Our History
Lifeline was founded in 1959 by Dr. Ethel Wyner, Ph.D., as a progressive alternative to hospitalization or institutionalization. Starting as a five-day-a-week kindergarten servicing six children with serious emotional disturbances, Lifeline has grown into a beacon of hope and innovation.
In an ever-evolving world that now embraces a deeper understanding of childhood emotional disturbance, Lifeline proudly stands at the vanguard of progressive treatment options. Our commitment to providing innovative, evidence-proven interventions continues to light the way for those in our care.
Our experienced multidisciplinary team, in partnership with the NYC Department of Education, equips each child with the tools and encouragement to unlock their maximum potential. Lifeline's comprehensive services include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Group Therapy, Socialization Skill Building, Wellness and Yoga Instruction, Medication Management, and Care Management. These services are seamlessly woven into academic instruction by Certified Special Education Instructors, ensuring a holistic approach to each child's growth.
Lifeline's unwavering goal is to secure the resources that children in need deserve, empowering them to live fulfilling lives in communities where they are valued and celebrated. We continue to be a lifeline for those seeking light amid the shadows, nurturing potential, and fostering resilience in the hearts of the children we serve.
In an era that has witnessed an evolution in understanding childhood emotional disturbances, Lifeline has steadfastly remained a trailblazer, delivering a broad array of innovative treatments. To date, we have reached over 8,000 children, each facing unique challenges such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and various mood and adjustment disorders, guiding them toward healing and growth.
At Lifeline, we create a compassionate and nurturing environment, helping children to overcome experiences of fear, anxiety, hyperactivity, or depression. Our individualized care plans have enabled countless young individuals, once impeded by social and environmental hurdles, to develop the skills necessary to thrive within their communities.
Our comprehensive, therapeutic approach is supported by an experienced multidisciplinary team and a strong partnership with the Department of Education. Together, we offer services that span from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Group Therapy to Social Skills Development and Wellness Activities, all coupled with academic instruction by Certified Special Education Instructors.
Our relentless dedication goes beyond treatment to empower the children in our care. It's about ensuring they have the resources to lead fulfilling lives, to become valued members of their communities, and ultimately, to contribute positively to our collective future.
