I’m Dr. Peter Berzins, a licensed clinical psychologist and Co-Founder of Birch Tree Psychology. For over 15 years, I’ve worked with children, teens, and adults, helping them overcome challenges, build resilience, and live more fulfilling lives. My clinical work is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Positive Psychology, with an emphasis on helping people not just feel better—but function better.
I specialize in treating anxiety, stress, and life transitions, as well as performance-related concerns for athletes. I also have extensive experience working with college students and young adults navigating academic pressure, identity formation, and the launch into independence. My clients describe me as warm, approachable, and easy to talk to—someone who creates a non-judgmental environment where real growth can happen.
License Number: 4806
My approach to therapy
I believe therapy should be practical, results-oriented, and personally meaningful. While symptom relief is important, I see therapy as an opportunity to go further—to help people thrive, not just survive. My approach draws from evidence-based methods like CBT, while incorporating tools from Positive Psychology, which focuses on strengths, well-being, and how we can live more purposefully.
Building a strong therapeutic relationship is central to how I work. Research—and my own experience—shows that the trust and connection between therapist and client are essential for meaningful progress. I strive to create a space where clients feel respected, supported, and motivated to change.
Areas of expertise
I specialize in treating:
- Anxiety and stress-related disorders
- Sports performance and mental coaching
- Life transitions and identity development in young adults
- College student mental health
- Depression and low motivation
- Personal growth and resilience using Positive Psychology
Whether I’m working with an athlete preparing for peak performance, a college student under pressure, or an adult feeling stuck in life, I tailor therapy to the unique needs and goals of each person.
Education and training
I earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fordham University, where I graduated magna cum laude. My doctoral research focused on how the quality of the therapeutic relationship impacts outcomes for adolescents in therapy—something I continue to value deeply in my clinical work.
I also hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University’s Teachers College and a B.A. in Psychology from Adelphi University.
My clinical training took place in diverse and respected settings, including:
- Drew University Counseling Center
- Greystone Psychiatric Hospital
- St. Clare’s Hospital
- Lenox Hill Hospital
- NYU Psychoanalytic Institute
- North Shore University Hospital
- Fordham University Counseling Center
These experiences gave me a broad foundation in treating individuals across the lifespan, using both psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral approaches.
Therapy tailored to your needs
I believe that effective therapy meets you where you are—emotionally, mentally, and practically. My role is to understand your goals and help you move toward them with clarity, purpose, and confidence. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, adjusting to a new phase of life, or simply want to improve your well-being, we’ll work together to build lasting change.