Manhattan Psychology Group

In her role as Director of Psychology, Dr. Zeltser oversees a team of Licensed Psychologists, Neuropsychologists and Psychotherapists who provide counseling and assessment services to children, adolescents and adults. Additionally, she coordinates the psychology internship and postdoctoral fellowship training program which prioritizes direct care learning opportunities, supervision and professional growth. Dr. Francyne Zeltser is a New York State Licensed Psychologist (#020690). She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Binghamton University, and completed her graduate degree at St. John’s University. Dr. Zeltser is the Clinical Director of Psychology, Training & Special Projects at MPG, as well as a child, adolescent and adult psychologist, certified school psychologist, adjunct professor and mother of two. Dr. Zeltser provides cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and parent management training (PMT). Her primary specializations are in child and adolescent development, behavior management, family counseling, educational interventions, psychological and educational assessment, effective parenting strategies, consultation and educational advocacy. The focus of her clinical practice includes, treatment of ADHD, anxiety and depressive disorders, conduct and disruptive disorders, family therapy, psychological testing and school-related behaviors. Dr. Zeltser promotes a supportive, problem-solving approach where her patients learn adaptive strategies to manage challenges and work toward achieving both short-and-long term goals. She helps patients navigate a variety of challenges such as how to improve focus, social skills, time management, reduce negative emotions, build a growth mindset, resolve conflict and get organized. Her integrative approach enables her to provide high quality, evidence-based treatments to address the diverse and unique needs of her patients. Dr. Zeltser’s work has been featured in CNBC.com, womansday.com, NYMetroParents.com and Parents.com.

Ms. Dorrie Barbanel is a New York State Licensed Master Social Worker (084344) and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (001406). She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology with a focus on Early Childhood Development from Bryn Mawr College. Dorrie completed her Masters Degree at Columbia University School of Social Work specializing in Family, Youth and Children Services, and an advanced graduate degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis at Hunter College School of Education. She is formally trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). Dorrie’s passion is working with special needs children (ASD and other diagnoses) and their families. Serving families for over a decade, she believes in using evidence-based practice to improve learning, build skills, and help children achieve their maximum potential. Dorrie has years of experience designing and implementing home and school-based ABA programs tailored to the individual needs of each child. Dorrie is experienced and skilled at expert witness report writing and testifying, as well as conducting FBAs, BIPs, and ABA Skills Assessments for children. A point of emphasis for Dorrie is teaching and supporting families to carry strategies across settings and caregivers. Dorrie is skilled at providing both DTT (discrete trial training for early learners) and NET (Natural Environment Teaching for more advanced young learners). She has specific experience addressing a wide array of early childhood behavioral and developmental challenges, such as global developmental delays, toilet training, picky eaters, biting, sleep challenges, aggressive behaviors, following routines, daily living skills, communication difficulties, underdeveloped social skills, underdeveloped play skills, and more. Dorrie draws on her background in Social Work and Child Development. She specializes in working with young children and their families, and is formally trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). In addition to being formally trained in PCIT, Dorrie is skilled at providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for children with anxiety, anger or emotional challenges. She is practiced in using Coping Cat, SuperFlex, and other methodologies to help children navigate their emotions and develop effective coping skills. Dorrie is especially passionate about providing CBT to children with special needs. She believes that all children are capable of learning, and loves catering her approach to the individual needs of each child she meets. Dorrie completed a post-graduate fellowship at the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, earning the title “Child Development Specialist” and “Peer Playgroup Psychotherapist.” Her practice integrates a Social Work approach by meeting children where they are, and then guiding them to excel through the use of behavioral principles, playfulness and a genuine appreciation of the uniqueness of each child. Dorrie also has years of experience providing telehealth and remote therapy to children and families.