For many parents, one of the hardest moments is realizing their child may be struggling.
Maybe it's anxiety that seems to come out of nowhere. Maybe it's difficulty focusing in school, changes in behavior, growing emotional challenges, or a sense that something just doesn't seem right. Parents want to help, but knowing where to turn can feel overwhelming.
That is exactly why Christine Lisa created Serenity Psychiatry and Wellness.
Located in nearby Park Ridge, the practice has become a trusted resource for families throughout the Pascack Valley seeking compassionate mental health care in a welcoming environment. As a Board Certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and mother of three, Christine understands both the professional and personal side of supporting children through life's challenges.
"I wanted to create a space where people feel genuinely heard, valued and involved in their healing journey," she says.
That philosophy grew from Christine's own experiences in healthcare. Before entering psychiatry, she spent more than eight years working as a registered nurse in oncology and surgical trauma intensive care units. During that time, she witnessed the emotional impact serious illness can have on patients and their families.
The experience became deeply personal when Christine lost her mother to ovarian cancer in 2010.
"I saw how my own family struggled during that time in different ways," she says. "I realized none of us are immune to mental health challenges."
That realization helped shape a career dedicated to helping others navigate difficult seasons of life.
Since opening Serenity Psychiatry and Wellness in 2023, Christine has built a growing team that shares her mission of providing the kind of care they would want for their own families. Today, the practice includes four Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, a life coach and dedicated support staff, all focused on helping patients feel supported every step of the way.
While Serenity serves adults, a significant part of the practice centers on children, teens and families. Christine says many of the concerns she sees today are challenges familiar to parents throughout the Pascack Valley.
Technology, social pressures, academic expectations and an increasingly fast-paced world are contributing to rising levels of anxiety, depression and attention difficulties among young people.
"As a parent, I understand many of the challenges families are facing," she says. "Children are exposed to so much information today, and it can be difficult for them to process everything."
One area Christine is particularly passionate about is helping families better understand ADHD. She believes education is one of the most powerful tools parents can have and hopes to continue expanding community outreach efforts focused on providing accurate information for families, teachers and school administrators.
But before treatment plans, diagnoses or medications are discussed, Christine believes something even more important has to happen first.
Listening.
"The biggest thing in mental health is listening," she says. "What are patients telling you? What are their goals? They should be involved in their treatment plan."
That patient-centered approach helps create trust, especially for children who may be nervous about their first visit.
To make the experience more comfortable, Serenity includes a dedicated children's play area filled with sensory toys, books, magnetic tiles, kinetic sand and fidget tools. Young patients even receive a self-care bag after their first visit.
The goal is simple: make children feel safe.
Many families arrive feeling uncertain about seeking mental health support, particularly when medication may be part of the conversation. Christine understands those concerns and works closely with parents to ensure they feel informed and empowered throughout the process.
"Seeking help can feel scary," she says. "We take the time to educate families, answer questions and make sure everyone feels comfortable."
She also encourages parents to pay attention to changes in behavior that may signal a child needs additional support. Increased isolation, declining grades, withdrawing from friends and family, or noticeable emotional shifts can all be signs that something deeper may be happening.
At home, Christine believes some of the most meaningful support comes from simply slowing down and reconnecting.
She encourages parents to spend intentional one-on-one time with their children, talking about their interests, fears and worries, while setting aside distractions and devices.
"Get to know your child on a personal level," she says. "Those connections matter."
As someone who lives and works in Bergen County, serving local families is especially meaningful to Christine. She understands the unique pressures and opportunities that come with raising children in the Pascack Valley and values being part of the same community her patients call home.
Ultimately, her goal extends far beyond the walls of her practice.
"When someone improves their mental health, it creates a ripple effect," she says. "It impacts their family, their relationships, school, work and every part of their life."
For the families who walk through Serenity's doors, that ripple often begins with something many people need but don't always find: a place where they feel heard.
And sometimes, that's where healing starts.
For more information about Serenity Psychiatry and Wellness, visit serenitypsychiatryandwellness.com, call 201-880-7440, or email support@serenitypsychiatryandwellness.com. The practice is located at 77 Market St., Suite 201, Park Ridge, and can be found on Instagram at @serenitypsychiatryandwellness.
"I wanted to create a space where people feel genuinely heard, valued and involved in their healing journey." - Christine Lisa
"When someone improves their mental health, it creates a ripple effect. It impacts their family, their relationships, school, work and every part of their life." - Christine Lisa