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Dr. Fugen Neziroglu is a board-certified cognitive and behavior psychologist and the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Bio Behavioral Institute in Great Neck, NY. She co-founded the Institute in 1979 with psychiatrist Dr. Yaryura-Tobias the mission to provide cutting-edge, compassionate care for individuals struggling with obsessive-compulsive and related disorders.

For over 40 years, Dr. Neziroglu has been at the forefront of research and clinical innovation in OCD, anxiety, and body-focused repetitive behaviors. She supervises the Institute’s clinical team, conducts research, and provides direct treatment to clients from across the United States and internationally. Her pioneering work helped establish the first outpatient intensive cognitive-behavioral treatment program for OCD in the nation.

Dr. Neziroglu has published more than 150 papers in scientific journals and authored or co-authored 15 books, including Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Advances in Psychotherapy, Children of Hoarders, and Overcoming Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Her work has been featured on TLC’s Hoarders, NBC's The Today Show, CNN, 48 Hours, and Good Morning America. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical and School-Community Psychology from Hofstra University and completed postdoctoral training at Temple University School of Medicine under Dr. Edna Foa and Dr. Joseph Wolpe. She is a Fellow of the American Board of Behavioral Psychology and serves on the scientific advisory boards of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).

Dr. Sony Khemlani-Patel is the Clinical Director at the Institute and a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in obsessive-compulsive and related disorders and anxiety disorders across the lifespan. She provides direct clinical care, supervises the Institute’s clinical staff, and contributes to research and program development.

Dr. Khemlani-Patel has extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She is also trained in Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT). Her integrative approach focuses on helping clients challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviors while developing resilience, mindfulness, and emotional regulation.

Dr. Khemlani-Patel earned her Ph.D. in Clinical and School Psychology from Hofstra University and her Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers University. She serves on the Scientific and Clinical Advisory Board of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), is a Faculty member of the IOCDF Behavioral Therapy Training Institute (BTTI), and is the Vice President of OCD New York. She has presented at national and international conferences and co-authored three books, Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Advances in Psychotherapy, When Your Child is Cutting and Overcoming Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Outside of her professional work, Dr. Khemlani-Patel enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with family.

Ryan Crago is responsible for the strategic vision at Bio Behavioral Institute and oversees all non clinical aspects of the organization. Ryan has a background in healthcare, finance and entrepreneurship. Ryan has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Texas and an MBA from IESE Business School in Barcelona.

Dr. Matthew Jacofsky, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Director of Training and Continuing Education at the Bio Behavioral Institute. With more than two decades of experience at the Institute, Dr. Jacofsky specializes in the assessment and treatment of obsessive-compulsive related and anxiety disorders across the lifespan.

In addition to providing direct clinical care, Dr. Jacofsky oversees the Internship/Externship program, provides supervision to doctoral externs and post-doctoral fellows, and manages the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for research studies. He has presented and published on topics such as body dysmorphic disorder, hoarding, and self-injurious behaviors. His clinical approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), focusing on helping clients not only reduce symptoms but also enhance their quality of life and overall well-being.

Dr. Jacofsky earned his Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) and two Master’s degrees in School and Experimental Psychology from St. John’s University. He completed his externship, internship, and postdoctoral training at the Bio Behavioral Institute. Outside of work, he enjoys mentoring clinicians, spending time with his family, and advancing behavioral research.

In memoriam, Jose A. Yaryura-Tobias, MD, co-founder of the Bio-Behavioral Institute, was a pioneering figure in the study and treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Together with Dr. Fugen Neziroglu, he brought OCD to the forefront of psychiatric diagnosis and treatment in the early 1970s. The timeline highlights their groundbreaking accomplishments over the decades.

Read full history

Dr. Amy Feldman, Psy.D., earned her degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology and has over 20 years of experience providing evidence-based treatment for OCD and related disorders, anxiety, and mood disorders.

In addition to her expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), she has extensive experience in trauma-focused therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. Her compassionate, evidence-based approach helps individuals rebuild safety, confidence, and connection in their lives.

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Feldman has taught intensive trauma-focused courses at Hunter College’s Silberman School of Social Work and Adelphi University’s Postgraduate Center. She is known for her collaborative style, warmth, and dedication to clinical excellence.

Dr. Bridie Moriarty is a licensed psychologist providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families of all ages, with particular expertise in working with adolescents and young adults. She treats a wide range of concerns including OCD and related disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodiversity, eating disorders, substance use, and relationship issues.

