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Harlem Family Services

Community Mental Health located in Harlem, New York, NY

Welcome to Harlem Family Services, a nonprofit organization proudly serving the East Harlem community of Manhattan in New York City. The experienced team offers both in-person and virtual clinical services, designed to meet the unique mental health needs of individuals, couples, and families.

Inspired by the legacy of Dr. Margaret Morgan Lawrence, a renowned pediatrician, psychoanalyst, and founding board member, we are dedicated to upholding her vision of compassionate, community-centered mental health care.

Rooted in a whole-person, trauma-informed, and socioculturally aware approach, our mission is to provide accessible, affordable care that empowers people to build healthier, more balanced lives.

Harlem Family Services provides a comprehensive range of diagnostic assessments, personalized treatment plans, and support services specifically designed for children, adolescents, young adults, and their families.

Our therapeutic programs include individual and group psychotherapy, child psychotherapy, parent support groups, and psychiatric evaluations, including medication management when needed.

Services are also available in local schools, community centers, houses of worship, and other neighborhood spaces, working closely with educators and community leaders.

We proudly serve a diverse range of individuals, including foster care families, immigrant households, frontline healthcare professionals, educators, clergy, law enforcement, and community advocates.

Whether you’re seeking to identify and heal from trauma, improve daily routines, or find solutions to personal or professional challenges, Harlem Family Services is here to support your journey toward wellness and lasting change. Call the office or book an appointment online today.

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Services We Offer

Child Psychotherapy

Consultation Services

Group Psychotherapy

Individual Psychotherapy

Outpatient Mental Health

Parent Groups

Reflective Network Therapy

Transforming Children’s Lives—Together, In Every Circle of Support

Imagine a breakthrough approach that empowers not just a child, but their entire world. That’s Reflective Network Therapy (RNT), created by visionary Gilbert Kliman, MD—and it’s coming soon to Harlem Family Services.

How It Works

RNT brings skilled therapists directly into the rhythms of a child’s daily life. Through play, group activities, and real moments with family, educators, and peers, each child benefits from a vibrant circle of support. In this nurturing group setting, every caring adult becomes part of the growth, healing, and joy—turning everyday interactions into opportunities for confidence, connection, and resilience.

Who Benefits

RNT is for every child—especially those facing developmental challenges, emotional struggles, or big life changes, as well as those who simply need extra encouragement to thrive. Families, caregivers, and professionals join forces to help each child shine, creating a community where no one is left behind.

Why It Matters

Since 1965, over 2,000 children have experienced the power of RNT—overcoming obstacles, building friendships, and discovering their strengths. This isn’t just therapy; it’s a network of champions, all working together for your child’s success and happiness.

Joanna Fahey, LCSW-R

Tom Perron, NPP

Neil E. Altman, Ph.D.

Ernest P. Smith, LCSW-R

Lou Pansulla, LCSW-R

Vision Statement

We envision a future where cycles of trauma and systemic inequality are broken through the power of community-driven care. By fostering mental wellness, equity, and collective healing, we aim to uplift all families and create a world where justice and compassion thrive. Together, we seek to become a national model for culturally informed, equitable mental health services in underserved neighborhoods, inspiring transformative change for generational healing.

Mission Statement

We empower marginalized communities by providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed mental health care that prioritizes healing, resilience, and social justice. Through accessible therapy, advocacy, and support for children, families, individuals, and schools, we strive to create spaces of safety and belonging. Rooted in the heart of Harlem, the Bronx, and Washington Heights, we are committed to offering low-cost, affordable services that meet the needs of those often overlooked.

What Makes Our Practice Stand Out?

Harlem Family Services (HFS) stands apart through its collaborative, community-focused approach, integrating cultural awareness, social justice, and partnerships to create a meaningful, lasting impact. Here’s what makes us different:

Trauma- and Socioculturally-Informed Care

HFS tailors services to reflect the unique experiences of each client, addressing the intersections of race, culture, gender, and socioeconomic status. We meet clients where they are—emotionally, culturally, and logistically—providing care that is personal, respectful, and empowering.

Empowerment Through Respect

For individuals who have faced lifelong marginalization, HFS provides a safe, judgment-free environment where dignity is restored. We listen deeply, reject stereotypes, and honor each client’s unique story and potential.

Legacy of Advocacy and Healing

Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. Margaret Morgan Lawrence, HFS continues her legacy of empowering individuals to transform adversity into strength while advocating for systemic change. Her vision of resilience and inclusion drives our mission.

A Collaborative, Holistic Approach

Collaboration is central to HFS’s mission, ensuring that care is both comprehensive and effective by uniting individuals, families, schools, and communities. Through Reflective Network Therapy, HFS facilitates real-time partnerships among therapists, teachers, and families to support children’s emotional development. The organization also forms strategic alliances with schools, community centers, houses of worship, and safe havens to provide accessible, stigma-free mental health care to unhoused and vulnerable populations. Family engagement is prioritized through initiatives such as parent support groups, which are designed to strengthen family bonds and foster collective healing. Furthermore, HFS enhances trauma-informed care by training and collaborating with educators, healthcare providers, clergy, and legal professionals, thereby expanding its network of support across multiple sectors.

Community-Centered Services

HFS brings mental health care into the neighborhoods we serve, eliminating barriers to access. By embedding services in schools, safe havens, and other trusted community spaces, we create a sense of safety and belonging for clients.

Accessibility for All

HFS provides low-cost, affordable therapy for all. Virtual services, rapid response times, and culturally competent care ensure no one is left behind.

Specialized Focus

HFS creates programs that reach individuals and communities often overlooked by traditional services. Our offerings include mental health support, family therapy, culturally responsive care, relationship-building guidance, and resources for managing stress and burnout. We serve a diverse range of people, including those experiencing homelessness, families, immigrants, individuals in foster care, and professionals across education, healthcare, legal, and community sectors.

Commitment to Social Justice

HFS treats individuals and drives systemic change. By addressing inequities and amplifying marginalized voices, we work to create a mental health landscape that is truly equitable and inclusive.

Healing Through Connection

HFS believes healing is rooted in connection. Whether through group programs, family engagement, or community partnerships, we create networks of care that foster resilience, reduce isolation, and strengthen communities.

Harlem Family Services is different because we go beyond therapy—we build bridges of care and collaboration.

By empowering individuals, strengthening families, partnering with communities, and advocating for justice, we ensure that healing is personal, collective, and transformative. At HFS, mental health care is not just a service — it’s a shared journey toward dignity, resilience, and hope.