Accessing healthcare and educational support for your child by Holy Schiff.

Dr. Holly Schiff is a clinical psychologist licensed in Connecticut, Florida, New York, and Rhode Island. She is a native New Yorker who now resides in Connecticut. She was awarded a Doctorate of Psychology in School and Community Psychology from Hofstra University. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Fordham University, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology and Pre-Law advisory. While completing her undergraduate education, Dr. Schiff was accepted as a member of Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology. She went on to complete a Master of Arts in Psychology in Education degree from Columbia University, as well as a Master of Science in School-Community Psychology, and an Advanced Certificate in School Community Psychology from Hofstra University.

Her broad range of clinical experience encompasses psychotherapy in schools, outpatient clinics, and inpatient psychiatric hospitals. Dr. Schiff had the pleasure of learning in several prestigious settings in the Northeast including Silver Hill Hospital, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, and Rockland Psychiatric Center. Dr. Schiff conducts individual therapy, family therapy, parent guidance, and group therapy using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Relational Psychotherapy and Positive Psychology. Leveraging her dance training, she encourages the psychotherapeutic use of movement and dance to support mental health. Her expertise also includes administering and analyzing neuropsychological evaluations and psychoeducational assessments. Dr. Schiff collaborates with various treatment providers and schools as appropriate to offer the most comprehensive treatment approach.

Outside of her clinical practice, Dr. Schiff’s published dissertation research focused on Alcohol and Tobacco Consumption as Addictive Behaviors in Emerging Adults. Dr. Schiff is regularly consulted as a featured media expert for her commentary and serves as a medical reviewer for many publications. She has appeared in Forbes, WebMD, The Today Show, AARP, Parade Magazine, The Washington Post, A & E, U.S. News World Report, Business Insider, People Magazine, Reader’s Digest, and Popular Science among others. She has been interviewed on podcasts, radio shows, and was an expert panelist on multiple seasons of a PBS series about neurodiversity. In addition, Dr. Schiff partnered with Nickelodeon to develop a series of activities  for children to promote empathy and kindness.

When Holly isn’t working, she likes to challenge herself with trivia, read true crime books, travel (usually to beachy destinations), and enjoy time with her family and cat, Bentley.

Editorial:
Families with children who have behavioral health challenges often navigate a complicated mix of services, therapies, and educational supports. This process can feel overwhelming, especially when resources are scattered, expensive, or hard to reach. New solutions are essential to ensure families can access timely, quality care that meets their children's specific needs.

One method is to use digital platforms to centralize resources. Online portals can give parents clear information about local therapy options, support groups, educational adjustments, and financial aid programs. Interactive tools, like virtual workshops and webinars, let families learn coping strategies and parenting techniques from home. This reduces the need for travel and saves time. Telehealth services, which saw growth during the pandemic, also provide flexible access to mental health professionals, ensuring continuous care no matter the location.

Working together is another effective strategy. Schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations can form partnerships that bring behavioral health services into schools or community centers. This allows families to find support in familiar and convenient places. For example, placing behavioral specialists in schools can offer early intervention, which helps reduce challenges and promotes academic and social success. Community resource hubs can host informational events, therapy groups, and recreational activities designed for children with behavioral needs, creating supportive networks for families and their peers.

Affordability remains an important issue. Sliding-scale payment plans, grants, and partnerships with nonprofits can help lessen the financial strain on families.

Finally, peer support networks provide valuable guidance based on shared experiences. Families gain from connecting with others who understand the challenges of raising a child with behavioral health issues. Mentorship programs and parent-led forums offer emotional support and practical tips, creating a sense of community and resilience.

By combining technology, collaboration, affordability, and peer networks, families can achieve better, more flexible, and fair access to behavioral health resources. Solutions that focus on convenience, integration, and support not only improve care for children but also empower families to face challenges with confidence and hope.  

Holly Schiff, Psy.D.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist in CT, NY & RI
Registered Telehealth Psychologist in FL

SCP - Psychiatry, Behavioral Health & Weight and Wellness
(401) 408-8849

drschiff@scp-ri.com