I am Dr. Rita Aronov, a Brooklyn, New York-based general pediatrician. After caring for children for almost 20 years, I made a choice to shift gears and dedicate my work to children’s mental and behavioral health. 

What I cherished most in general pediatrics was the opportunity to watch my patients grow - from the very smallest newborns to adolescents. I have seen children get sick and then better, be nervous about starting daycare and then grow to love it, have a hard time falling asleep on their own and then become comfortable with it, turn from very picky eaters into adventurous ones, have a hard time settling into Pre-K and then learn to follow the class rules and thrive at school. And at times, I have seen children remain anxious, hyperactive, and have persistent learning and behavioral challenges. Having had the opportunity to observe the breadth of these behaviors, 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. Unfortunately, the reality of primary care does not allow the time and attention to properly manage these conditions. My new practice is dedicated to meeting this need. 

My approach to pediatric psychiatry is influenced by the experience of a general pediatrician. I appreciate the wide variation of normal development. I recognize a number of possible physical manifestations of behavioral and mental illness, and have the expertise of knowing when and how to address these from the medical perspective. My evaluation of each child begins with a thorough interview to understand the nature and the extent of the challenges they are facing, and with identifying the goals families are seeking to achieve. I observe and examine, and employ motivational interviewing techniques. I evaluate the impact that ongoing family interactions have on the developing child, and gather essential input from schools, therapists, psychologists, and other specialists. 

My approach to patient treatment is multifaceted and practical. I strongly believe in the power of restful and adequate sleep, and provide a lot of detailed guidance to achieve that. I counsel on healthy lifestyle choices, including exercise and nutrition. My treatment starts with psychoeducation and includes behavioral activation and teaching mindfulness techniques of  slowing the mind through breathing awareness. Medications and/or supplements are prescribed and recommended when needed. There may be a referral for a neuropsychological or neurological evaluation, a recommendation for an evidence-based therapeutic support, and advice on obtaining supportive services at the school. I bring with me the primary care-informed need to support the parents as much as the child, and to validate their feelings, 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.

If my professional background and approach resonate with you, please complete a screening questionnaire to ensure that my practice is a good fit for you and your child. I look forward to our collaboration. 

Be well!