Grace
Berman

LCSW — Mental Health Expert
Grace Berman professional photo

Professional Credentials

About

Two Decades on the Front Lines of Adolescent Mental Health

Grace Berman is a licensed clinical social worker who has dedicated her career to helping children, adolescents, and families navigate the complexities of mental health in an increasingly challenging world.

As co-director of community education at The Ross Center in Washington, DC, Grace leads workshops, training programs, and public education initiatives that bridge the gap between clinical expertise and practical application. Her work focuses on making evidence-based mental health strategies accessible to parents, educators, and clinicians.

At Columbia University School of Social Work, Grace teaches the next generation of clinicians, bringing real-world experience from her years at the Child Mind Institute, where she served as clinical manager and worked directly with hundreds of families. Her clinical training includes an advanced fellowship at Yale Child Study Center, one of the nation's premier institutions for child and adolescent mental health research and treatment.

The middle path is usually the best path

Grace's expertise spans anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, and the unique challenges facing today's youth, including the mental health implications of social media and technology. She is a sought-after speaker and media commentator, translating complex clinical concepts into actionable guidance for diverse audiences.

Her approach is grounded in evidence-based practice, but informed by empathy and a deep understanding of the real-world pressures facing families. As she often reminds parents: "We are your bench" — a trusted resource and source of support when the game gets tough.

Career Timeline

Professional Journey

Present

Co-Director of Community Education

The Ross Center, Washington DC

Leading parent education workshops, professional training programs, and community outreach initiatives focused on adolescent mental health.

Present

Adjunct Professor

Columbia University School of Social Work

Teaching graduate-level courses in clinical social work, adolescent development, and evidence-based interventions.

Previous

Clinical Manager

Child Mind Institute, New York

Managed clinical operations and provided direct treatment to children and adolescents with anxiety, ADHD, and mood disorders.

Training

Advanced Clinical Fellow

Yale Child Study Center

Specialized training in evidence-based treatments for childhood anxiety, OCD, and related disorders.

Committee

Public Education Committee

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

Contributing to national public education efforts around anxiety and depression awareness and treatment.

Clinical Philosophy

Evidence-Based, Empathy-Driven

Grace's clinical approach is rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure-based treatments, and other evidence-based modalities. But she recognizes that effective treatment requires more than just technique — it requires genuine connection, cultural humility, and an understanding of the unique context each family brings.

Whether working with a teenager struggling with social anxiety or a parent navigating their child's ADHD diagnosis, Grace brings both clinical rigor and compassionate understanding to every interaction.

Key Principles

Guiding Values

  • 1. Meet families where they are
  • 2. Translate research into practice
  • 3. Prioritize safety while respecting autonomy
  • 4. Embrace the "middle path" — balance, not extremes
  • 5. Serve as a trusted "bench" for families and professionals
It's a tough time for kids and for adolescents. We have the data to back that up.