Samantha Kerstein, LCSW Psychotherapist Samantha Kerstein is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker focused on treating trauma, anxiety, depression and behavioral and emotional challenges in children, adolescents, families, parents and adults. As a therapist, Samantha strives to build a client-centered and compassionate space that is both nonjudgmental and safe for all her clients. She focuses upon identifying and interrupting behavior patterns that are not positively serving clients by introducing more productive tools and skills that will facilitate growth and development as well as strengthening familial and parent-child relationships over time. Samantha tailors her treatment using a strength-based approach incorporating a combination of evidence-based family therapy and cognitive behavioral strategies. Prior to joining The Lukin Center, Samantha spent six years at JCCA in Brooklyn where she gained extensive experience as a family therapist working hands-on with at risk youth and their families from diverse cultural backgrounds. Samantha also spent over two years supervising her team of family therapists, providing intensive clinical support. Additionally, Samantha gained experience as a part-time psychotherapist at the Metropolitan Center for Mental Health providing both individual and family therapy. Samantha has experience treating clients suffering from anxiety and depression as well as those living with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder, post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and those experiencing relational issues and family discord. Samantha is trained in Functional Family Therapy, an evidence-based practice that aims to strengthen the parent-child relationship. Samantha strongly believes in working alongside clients to empower them, making their lives as fruitful as possible in order to achieve their long-term goals. Samantha believes in collaboration with school and other providers that may be supporting the family. Samantha holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, and her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Samantha also obtained a certificate in criminal justice and was awarded a Robert Maslow Excellence in Practice Award at JCCA by the Senior Leadership Team in recognition of outstanding work with children and families. Samantha is a licensed clinical social worker in both NY and NJ and holds a Social Work license in PA as well. In her free time, Samantha loves discovering NYC’s newest restaurants, staying active and spending time with family and friends!
