Cristy Russo, PhD, MSCP, VSTCP

Safety and acceptance create the conditions for meaningful care.

Who Is Dr. Cristy

Dr. Cristy Russo, PhD, MSCP, VSTCP is a pediatric and adult neuropsychologist with over 20 years experience. Her practice is grounded in the understanding that safety, nervous system regulation, and readiness matter. When the nervous system is supported, cognitive and emotional work can unfold naturally and without force. Care is shaped by what is present and unfolds at a pace that respects the specific needs of the person.

Dr. Cristy offers comprehensive neuropsychological and psychological evaluations for children, teens, and adults of all ages. Assessment is used to better understand how an individual thinks, learns, regulates, and responds to stress. Findings are integrated thoughtfully and used to inform individualized recommendations that are specific and responsive to real needs.

A foundation of comprehensive academic background that bridges advanced science with holistic knowledge:

Ph.D., Clinical Psychology & M.A., Clinical Psychology
M.S., Clinical Psychopharmacology
B.S, Biology &. B.A., Psychology
Active Licensure in multiple states, including Florida, Kansas, Massachusetts, and New York with PSYPACT authority to practice in over 42 additional states and territories.

Specializing in the integration of neuropsychology, mindfulness, neuro-somatic approaches, sound-based regulation, and cognitive behavioral therapy, Dr. Cristy integrates advanced training across psychology, neuropsychology, clinical psychopharmacology, and time honored healing traditions to empower individuals toward personal growth and emotional resilience.

Dr. Cristy's approach to care is informed by extensive experience in complex medical and psychological settings, with particular attention to trauma-responsive care, sensory processing, and nervous system regulation.

For Individuals Carrying a Great Deal

Some individuals arrive having managed significant responsibility for a long time. They are often reliable, capable, and accustomed to functioning under pressure, even when rest or support has been limited.

Over time, nervous systems may adapt to ongoing vigilance, emotional containment, or sustained demand. Care here does not aim to change who someone is or diminish what they are capable of. Attention is given instead to the cost of carrying so much for so long.

By supporting regulation and internal safety, space can open for relief, flexibility, and restoration. Thinking often becomes less effortful. Emotional range may widen. Decisions can feel clearer. Capacity is preserved without requiring constant strain.

This care is private, respectful, and paced to honor autonomy.

For Children and Families

Children are met with patience, attunement, and respect for their developmental and emotional needs. Families are supported in understanding what is happening beneath the behavior and how to respond in ways that support safety and growth.

For Couples Seeking Greater Safety and Understanding

Care with couples focuses on understanding how two nervous systems interact under stress, responsibility, and emotional history.

Rather than emphasizing technique or performance, the care begins with safety, pacing, and regulation for each person and developing an understanding of the dynamic of the relationship. Patterns of conflict, withdrawal, or disconnection are approached as adaptive responses rather than failures.

As nervous system support increases, communication often becomes clearer and less reactive. Connection can return without being forced. Conversations slow. Capacity for repair improves.

Care is structured, respectful, and responsive to readiness. There is no expectation to disclose more than feels appropriate.

How Care is Shaped

Care begins by understanding how an individual's nervous system, thinking style, emotional responses, and life context interact. Some people arrive needing assessment and clarity. Others arrive needing stabilization and support. Often, both are present.

Assessments and Understanding

Neuropsychological and psychological evaluations are offered for children, teens, and adults of all ages when deeper understanding is desired. Assessment is used to clarify how a person thinks, learns, processes information, regulates emotion, and responds under stress.

Assessments can help identify learning needs, attention patterns, cognitive load, burnout, or effects of trauma or long-standing stress. Findings are approached with care and context.

Assessment is not separate from care. Understanding becomes part of the therapeutic process, helping guide pacing, supports, and recommendations that are specific, practical and responsive to real needs.

From Understanding to Care

Assessment becomes part of the care process rather than a separate step.

Results are integrated gently and practically, informing how sessions are structured, what supports are most helpful, and what pace allows for meaningful change. Care may involved ongoing therapy, consultation, or guidance for families, schools, or other providers.

Beginning Care

Care typically begins with an Initial Clinical Session (60-90 minutes).

This first meeting allows time to understand what is bringing someone in, how the nervous system is responding, and what support may be most helpful. This session is paced, attentive, and individualized, with room for listening, clarification, and next steps.

Some individuals choose to schedule directly. Others prefer a brief orientation call first to ask questions.

Schedule Initial Clinical Session (60-90 Minutes - $429)

Brief Orientation Call (15 Minutes)

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