Sydney Brinson, PsyD
Psychologist
she/her/hers
Locations: New York, NY; Northern Virginia
Specialties: Adults; Children/Adolescents
Meet Sydney Brinson, PsyD
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. She 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 frequently works with individuals experiencing anxiety, low mood, and ADHD, as well as concerns related to alcohol or other drugs that may be playing a role in their emotional well-being, focus, or relationships.
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 helps clients learn to regulate emotions and cope more effectively with 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 and sociopolitical 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 working with clients whose concerns about alcohol or other drugs overlap with anxiety, mood, and day-to-day functioning. She also supports 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 works collaboratively with clients to process past experiences and build greater self-understanding and agency. She also has experience working with individuals with substance-related concerns, focusing on understanding the factors driving these patterns and supporting meaningful, sustainable change.
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. 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 within an intensive treatment program. 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.
Dr. Brinson’s clinical services at The Ross Center are independent of and not affiliated with Montefiore Health System, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, or Rutgers University.
Dr. Brinson meets with patients in person at our New York office and offers convenient virtual appointments for teens and adults who reside in New York and Virginia.