Northwell and Brightline Expand Access to Youth Mental Health Services Across New York

Partnership boosts virtual and in-person behavioral health care for kids and teens

Long Island families know the pressure of balancing school, activities, and the everyday challenges of raising children. But in recent years, one issue has stood out more than ever: access to quality mental health services for kids and teens. Recognizing this urgent need, Northwell Health has partnered with Brightline, a pediatric and adolescent mental health provider, to expand care across New York.

Meeting Families Where They Are

Through this alliance, families now have more ways to access behavioral health support — whether in person at Brightline clinics in Lake Success and Brooklyn or virtually from home. This expansion comes at a time when demand for youth mental health services is climbing, with more parents seeking evaluations, therapy, and psychiatric care for their children.

Northwell already offers a wide range of behavioral health services, from outpatient and inpatient care to school-based programs. But because the need has outpaced existing resources, many families have had to seek outside help. The partnership with Brightline aims to change that by streamlining referrals and offering quicker access to licensed clinicians who specialize in treating:

• Anxiety and depression

• ADHD

• Trauma and OCD

• Parenting stress and family challenges

A Shared Commitment to Children’s Health

“Our strategic alliance with Brightline reflects our shared commitment to meeting families where they are – in their neighborhoods, their schools, and even their homes,” said Michael Scarpelli, Northwell’s president of Behavioral Health Services.

The collaboration also aligns with New York State’s efforts to expand youth behavioral health services and ensure better integration between mental and physical care. Families will now benefit from Brightline’s team of psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists who provide not only therapy and medication management but also psychological testing for autism, learning disorders, school readiness, and more.

Why This Matters for Long Island Families

For local parents, access matters. Instead of long waitlists or fragmented care, this partnership makes it easier for families to find the right specialists quickly. With the mix of virtual care options and convenient in-person visits, Northwell and Brightline are breaking down barriers that often keep kids from getting the support they need.

As Brightline CEO Naomi Allen put it: “All families deserve timely, affordable, and compassionate care, and we’re honored to bring that to more families in New York.”

FAQs About Northwell & Brightline’s Pediatric Mental Health Partnership

1. Where are Brightline clinics located on Long Island?
Currently, Brightline operates a clinic in Lake Success, making care accessible to many Nassau County families, along with another in Brooklyn.

2. Can my child receive virtual therapy?
Yes. Families can choose between virtual sessions and in-person visits, depending on their needs and schedules.

3. What kinds of conditions do Brightline clinicians treat?
Clinicians specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, trauma, parenting stress, and more. They also provide testing for learning disorders, autism, and school readiness.

4. How does this partnership benefit Northwell patients?
Northwell patients now have direct referral access to Brightline’s network, making it easier to connect with specialized care without navigating outside providers.

5. Is this part of a larger state effort to expand care?
Yes. The partnership aligns with New York State’s broader initiatives to improve youth mental health access and better integrate physical and behavioral health care for children.