How to Find a Child Psychologist or Pediatrician in New York: A Parent’s Guide

Looking for a pediatrician, child psychologist or child psychiatrist in New York? Parenting Pathway lists 1,678 child health and mental health providers across New York. This guide explains where to start, how to pay for care and which free state programs can help your family.

Start with a pediatrician

For most concerns, including behavior, anxiety, attention, sleep or development, your child’s pediatrician is the best first step. They can rule out physical causes, screen for common conditions and refer you to the right specialist. Many New York pediatricians also diagnose and manage ADHD themselves. Not sure who does what? Read pediatrician vs child psychologist vs child psychiatrist.

Browse providers in New York by type:

• Pediatricians in New York
• Child Psychologists in New York
• Child Psychiatrists in New York
• All providers in New York by city

Paying for care in New York

If you have private insurance, call the number on your card to check your mental health benefits, whether you need a referral and whether testing needs prior authorization. Federal parity law means most plans cannot make mental health care harder to access than medical care. Our guide to finding a child psychologist covered by insurance walks you through it.

Children in New York may qualify for free or low-cost coverage through New York Medicaid and Child Health Plus, the state’s CHIP program. You can check eligibility and find your state’s application at InsureKidsNow.gov. For typical prices, see how much a child psychologist costs.

Babies and toddlers: free early intervention

If your child is under 3 and you are worried about how they are developing, such as their speech, movement, play or social skills, you can contact New York State Early Intervention Program, the early intervention program for New York, directly. You do not need a referral from a doctor, and evaluations are free. Our milestone checker shows what most children do at each age.

School-age children: help through school

From age 3, your local public school district must evaluate children who may have a disability affecting their learning, at no cost to you. Ask in writing for an evaluation. If your child qualifies, they may receive support through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan, which can include counseling, accommodations and classroom support.

Children’s hospitals and specialist care in New York

Major pediatric centers include NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Cohen Children’s Medical Center and Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester. Specialist services such as developmental-behavioral pediatrics, child psychiatry and neuropsychological testing are often based at these centers, and waits can be long, so ask your pediatrician to refer early if they think it is needed.

Through Project TEACH, New York pediatricians can get consultation from child psychiatrists, which can help your child get support sooner while you wait for a specialist.

If your child is in crisis

If your child is at risk of harming themselves or others, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), go to your nearest emergency department or call 911.

Find providers in New York’s largest cities

• Pediatricians and child psychologists in New York (249 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Brooklyn (214 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Bronx (133 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Rochester (58 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Flushing (42 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Staten Island (38 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in New Hyde Park (31 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Buffalo (21 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Great Neck (20 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Jamaica (18 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Astoria (16 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Yonkers (16 listed)

See every city in New York.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Program names and eligibility rules can change, so check official state sources for the latest details.