With a concentration in Health Psychology, Dr. Moriarty has expertise in helping clients heal their relationships with food, body image, and movement. She also supports individuals coping with chronic medical conditions such as cancer, chronic pain, and gastrointestinal disorders. Her integrative therapeutic approach combines CBT, ERP, DBT, ACT, EFT, IFS, mindfulness, and expressive arts therapy.

Dr. Moriarty earned her Doctorate and Master’s degrees in Professional Psychology from William James College and her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her training includes psychiatric inpatient care, school-based services, and residential eating disorder treatment. She strives to help clients grow into their most authentic, thriving selves.

Dr. Darla DiLorenzo is a licensed clinical psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and New York State–certified school psychologist. At the Bio Behavioral Institute, she oversees The Psychological Assessment Department and provides therapy to individuals across the lifespan.

Her clinical work focuses on OCD and related disorders, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and behavior and anger management in children, as well as parent training. Dr. DiLorenzo specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She is passionate about helping individuals overcome long-standing obstacles so they can move beyond mere functioning toward living fulfilling, meaningful lives.

Dr. DiLorenzo completed her externship, internship, and postdoctoral training at the Bio Behavioral Institute. She earned her Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctorate in Psychology from St. John’s University.

Darius Muller, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 25 years of experience providing psychotherapy to a diverse population of children, adolescents, adults, and families. He earned his Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from New York University and his Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He also completed supervisory certification at Columbia University and advanced psychotherapy training at the Martha K. Selig Institute.

Darius began his career at the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services in New York City at its Madeleine Borg Outpatient Clinic, where he worked for 12 years. After returning to Long Island, he joined the founding team at Northwell Health’s Wellness Center of Manhasset, a hospital-affiliated practice providing integrated psychotherapy and psychiatric care.

Trained in multiple modalities, Darius embraces an integrative approach focused on understanding what makes individuals unique in facing life’s challenges. He believes meaningful change comes from new ways of experiencing ourselves, others, and the world around us. Outside the office, he enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time outdoors with family and friends.

Dr. Jessica Bedziner, Psy.D., earned her Doctorate in School and Community Psychology from Long Island University, where she received specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She is a certified school psychologist and has extensive experience providing individual and group counseling to children and adolescents experiencing social, attentional, and emotional regulation difficulties.

Dr. Bedziner’s background includes work at the Child and Family Trauma Institute, the Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic, and South Nassau Mount Sinai’s Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and DBT, and mindfulness-based interventions to support emotional regulation, trauma recovery, and growth.

She is known for her creative use of art, play, and emotion-processing techniques. Dr. Bedziner is passionate about helping children and families foster resilience and connection.

Dr. Lauren Pucci, Psy.D., is a full-time licensed psychologist who provides therapy and psychological evaluations to children, adolescents, and adults at the Bio Behavioral Institute.

She earned her Doctorate in School Psychology from St. John’s University and previously completed her externship and postdoctoral fellowship at the Bio Behavioral Institute, where she provided direct clinical care and conducted research. Dr. Pucci also worked as a school psychologist in Delaware, providing consultation and assessments for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delays, and other health impairments.

Dr. Pucci integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients manage symptoms and develop coping strategies. She is known for fostering inclusive, supportive therapeutic environments where clients can achieve optimal growth.

Michael Upston, LCSW, has worked in clinical social work since 1997 and has treated individuals across the lifespan through individual, family, and group psychotherapy. He specializes in OCD and related disorders, anxiety, depression, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and family therapy.

He earned his Master’s Degree in Social Work from The Catholic University of America and his Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from the University of Maryland. Before joining the BioBehavioral Institute, he served as Director of the Community Advisory Program for the Elderly (CAPE) and Assistant Director of the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services Pelham Clinic.

Michael provides integrative, evidence-based care tailored to each client’s needs and has many years of experience offering clinical supervision and training seminars. Outside of work, he enjoys playing guitar, reading philosophy, and spending time with family.

Dr. Richard Belz, Ph.D., is a full-time licensed psychologist who provides evidence-based therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. He specializes in the treatment of OCD and related disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, with an expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Dr. Belz earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Dakota and completed an APA-accredited internship at the Southeast Human Service Center in Fargo, ND. His professional background includes both inpatient and outpatient care, where he provided individual and group therapy, psychological assessments, and community education.

Dr. Belz is known for his warm, pragmatic approach that balances structure and empathy. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, mindfulness practice, and spending time with his family.

Susan Leshen is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in evidence-based treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder and related disorders, panic disorder, and depression in adults. She also provides couples and family therapy to help clients build healthier relationships and emotional balance.

