Practice Philosophy:
Dr. Sydney Brinson is a licensed clinical psychologist dedicated to providing evidence-based, compassionate care to teens, young adults, and adults. Her approach is grounded in genuine connection, and she puts clients at ease with her warm, engaging demeanor. She creates a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard and respected. Dr. Brinson collaborates with clients to explore what matters most to them, identify the barriers that are getting in their way, and make choices that lead to more fulfilling lives.
Dr. Brinson understands the challenges and opportunities of living in the city, and often supports individuals navigating workplace stress, burnout, relationship dynamics, and issues of power and identity. She teaches clients to manage expectations, regulate emotions, and tolerate distress while taking actionable steps toward the lives they want to lead. Deeply attentive to the intersections of culture and mental health, Dr. Brinson creates an affirming therapeutic environment that acknowledges the impact of cultural, political, and racism-based stress. Her approach helps clients build resilience, gain perspective, and discover practical strategies for change.
Areas of Expertise:
Dr. Brinson specializes in treating individuals with generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, and depression. She has extensive experience supporting clients navigating life transitions, identity concerns, relationship challenges, and burnout. Dr. Brinson is trained in multiple evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Through a trauma-informed lens, Dr. Brinson empathically guides clients through the process of healing from traumatic experiences while enhancing their self-understanding and agency. She also has experience working with individuals struggling with substance use disorders, offering insight and hope while addressing the underlying issues driving behaviors that no longer serve them.
Experience and Training:
Dr. Brinson earned her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Rutgers University and completed her pre-doctoral internship at the James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Barnard College of Columbia University. Dr. Brinson currently serves as an attending psychologist at Montefiore Medical Center, where she treats individuals with complex co-occurring conditions in intensive treatment programs. Her background also includes work in college counseling centers, inpatient units, and community mental health settings where she gained extensive experience supporting clients from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and racial backgrounds. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Brinson is passionate about training the next generation of psychologists, and serves as an assistant professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, a lecturer at Rutgers University, and a dedicated supervisor and mentor to graduate students in psychology.
