In a city as fast-paced and academically demanding as New York, families are increasingly seeking deeper answers when something doesn’t quite add up in their child’s development. It’s no longer enough to rely on surface-level assessments or standardized scores. Parents, educators, and pediatric professionals are looking for clarity, nuance, and direction.
At the forefront of this shift is Dr. Elyse Bensusan, a Columbia-trained clinical psychologist and the founder of Bensusan Psychological Services. Known for her emotionally attuned, strengths-based approach, Dr. Elyse Bensusan has become widely referenced within parent and professional communities for comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations in New York City.
In this interview, she shares her perspective on what truly makes an evaluation meaningful and how parents can navigate the process of choosing the right provider.
Interview with Dr. Elyse Bensusan
Q: Dr. Bensusan, what inspired your approach to neuropsychological evaluations?
Dr. Elyse Bensusan:
“The goal of a neuropsychological evaluation is not just to generate scores; it’s to truly understand a child. Many of the children I see are high-functioning on the surface but struggling internally, and that nuance is often missed in more traditional approaches.
I’ve always believed that evaluation should feel like a process of discovery rather than judgment. Families often come to me after trying multiple interventions, yet still feeling confused. My role is to connect the dots in a way that finally makes sense.”
Q: Your work is often described as emotionally attuned. What does that mean in practice?
Dr. Elyse Bensusan:
“It means looking at the whole child. Not just how they perform on tests, but how they think, feel, and move through their environment.
I pay close attention to how a child handles frustration, how they regulate emotions, and how they engage socially. Those patterns often tell us as much as the test results.”
Q: Many families struggle to differentiate between ADHD, anxiety, and autism. How do your evaluations address this?
Dr. Elyse Bensusan:
“That overlap is one of the most common reasons families reach out. Instead of looking at concerns in isolation, I assess executive functioning, emotional regulation, learning patterns, and social behavior together.
When you look at the full picture, you’re able to differentiate more accurately and provide recommendations that actually fit the individual.”
Q: Who typically comes to your practice?
Dr. Elyse Bensusan:
“I work with children, adolescents, and adults. Many are high-functioning individuals, including those who are gifted or twice-exceptional, but are struggling in ways that aren’t immediately obvious.
I also work with individuals seeking accommodations on high-stakes exams such as the bar exam, medical board examinations, and other professional licensing tests, where thorough documentation and clarity are essential.”
(Refined, Parent-Focused Section)
Q: For parents trying to choose between so many providers in NYC, what actually makes a neuropsychological evaluation “good”?
Dr. Elyse Bensusan:
“A strong evaluation goes beyond testing. It should help you understand your child in a meaningful, practical way; not just provide scores or a diagnosis.
A good evaluation connects the dots. It explains how a child learns, how they process emotions, and how they function day to day, and then translates that into clear, usable recommendations.
A less thorough evaluation, by contrast, can feel more surface-level; focused primarily on test scores, with limited context, personalization, or real-world guidance.”
Q: What are some signs that an evaluation may not be as thorough or helpful?
Dr. Elyse Bensusan:
“Parents often notice certain indicators. If the consultation feels rushed, if there isn’t much opportunity to ask questions, or if the final report feels overly generic, those can be red flags.
Another important distinction is whether the evaluation focuses only on deficits. A report that only highlights weaknesses without identifying strengths is missing a critical part of the child’s profile.”
Q: What questions should parents ask before choosing an evaluator?
Dr. Elyse Bensusan:
“There are several practical questions that can help guide the decision:
- How often do you evaluate children with concerns similar to mine?
- What is your turnaround time for the report?
- Do you attend IEP or 504 meetings if requested?
- How would you describe your approach?
- Do you use a strengths-based model?
Beyond that, parents should also pay attention to the experience itself. Is the clinician responsive by email or phone? Does the consultation feel thoughtful, or does it feel rushed? Those details often reflect how the overall process will unfold.”
Q: Are there additional indicators parents should look for when narrowing down options?
Dr. Elyse Bensusan:
“Yes, and these are often the most telling.
For example, is the clinician mentioned or recommended in specialty parent Facebook groups or educational communities? That kind of real-world feedback can offer insight beyond credentials.
It’s also important to look at how present the clinician is throughout the process. A high-quality evaluation is not just about testing days; it includes a thoughtful intake, careful observation, and a feedback process where families feel heard and fully understand the results.”
Q: You mentioned strengths-based evaluations earlier. Why does that matter so much?
Dr. Elyse Bensusan:
“It changes the entire lens.
A deficit-only model focuses on what a child cannot do. A strengths-based model helps identify how a child learns best, where they feel confident, and how those strengths can support areas of difficulty.
That shift leads not only to a more accurate understanding, but also to recommendations that are more practical and supportive for both the child and the family.”
Q: With so many providers in NYC, how can parents realistically sort through hundreds of options?
Dr. Elyse Bensusan:
“It can feel overwhelming, so I recommend simplifying the process.
Start with trusted referrals: schools, pediatricians, or other parents. Then look at the clinician’s experience and whether they regularly work with cases similar to yours.
If possible, speak with more than one provider. Often, parents can tell fairly quickly which clinician feels like the right fit based on how carefully they are listened to and how thoughtful the conversation feels.”
Q: What would you say to families who are unsure whether to pursue an evaluation?
Dr. Elyse Bensusan:
“If something feels off, it’s worth exploring. You don’t need to have all the answers beforehand.
A well-done evaluation can provide clarity and direction; not just for the child, but for the entire family.”
A Practice Grounded in Thoughtful, High-Touch Care
Dr. Elyse Bensusan has quickly become known for providing high-touch, emotionally attuned neuropsychological evaluations in New York City. Families and professionals often reference her work for its depth, responsiveness, and individualized approach.
From the initial consultation through final feedback, she remains directly involved, and families often note that she is consistently present, engaged, and invested throughout the process. Her work focuses on understanding the whole child within the context of the family unit, ensuring that both insight and recommendations feel relevant, supportive, and actionable.
Contact Information
Families and professionals can reach out for a complimentary 15-minute consultation by connecting with Dr. Elyse Bensusan at DoctorBensusan@gmail.com or calling 917-440-2827.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.dr-elysebensusan.com or connect via LinkedIn.
