ABOUT THE PRACTICE

With over 28 years of experience in the medical field, I understand the value of collaboration in providing comprehensive and effective care.

In 2023, I expanded my solo practice to include two Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners who share my vision for treating patients with a compassionate and personalized approach.

I continue to treat patients while expanding my role as Medical Director of the practice. Meet the team below.

- Dr. Deborah Lipschitz

Deborah Lipschitz, MD - Psychiatrist in Fairfield, CT

Deborah Lipschitz, MD

I am a South African trained doctor and an American trained psychiatrist. I have practiced child, adolescent and adult psychiatry in the town of Fairfield, CT for 28 years.

Prior to establishing my full-time private practice I was on faculty at Yale University for 10 years where I practiced more of an academic/research type model of psychiatry. I have also supervised and taught many psychiatric residents, medical students, advanced practice psychiatric nurses and other mental health providers. This brings me great joy. Over the years I have been a consultant to school districts, outpatient clinics, foster care agencies and eating disorder facilities.

My diverse personal and professional background allows me to truly practice evidence based psychiatric care that includes psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. It also allows me to formulate my new practice model of psychiatric care where my two APRNs and I work side by side to offer comprehensive and individualized care. 

My expertise is in Mood and Anxiety Disorders across the lifespan. My research interests are in trauma and PTSD. All of my work is collaborative - with the patient, their families, and with other members of their treatment team.

My two amazing child and adolescent trained psychiatric nurse practitioners each have their own areas of expertise to help me in the practice. Ariana Rick is passionate about working with young children and trauma work. Allison Hayes enjoys working with youngsters with ADHD and incorporating executive functioning skills in her treatment goals. My team can help you.

  • Fellowship, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
    Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1995

    Residency, Adult Psychiatry
    Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1993

    MD/MBBS
    University of Cape Town, 1986

    BS in Biochemistry & Microbiology
    University of Cape Town, 1982

  • Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (Psychiatry & Child and Adolescent Psychiatry) 

    Connecticut physician’s license ( #035007) 

  • Exceptional Women in Medicine: 2020-2022

    Connecticut Magazine: 2021-2022

    New York Magazine: Top Doctors: 2021-2022

    Top Doctors New York Metro Area (digital guide): 2015-2022

    Top Doctors: New York Metro Area (book series): 18th & 19th Edition

    Moffly Media Magazines/Fairfield County: 2015-2021

    • Trauma informed care

    • Developmental approach

    • Complex medical cases

Ariana Rick, DNP, APRN - Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Fairfield, CT

Ariana Rick, DNP, APRN

I am a board-certified, doctorate prepared Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who specializes in treating child, adolescent, and young adult patients. I began my nursing at St. Vincent’s behavioral health after graduating from Fairfield University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2016. I began pursuing my Doctorate in Nursing Practice in 2019 while still working at the inpatient child/adolescent psychiatric unit and also teaching for Sacred Heart University as an adjunct clinical instructor.

I completed my doctorate in 2023 with my doctoral research thesis on trauma informed care in clinical settings. I later presented this research at the 2023 APNA conference. I hold my APRN license in the state of Connecticut. I am also certified in the Trauma Resiliency Model to provide somatic trauma therapy and have completed Basic Training in EMDR.

With 7 years of experience in the inpatient child psychiatric unit at St. Vincent’s Hospital, after graduating I continue working in the hospital as an adjunct professor teaching students and have joined the world of private practice treating patients alongside Dr. Lipschitz and Allison Hayes.

I am very passionate about helping young people and I understand how their emotional needs differ from that of adults. I work well with patients across the lifespan, especially those who need a provider that is enthusiastic, fun-loving, and has a direct style of communication. I believe in advocating for children always, especially those who have experienced trauma. I am young at heart with interests in vintage toy collecting, art, and frequent Disney park trips. Just wait until you see my vibrant, toy-filled office!

Our APRNs are fully licensed to provide psychopharmacology (including evaluating, diagnosing, and prescribing) and psychotherapy services in the state of Connecticut. As a collaborative practice, our clinical team (Dr. Lipschitz and the APRNs) meets on a weekly basis to discuss patient treatment needs.

  • Doctorate in Nursing Practice
    Fairfield University, 2023

    Bachelor of Science in Nursing
    Fairfield University, 2016

    Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
    Fairfield University, 2015

  • EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) Basic Training Certification

    Certified Trauma Resiliency Model Practitioner

    Florence Nightingale Award Winner, 2020

  • Adjunct Professor at Sacred Heart University

    American Psychiatric Nurse’s Association (APNA) Member

    Sigma Thetas Tau Nursing Honors Society Member

    • Trauma informed care

    • Treating mood disorders

    • Play therapy

Allison Hayes, APRN - Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Fairfield, CT

Allison Hayes, APRN

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who sees children, adolescent, and adult patients.

After graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I began my nursing career at Monmouth Medical Center in New Jersey where I worked on the pediatric medical floor and in the pediatric intensive care unit. I then worked at the inpatient adolescent psychiatric unit at Yale New Haven Hospital and the Center for Discovery in Fairfield, CT. I graduated from Fairfield University with a my Master of Science in Nursing with a psychiatric specialty in 2016.

Since graduating I have been working in private practice and specialize in ADHD, executive functioning, depression, and anxiety. I am certified as an ADHD Clinical Services Provider.

I believe that having a strong therapeutic relationship with patients is foundational to effective treatment and value the relationships I’m able to build with my patients. I enjoy working with young adults who are in a period of life transition (post-college, career change, etc.). I also understand the challenges of stressors that can arise in all relationships, especially between parents and children.

I love spending time with my family, relaxing at the beach, and enjoying a good time at the Irish Club. My calm and empathetic demeanor helps patients and their families feel at ease and comfortable in a clinical setting.

Our APRNs are fully licensed to provide psychopharmacology (including evaluating, diagnosing, and prescribing) and psychotherapy services in the state of Connecticut. As a collaborative practice, our clinical team (Dr. Lipschitz and the APRNs) meets on a weekly basis to discuss patient treatment needs.

  • Master of Science in Nursing with Psychiatric Speciality
    Fairfield University, 2016

    Bachelor of Science in Nursing
    University of Scranton, 2012

  • ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP)

  • American Psychiatric Nurse’s Association (APNA) Member

    CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) Member

    • ADHD

    • Executive Functioning

    • Depresion

    • Anxiety

Jacqueline DeMaio, Office Manager

Jacqueline is our highly organized, kind and compassionate Office Manager. She manages day-to-day operations, answers all phone calls and email inquires, and helps patients with scheduling and refills.

She is committed to developing meaningful relationships with everyone that comes into contact with our practice to help our clinicians deliver the most comprehensive and collaborative care possible.

With an educational background in Sociology, her areas of interest include healthcare, behavioral health, and education. She loves being a part of this dynamic team.

Learn more about what we do or get in touch.