Melissa Otero, Psy.D.

Melissa Otero, Psy.D. is a child and adolescent psychologist with nearly 20 years of experience working in clinical and school settings across New York and Connecticut. Having spent her early career working with children, adolescents, and young adults with developmental delays and neurodivergence, she developed a love and appreciation for the uniqueness of each individual, and the ways in which their strengths, challenges, experiences, and relationships shape their growth and development.

Dr. Otero has extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and families through a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, mood disorders, behavioral concerns, developmental differences, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, trauma, and chronic illness. As a school psychologist for the past decade, she brings an in-depth understanding of school systems, learning differences, and the academic, social, emotional, and developmental factors that influence a child’s well-being and success. Her collaborative work with families, educators, and other professionals enables her to provide holistic, strengths-based support that helps children thrive across home, school, and community settings.

Dr. Otero completed her bachelor’s degree at Boston College and went on to earn her doctorate from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology’s School/Clinical Child and Adolescent Program. She has completed advanced training in DBT, CBT, and SPACE. She is fluent in Spanish and is committed to providing culturally responsive care that honors each individual’s unique background, values, and experiences. Dr. Otero strives to create a warm, collaborative, and supportive therapeutic environment where children and families feel understood, empowered, and equipped to navigate life’s challenges.

Dr. Otero provides support for a wide range of emotional, behavioral, developmental, and relational challenges in children, adolescents, young adults, and families, with a focus on understanding each person’s unique strengths, experiences, and needs across home, school, and community settings.