Daniel Tepfer, PhD

“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable.” — Fred Rogers

Daniel Tepfer, PhD's style

Why Daniel Tepfer, PhD chose to be in the helping profession

I am passionate about supporting children and their parents as they navigate the challenges of growing up. I work closely with families to help them understand what may be underlying a child’s struggles and provide practical strategies to foster growth and resilience. My goal is to create a space where both children and parents feel seen, understood, and empowered to face difficulties with confidence. I believe that with the right guidance and tools, every child can thrive and develop skills that last a lifetime.

I approach each child and family as unique, tailoring my support to their specific needs and strengths. I enjoy helping families discover strategies that not only address immediate concerns but also promote long-term happiness and productivity. By fostering understanding, communication, and practical problem-solving, I aim to help children build confidence and parents feel equipped to guide them. Watching families grow stronger and more connected through this work is what drives my passion every day.

Daniel Tepfer, PhD's approach

I generally use a Cognitive Behavioral approach that is fun and experiential when working with children. I enjoy helping them learn skills in ways that feel engaging and interactive, so that therapy is not only effective but also meaningful and enjoyable. With young adults who are struggling with overwhelming negative emotions, I incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help them notice and accept difficult feelings while taking steps toward the life they want. My approach is always tailored to each individual, focusing on practical strategies that promote growth, resilience, and self-understanding.

In addition to therapy, I conduct comprehensive psychological and educational evaluations for children who are facing academic, social, or behavioral challenges. These evaluations help identify underlying difficulties and guide the creation of a clear, actionable treatment plan. I aim to provide families with a thorough understanding of their child’s strengths and needs, empowering them with tools to support success both at home and at school. For me, seeing children and young adults gain insight and confidence through this work is one of the most rewarding parts of my practice.

What you can expect from sessions with Daniel Tepfer, PhD

My first few sessions with a client or their parents are focused on gathering information and building a strong foundation of trust. I take the time to really listen, understand each child’s unique experiences, and establish a collaborative relationship. This allows us to create goals that are not only appropriate but also achievable, giving families a clear roadmap for growth and progress. Building rapport is just as important as assessment, because children and parents are more likely to engage and succeed when they feel understood and supported.

When conducting evaluations, I typically work over a few sessions that involve interviews with parents, children, and teachers, in addition to direct testing with the child. This comprehensive approach ensures that I get a complete picture of a child’s strengths, challenges, and needs. By gathering information from multiple perspectives, I can provide a thoughtful and individualized plan that guides treatment, support, and any necessary interventions. My goal is always to help families feel informed, empowered, and confident in the next steps for their child’s growth.

Daniel Tepfer, PhD's experience working with the Jewish community

I have been providing mental health services for the Jewish community for over ten years across schools, clinics, and private practice settings. Much of my experience has been working with clients from Hasidic backgrounds, giving me a deep understanding of the unique cultural and religious contexts that shape their experiences. I approach each client with sensitivity and respect, recognizing the importance of balancing therapeutic goals with cultural values and family dynamics. This experience has allowed me to develop strategies that are both effective and culturally attuned, helping clients feel understood and supported.

Working with the Jewish community has strengthened my belief in the importance of culturally responsive care. I aim to create a space where clients from all backgrounds can feel safe to explore challenges, learn coping skills, and achieve meaningful growth. By combining my clinical expertise with an understanding of the traditions and values that are important to families, I help children and young adults navigate emotional, social, and academic challenges while honoring their identity. For me, supporting the Jewish community in this way is both deeply rewarding and central to my practice.

Daniel Tepfer, PhD's Book Recommendation Zone

• ACT made simple
  An easy-to-read workbook on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• What To Do When You Worry Too Much
  Kid-friendly workbook for anxiety.
• Outsmarting Worry
  An older kids guide to managing anxiety.

Approaches

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Attachment-based
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Mindfulness and Meditation
• Motivational Interviewing
• Play Therapy
• Psychological Testing and Evaluation

Concerns

• Anxiety
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Emotion regulation
• Parenting
• Testing and Evaluation

12 years in practice

Licenses

• Psychologist by NYS 2019. License number 024628

Degrees

• Doctor of Psychology by Fairleigh Dickinson University 2021

Certificates

• Bilingual School Psychologist

Average costs per session

$250

Payment Methods

• Free consultation
• Cash
• Check
• Credit Card
• Zelle Quick Pay