About Arista Psychiatry & Psychotherapy

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Licensed Psychologist & Licensed NP in Psychiatry The Mount Sinai School of Medicine Assistant Clinical Professor American Board of Professional Psychology Board Certified Diplomate in Marriage and Family Psychology

Postdoctoral Degree in Psychoanalysis & Psychotherapy from New York University 

PhD from Fordham University 

Dr. Judith Gurfein is a dedicated, caring psychologist with over 25 years of experience as an adult, child, marriage and family psychotherapist. In addition to psychotherapy, she conducts psychiatric and medication evaluations and management as she is also licensed as a nurse practitioner in psychiatry. She teaches and supervises psychiatric residents, marriage counselors and family therapists. She is an assistant clinical professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine and practices in Manhattan and Bergen County, New Jersey.

Dr. Gurfein received a BA from Barnard College of Columbia University, a Ph.D. from Fordham University and a post doctoral degree from NYU in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. She has certification in psychoanalysis, marriage therapy, family therapy and hypnotherapy. She also has extensive training and experience in cognitive-behavioral therapy and substance abuse relapse prevention. Dr. Gurfein first began her career as a child, adolescent and family psychologist in public and private schools. She served as chairperson of a child study team and school psychologist for ten years, working with regular and special education students and their families. In a supportive non-judgmental atmosphere, using an integrative approach, with medication when necessary, she has helped many adults, children and couples successfully make significant positive changes in their lives.  

Areas of Specialization:

-Individual Psychotherapy: Adult, Adolescent, Child

-Relationship Therapy: Marriage, Couple, Family

-Medication: Evaluation and Management

Common Diagnoses treated include:

-Anxiety 

-Depression

-Trauma 

- Relationship Issues 

-Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD)

-Substance Abuse and Addiction

-Bipolar Disorder

-Eating Disorders

- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

-Anger, Abuse and Trauma

Dr. Karen Surowiec is a neuropsychologist licensed in NY, NJ, and FL, and a certified school psychologist in NY and NJ. She holds a doctorate from the APA-accredited Nathan Weiss Graduate College, along with a Masters in School Psychology and a Masters in Communication from Rutgers University.

Dr. Surowiec possesses extensive expertise in creating, managing, and training interdisciplinary testing teams. Her focus encompasses a broad spectrum of complex developmental disabilities, including Autism, ADHD, Learning Disorders, OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Intellectual Disabilities, and trauma-related conditions. She is an expert in diagnosing Autism and specializes in differential diagnosis for children under 5 years old, as well as testing individuals of all ages. Additionally, she has significant experience in the NY and NJ court systems and the NY Department of Education, providing evaluations for immigration, military, weapons, substance use, and bariatric surgery.

Her training includes externships at NJ Public Schools, the Einstein College of Medicine Infant-Parent Court Project, and St. Barnabas Emergency Psychiatric Department. She completed her internship at Montefiore-Einstein and her postdoctoral work at Mt. Sinai-Icahn School of Medicine, receiving specialized training in ADOS Autism testing from the Seaver Autism Center and Rutgers University GSAPP. She also provided therapy for adults, children, and families at the Nathan Weiss Psychology Clinic.

At the Albert Einstein-Montefiore Medical Center's Infant-Parent Court Project, Dr. Surowiec focused on Infant-Parent Psychotherapy (IPP), emphasizing child-parent attachment, emotional attunement, behavior modification, and family reunification. She also trained Child Protection Services staff on child brain development, emotional attunement, and toxic stress. During her postdoctoral work at Mt. Sinai-Icahn School of Medicine, she was part of the Child and Family Institute and worked at the Therapeutic Day School center, specializing in support for children with behavioral difficulties and developmental delays.

Dr. Surowiec offers a range of services from specific diagnoses to comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations for all ages and provides free consultations.

Finding the right therapist is crucial, and it starts with a genuine connection. Michele Itskowitch, LCSW believes that meaningful progress begins with a strong rapport between therapist and client.

Michele aims to help clients uncover and navigate the obstacles holding them back, whether they stem from anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or work-related stress. With a focus on gaining insight into how past experiences influence current challenges, she guides clients in breaking free from old patterns and moving forward with confidence.

With extensive post-graduate training from top NYC institutes, including specialized work in family and couples therapy, Michele is well-equipped to support a wide range of issues—from infidelity and parenting struggles to work dilemmas and family dynamics.

For those ready to make positive changes and explore new possibilities, Michele offers a supportive space to work towards achieving their goals.

Areas of Specialization: Individual psychotherapy, Marriage therapy, family therapy, parenting issues 

Common Diagnoses Treated: Anxiety disorders, depression, work related stressors and life transitions

Education: Masters of Social Work, Columbia University CSSW

Postdoctoral Training in Psychoanalysis from New York University