Dr. Cynthia R. Pfeffer, MD

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Dr. Pfeffer’s Expertise and Contributions Enhance Mental Health Support for Children and Families

New York, New York – Dr. Cynthia R. Pfeffer, a dual board certified psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry, continues to provide exceptional evaluation and treatment at Weill Cornell Psychiatry at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. With a focus on understanding a patient’s early and current experiences, development, medical status, and family background, Dr. Pfeffer offers a holistic approach to mental health care that is crucial in today’s challenging environment.

Graduating summa cum laude from Douglass College of Rutgers University and earning her Medical Degree from New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Dr. Pfeffer brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her practice. She completed her pediatric internship at Bellevue Hospital and her residency in general and child psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Prior to joining Weill Cornell, she directed the Child Psychiatry Crisis Service at Jacobi Hospital and led the Child Psychiatric Inpatient Unit at New York Presbyterian Hospital, catering to children aged six to twelve with severe psychiatric disorders.

Dr. Pfeffer is also the founder of the Weill Cornell Childhood Bereavement Program, dedicated to helping children cope with the loss of loved ones, and remains affiliated with NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health in White Plains. Her commitment to advancing the field of child psychiatry is reflected in her extensive academic research, focusing on topics such as severe childhood stress, depression, and posttraumatic stress. Her groundbreaking work has received funding from the National Institute of Mental Health and various nonprofit organizations, while her expertise has been called upon by the FDA and the U.S. Senate, highlighting her significant role in shaping mental health policy.

In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Dr. Pfeffer has contributed to the field through numerous publications, serving as editor of “Intense Stress and Mental Disturbance in Children” in 1996 and “Youth Suicide: Perspectives on Risk and Prevention” in 1989, and co-editor of “Child and Adolescent Neurology for Psychiatrist” in 1992 and 2008, and “Neurologic Disorders: Developmental and Behavioral Sequelae for Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America” in 1999. She found success with her written works “Difficult Moments in Child Psychotherapy” in 1988, “The Suicidal Child” in 1986, and several additional published papers.

Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Pfeffer has accrued several accolades; she was presented with the William Shonfeld Award by the American Society of Adolescent Psychiatry in 2009, the Sigmund Freud Award by the American Society of Psychoanalytic Physicians in 1994, the Wilford Hulse Award by the New York Council On Child & Adolescent Psychiatry in 1989, the Norbert Rieger Award by the American Academy Child & Adolescent Psychiatry in 1988, the Erwin Stengel Award by the International Association of Suicide Prevention in 1987, and the Young Contributors Award from the American Association of Suicidology in 1981 and 1982. In addition, she has been recognized in New York Magazine’s Best Doctors in New York, Top Doctors in the New York Metro Area, and Who’s Who in America, highlighting her ongoing commitment to advancing mental health care.

Dr. Pfeffer remains dedicated to her mission of supporting children and families in need of mental health services. With plans to continue her clinical practice and engage in further writing projects, she aims to expand her contributions to mental health care and education.

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