An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Elyse Bensusan on the Power of Design, Diagnosis, and Her New Upper East Side Practice

In a city where intellect is often prized over introspection, and straight-A report cards can mask silent distress, one expert is reshaping the way we understand emotional wellness, both inside our homes and within ourselves.

Meet Dr. Elyse Bensusan: a Columbia-trained clinical psychologist, interior designer, and the visionary behind Mindful Design, a much-anticipated book which released in March 2025. With over 15 years of experience working with gifted and twice-exceptional individuals, Dr. Bensusan merges scientific precision with emotional intelligence, whether in her diagnostic reports or the living spaces she helps create.

This August, Dr. Bensusan opens the doors to her boutique neuropsychological practice on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where she offers highly personalized evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults, especially those who are high-functioning yet misunderstood. In our conversation, we explore how her work in psychology and design intersect, and why clarity in both realms may be the greatest gift we can give ourselves.

Q: Dr. Bensusan, congratulations on both your new book and your new practice. Let’s begin with the practice. What sets it apart in the NYC landscape?

Dr. Bensusan: Thank you! It’s an exciting time. The practice opening in August is deeply personal. I’ve designed it as a concierge-style, private-pay service where I take on a very low number of clients. That allows me to do the kind of deep, focused work that truly changes lives.

I specialize in neuropsychological and psychoeducational assessments, particularly for those who are gifted, twice-exceptional, or struggling in ways that haven’t been fully understood. These are often the kids who “seem fine” because they’re getting good grades, but they’re melting down after school or quietly battling anxiety.

Unlike larger clinics where you meet a psychologist once and then hand over the process, I personally conduct every aspect, from intake to testing to the final feedback. The goal is clarity, support, and emotional attunement from start to finish.

Q: In your experience, what kinds of families come to you?

Dr. Bensusan: Often, it’s families who’ve already tried everything from therapy and tutoring to school accommodations, but something still isn’t clicking. The child may be smart and verbal but struggles with emotional regulation, executive functioning, or social relationships. Or parents might notice subtle shifts in mood, sleep, or motivation that don't show up in the classroom.

These are what I call the “invisible struggles,” and without a clear understanding, these kids often internalize their challenges as personal failures. A well-done evaluation can finally connect the dots and give everyone a shared language to move forward.

Q: Mental health challenges among youth are rising rapidly. How does your work respond to that reality?

Dr. Bensusan: We’re facing a youth mental health crisis: 1 in 5 children in the U.S. has a diagnosable emotional or behavioral disorder, but most go untreated (CDC, 2023). In high-pressure environments like NYC, kids often overachieve to compensate for inner turmoil.

That’s where early, emotionally sensitive assessments come in. We’re not just identifying ADHD or a learning disability; we’re mapping a child’s internal world. When you do that well, families don’t just feel relief; they gain a roadmap for support, advocacy, and healing.

Q: Your new book Mindful Design takes a different but related angle. What inspired you to write it?

Dr. Bensusan: Mindful Design was born from years of observing how our environments either soothe or stimulate our nervous systems. As a psychologist, I noticed that even subtle changes in a child’s home like reducing visual clutter or softening the lighting could drastically improve emotional regulation.

The book brings together the psychology of space with aesthetic design. It explores how elements like color, natural materials, layout, and sensory engagement influence our mood, attention, and sense of calm. There’s also a section on hosting mindful events, because I believe our values should extend beyond how we decorate into how we connect with others.

Q: Can you give an example of how interior design can promote wellness?

Dr. Bensusan: Absolutely. Research has shown that exposure to natural materials and earthy tones can reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure (Frontiers in Psychology, 2019). In my book, I talk about “bringing the outdoors in” through wooden textures, soft greens, and light that mimics circadian rhythms. These aren’t just design choices; they’re emotional interventions.

For kids with ADHD, simplifying visual input and using calming textures can reduce overstimulation. For anxious adults, creating a cocoon-like reading nook can offer a physical space to regulate emotions.

Q: How does your design philosophy inform your work as a psychologist and vice versa?

Dr. Bensusan: They feed each other. When I assess a child who’s struggling, I often ask about their space: Where do they do homework? How’s their sleep environment? Is there sensory overload?

Conversely, when I design or advise on a space, I consider emotional history and psychological triggers. Our homes are reflections of our inner world, and sometimes we have to change one to heal the other.

Q: Who should consider working with you whether for an evaluation or design consultation?

Dr. Bensusan: On the psychology side, any parent who senses their child is misunderstood or “stuck” should reach out, especially if the child is gifted, anxious, or showing signs of ADHD or learning differences. I also work with young adults and offer select online therapy for adults navigating emotional or attentional challenges.

On the design side, anyone craving a more intentional, emotionally supportive home will benefit from the book. Whether you’re redecorating a studio apartment or designing your dream home, the principles are the same: Design can be healing.

Q: What’s your message to families or individuals feeling overwhelmed right now?

Dr. Bensusan: Start small. Whether it’s reaching out for a consultation or decluttering one corner of your home, small steps create space in your environment and in your mind. Don’t wait for a breaking point. Understanding, whether through assessment or reflection, is a form of self-care.

The Takeaway: Two Paths, One Purpose

Whether she’s decoding the learning profile of a twice-exceptional child or crafting a space that calms the soul, Elyse Bensusan is transforming the conversation around mental health and home design. Her work reminds us that clarity, whether emotional, psychological, or spatial, isn’t just comforting. It’s powerful.

With her concierge psychological practice opening August 2025 on the Upper East Side and her book Mindful Design set for release in March, Dr. Bensusan is poised to make a lasting impact on how we think, feel, and live.

Learn More & Connect:

Website: www.dr-elysebensusan.com

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (646) 663-5111

Office Address: 1751 Second Avenue, Suite AZ-5, New York, NY 10128

Book Release: Mindful Design, March 2025 via Amazon and Barnes & Noble

YouTube Channel: Mindful Design by Elyse Bensusan