Gustafson and I met in 2013 when we were newly minted doctoral students and have maintained an ongoing and fruitful collaboration ever since.
Outside of work, I am a passionate sports mom, an Orangetheory Fitness enthusiast, and a lover of museum going and live outdoor performances in NYC.
FAQ
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I look at how ADHD affects someone's emotions, relationships, and daily life, as well as their attention and ability to follow-through. Treatment for ADHD combines an understanding of an individual's strengths with practical strategies that can be used at home or at work or school.
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No. I also work with many people experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, and emotional difficulties either alongside or separate from their ADHD symptoms. An ADHD diagnosis is not required to contact me.
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Parent involvement depends on the child’s age and needs. I work especially closely with parents of younger children. With teens, I discuss privacy and parent involvement at the start of treatment so manage expectations all around.
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It’s not unusual for children or teens to be hesitant to start therapy or talking with someone new.
I start by getting to know a kid and learning what matters to them. Building trust takes time, and children and teens need to have a say in what they are ready to share.
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When it would help and with written permission, I routinely collaborate with schools, prescribers, evaluators, or other people involved in mental healthcare. This can help make support more consistent across settings.
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No. Part of our work is understanding what may be contributing to someone's difficulties. We begin with an assessment and refine our understanding over time as we get to know an individual and their family.
Logistics
Where Services Are Offered
In-person in New York
Virtual throughout New York and Connecticut
Session Length
45-minute individual sessions
60-minute group therapy
Payment
Private pay only
Superbills available for health insurance reimbursement
Availability
Weekday daytime and evening availability
Licensed in New York (Lic. 023431) and Connecticut (Lic 004651).
Curious Whether Our Approach Might Be a Good Fit?
Whether you're seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, a complimentary 15-minute consultation call can help you learn more about our practice and explore possible next steps.