Do you offer in-person therapy? Where is your office located?

Yes. I provide in-person therapy services by appointment in Fair Lawn, NJ, serving clients across Bergen County and nearby communities, including Paramus, Glen Rock, Ridgewood, Teaneck, Bergenfield, New Milford, Englewood, Hackensack, Clifton, and Passaic. I also provide telehealth therapy services for clients anywhere in New Jersey and New York.  

Who do you work with?

 I provide therapy services for young adults (including college students and early-career professionals), adults, and teens navigating anxiety, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, relationship stress, identity development, and life transitions. Clients come for support during periods of change, uncertainty, or stress, as well as times when they want more clarity, direction, or confidence moving forward.

What challenges do you support?

Clients often seek therapy services for:

• Anxiety and stress

• Depression and mood-related concerns

• ADHD and executive functioning challenges

• School, college, and life transitions

• Relationship and social stress

• Identity development and self-understanding

• Emotional regulation

• Neurodivergent-affirming support

Therapy focuses not only on managing immediate concerns, but on building insight and practical tools that support long-term growth.

Do you specialize in ADHD or executive functioning support?

Yes. I provide therapy services for teens, young adults, and adults with ADHD and executive functioning challenges. Sessions focus on building practical systems, increasing self-awareness, and developing strategies that support success in school, work, relationships, and daily life.

What does a neurodivergent-affirming approach mean?

A neurodivergent-affirming approach means that differences such as ADHD, autism, or other processing styles are not treated as problems to “fix.” Instead, therapy focuses on understanding how your mind works, building supportive strategies, and strengthening identity without shame or pressure to fit a narrow definition of normal.

Do you offer therapy for anxiety?

Yes. Anxiety is one of the most common reasons clients begin therapy. I provide therapy services for teens, young adults, and adults experiencing overthinking, academic or workplace stress, relationship anxiety, and transitions that feel overwhelming or difficult to manage alone.

What happens in the first session?

The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and begin understanding what brings you in. We talk about what has been feeling difficult, what you are hoping for, and what support may be most helpful. From there, we begin identifying goals and developing a plan that feels thoughtful and personalized. The first session is also a chance to see whether working together feels like the right fit.

How often do therapy sessions take place?

Therapy sessions typically take place weekly. Meeting consistently helps build momentum, deepen insight, and support meaningful progress over time.

Is therapy private for teens? Are parents involved?

Privacy is an important part of building trust in therapy with teens. Sessions are confidential, and we discuss clearly what information may be shared with parents. When helpful, parents may be involved in ways that support the teen’s goals while still protecting the teen’s voice and therapeutic space.

Do you offer support for parents?

Yes. I provide parent support for those seeking guidance around anxiety, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, transitions, and family dynamics. These sessions help parents feel more confident and effective in supporting their child or teen.

Can my college student continue therapy while away at school?

If your student is located in New Jersey or New York, therapy services can continue through telehealth while they are away at school. This allows for continuity of support during transitions and academically demanding periods.

Do you work with clients from religious or traditional backgrounds?

Yes. I provide culturally sensitive therapy services that respect religious values, family dynamics, and community expectations. For clients from Orthodox Jewish backgrounds or other traditional communities, therapy may include support around relationships, dating, identity, boundaries, and personal growth in ways that feel aligned with their beliefs and lived experience.

How do I know if therapy is right for me or my teen?

Therapy can be helpful if you or your teen are feeling overwhelmed, stuck in familiar patterns, struggling with school or work stress, or navigating a transition. Many clients begin therapy before things reach a crisis point, and that is often when the most meaningful growth can happen.

Did you previously practice under the name Sarah Stiefel?

Yes. Earlier in my career, I practiced professionally under the name Sarah Stiefel. After getting married, I changed my name to Dr. Sarah Mandelbaum. Some earlier publications, teaching roles, or professional listings may still appear under my prior name.

How do I get started?

You can get started by reaching out through the contact form to schedule a consultation. We’ll briefly discuss what you’re looking for, answer initial questions, and decide whether moving forward together feels like the right fit.