Her approach draws from CBT, ERP, DBT, and ICBT, and she holds certificates in DBT skills training, CBT, and Panic Disorders Treatment. Susan earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work and believes that “there is no such thing as normal — everybody’s different, and that is the essence of their beauty.” Outside of her practice, she enjoys art and spending time with family.

Dr. Jesse Basson is a postdoctoral clinician at the Bio Behavioral Institute, where he specializes in treating OCD and anxiety disorders. His practicum experience at Zucker Hillside Hospital’s OCD Center, under the supervision of Dr. Anthony Pinto, helped him build expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

Dr. Basson takes a relationship-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, helping clients develop trust and self-awareness while working toward long-term change. He earned his Psy.D. from Hofstra University.

Outside of clinical work, he enjoys playing video games, watching anime, and practicing martial arts.

Dr. Maria Guerrero earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Yeshiva University and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. John’s University.

Before joining the Bio Behavioral Institute, she completed externships at NYU’s Child Study Center, Northwell Health’s Behavioral Health College Partnership Program, and Great Neck North High School. Dr. Guerrero has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults, treating a broad range of disorders including OCD and related disorders, anxiety, depression, and personality disorders.

She integrates Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and acceptance-based strategies and takes a compassionate, validating approach to therapy. Her doctoral research focused on fostering resilience in children to help buffer psychological distress.

Dr. William Sanderson earned his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Hofstra University. His education included extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through externships at Mount Sinai’s Eating and Weight Disorders Program and the Bio Behavioral Institute.

During his time at Mount Sinai, he specialized in CBT for eating disorders and the Maudsley Method (FBT). At the Bio Behavioral Institute, he focused on treating OCD and related disorers using CBT and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). He later completed an internship at Hofstra University’s Counseling Center, where he led group therapy and mental health awareness programs.

Dr. Sanderson specializes in OCD, eating disorders, and anxiety disorders, providing structured, evidence-based care tailored to each client’s needs.

Danielle Polland, LCSW, is a doctoral student extern at the Bio Behavioral Institute providing evidence-based treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. She specializes in eating disorders, OCD and related disorders, anxiety, and depression and integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into her work.

Danielle takes a non-judgmental, compassionate approach to therapy that both supports and challenges individuals to reach their goals. She is particularly passionate about providing weight-inclusive and evidence-based care for individuals and families managing eating disorders and OCD.

Prior to joining the BioBehavioral Institute, she trained at Selfhelp Community Services, the New York State Psychiatric Institute, and Mount Sinai Behavioral Health Center. She earned her Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University and her Bachelor of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Tufts University and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Adelphi University’s Derner School of Psychology.

Lindsay Uffer, M.S., is a third-year Psy.D. student in the School-Community Psychology Program at Hofstra University and a psychology extern at the Bio Behavioral Institute. She works with children, adolescents, and adults using CBT, ERP, DBT, and ACT to treat OCD, anxiety, and depression. Lindsay currently trains at Hofstra’s Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders, where she conducts evaluations and co-leads parent support groups. Her previous experience includes school-based training in the Wantagh and Levittown districts. She is passionate about helping individuals achieve growth and self-confidence.

Ryan Schare, M.S., is a psychology intern at the Bio Behavioral Institute specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders and OCD in children, adolescents, and young adults. Her work focuses on CBT, ERP, DBT-informed methods, and behavioral parent training. She has trained at Long Island University-Post Psychological Services Center, the Child and Family Institute, Cognitive Behavioral Associates, and LIJ/Zucker Hillside Hospital’s Child Outpatient Department. Ryan earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland and her M.S. in Applied Psychology from LIU Post, where she is completing her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology.

Sammy Alsaedi, M.S., is a fifth-year doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology at California Northstate University. He earned his M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY Old Westbury. Sammy’s clinical experiences include university counseling centers and private practice settings working with children, adolescents, and adults on a broad range of concerns including trauma, OCD, borderline personality disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and mood disorders.

He integrates CBT, ACT, and IFS in his work and is guided by a holistic, client-centered approach tailored to each individual’s needs and background. His style emphasizes empathy, warmth, and authenticity to foster growth and self-awareness. Outside of work, Sammy enjoys martial arts, travel, and learning about cultural psychology.

Shlomo Gittleman, M.S., is a psychology extern whose clinical training spans outpatient, inpatient, and assessment settings, working with high-risk populations and co-facilitating skills groups using CBT and DBT-informed approaches. He has specialized experience treating anxiety disorders, OCD and related conditions and is skilled in delivering Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and behavioral parent training. He earned his M.S. in Clinical Psychology from LIU Post and his B.A. from Touro University. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, nature walks, and became a pilot at age 18.