Dr. Robert Goldman is a licensed psychologist and attorney with 20 years of experience in combining law and psychology.

Dr. Goldman has previously served as a staff attorney within the Criminal Bureau for Suffolk County Legal Aid where he discovered his passion for uncovering the why of legal cases.

Upon beginning his practice, he was appointed to the Law Guardian Panel which inspired him to receive his Doctorate in School & Community Psychology from Hofstra University in order to help children.

Dr. Goldman worked as the Supervising Psychologist for the Suffolk County Probation Department and Suffolk County Mental Hygiene Services where he conducted court evaluations, provided psychological treatment to community members and inmates, and developed multiple restorative justice programs.

Dr. Goldman has also lectured nationally on topics ranging from Restorative Justice, Educational Law, Forensic Evaluations and the Treatment of Anxiety and Depression among teens and adults. Dr. Goldman is also an author and has been published in the Albany Law Review and the New York Law Journal.

Dr. Goldman is a member of the American Psychological Association, Suffolk County Criminal Bar Association and the Suffolk County Bar Association. He is also the co-chair of the Neuroscience and Law Committee, and an adjunct professor at Hofstra University and St. Joseph’s College teaching Restorative Justice and various Community Correction topics.

Psychology Today Profile

Dr. Robert Goldman Resume

Dr. Justine Mahler is a postdoctoral fellow who brings warmth, dedication, and a wide range of clinical experience to her work with children, adolescents, and adults. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from SUNY Oswego, with minors in Human Development and Cognitive Science, and went on to complete her Psy.D. in School-Community Psychology at Hofstra University in May 2025.

For the past five years, Dr. Mahler worked closely with Dr. Robert Goldman and his team while completing her doctorate and is now excited to continue in a full-time role as a postdoctoral fellow. Her extensive training spans clinical, school, and forensic psychology. From 2021 to 2024, she served as an intern school psychologist across multiple Long Island school districts, providing counseling and conducting evaluations for students in elementary through high school.

In addition, she worked as both therapist and clinical coordinator at Hofstra’s Institute for Family Forensic Psychology, provided therapy at the Positive Psychology Institute for Emerging Adults, and conducted psychological assessments through the Psychological Evaluation Research and Counseling Clinic, addressing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral concerns. She has also delivered professional presentations during her training, including at the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) in Colorado and the International Academy of Law and Mental Health (IALMH) in Barcelona, Spain, reflecting her commitment to the integration of research, practice, and public discourse.

Dr. Mahler completed her clinical internship at the Bio-Behavioral Institute, where she provided individual and intensive outpatient therapy for individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), hoarding behaviors, and other mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. During this time, she developed strong proficiency in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy.

In practice, she draws techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness techniques, and Positive Psychology to work with a wide range of mental health disorders, as well as support clients navigating various complex life transitions (emerging adulthood, career shifts, family restructuring/divorce, grief, etc.). She incorporates a trauma-informed lens when appropriate, ensuring sensitivity to past experiences while fostering safety and trust in the therapeutic relationship. Her approach is integrative and flexible, grounded in empathy, and tailored to the unique needs of each individual or family. Above all, Dr. Mahler is committed to creating a safe, collaborative, and goal-oriented space where clients can deepen insight, overcome challenges, and experience meaningful growth.

Kaylyn Wilson is a Mental Health Counselor working supervised under Dr. Robert Goldman. Kaylyn graduated from SUNY Oswego in 2022 with her Bachelors in Criminal Justice and Minors in Forensic Science and Psychology. From there, she went on to get her Masters at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. In 2024, Kaylyn graduated with her Masters in Forensic Mental Health Counseling complemented by extensive training in child psychology, forensic psychology and family counseling. She is certified in victimology, underscoring her expertise and dedication to professional growth. Kaylyn is currently working to obtain her license in Mental Health Counseling.

Kaylyn is a dedicated and compassionate Mental Health Counselor with a profound commitment to fostering mental wellness across all age groups. Kaylyn has

developed a specialized focus on working with children and adolescents, providing a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for young clients to explore their emotions and develop coping skills.

With a client-centered approach, Kaylyn integrates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness Techniques. Her therapeutic style is empathetic and adaptive, tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, ensuring that every child feels heard, understood, and valued.

At the core of Kaylyn’s practice is the belief that every child deserves a supportive and understanding space to navigate their mental health journey ensuring all children know they are not alone. Her dedication to empowering young minds and fostering a sense of self-worth and resilience is evident in every session, making a lasting positive impact on the lives of her clients.

In addition to Kaylyn’s work with children, she has experience as a forensic mental health counselor. This included providing specialized therapy for individuals who have been involved in the criminal justice system and focusing on rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.

Psychology Today profile

Rachel Bergenstock is a dedicated and skilled mental health professional who graduated with a Master’s degree in Forensic Mental Health Counseling. Currently, she is on the path to obtaining her Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) certification, working under the esteemed supervision of Dr. Robert Goldman.

Rachel’s journey in the field of mental health is marked by a deep commitment to understanding and addressing the complex needs of forensic populations, where she skillfully navigates the intersection of mental health and the legal system.

Throughout her academic and professional career, Rachel has honed her expertise in forensic mental health, demonstrating a keen ability to assess and provide therapeutic interventions for individuals involved in the criminal justice system.

Her approach is both empathetic and evidence-based, ensuring that her clients receive the highest standard of care.

In addition to her specialization in forensic populations, Rachel has a experience working with children. She has successfully engaged with young clients, helping them navigate their unique challenges and fostering their emotional and psychological well-being. Her work with children is characterized by a compassionate and patient-centered approach, making her a versatile and effective counselor.

Rachel’s dedication to her field is evident in her continuous pursuit of professional development and her active involvement in the mental health community. She is committed to staying abreast of the latest research and best practices, ensuring that her clients benefit from the most current and effective therapeutic strategies.

Kayla Cholpan is a Mental Health Counselor (MHC-LP) working under the supervision of the distinguished Dr. Robert Goldman.

In 2020, Kayla graduated with honors from The George Washington University in Washington, DC, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminal Justice. In 2025, Kayla graduated with distinction from CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, New York with a Master of Arts in Forensic Mental Health Counseling. She also earned an Advanced Certificate in Victimology Studies from the same institution.

With a strong academic background in psychology and forensic mental health, Kayla specializes in the intersection of mental health and the legal system, providing trauma-informed, evidence-based care to justice-involved individuals. Kayla is committed to supporting clients through rehabilitative and restorative pathways with the goal of promoting resilience.

Currently, under the supervision of Dr. Robert Goldman, Kayla is working toward her New York State licensure in Mental Health Counseling (LMHC). In addition to her forensic work, Kayla sees clients from various populations for individual therapy including children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. She additionally facilitates group therapy sessions for children, and is seeking to expand this practice to encompass the needs of adults as well.

Kayla recognizes that each individual brings their own worldview and personal experiences into therapy, which in turn requires taking a tailored approach to each client. Kayla incorporates various evidence-based methods in her care including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Mindfulness Techniques, and more, where appropriate. At the core of Kayla’s practice is the belief that each individual can stand to benefit from therapy whether they are undergoing something traumatic, or simply need an outlet for their emotions in their day-to-day life.

One of Kayla’s primary goals as a clinician is to break down the barriers that prevent individuals from seeking therapy, including the stigma surrounding mental healthcare. She is dedicated to expanding the field of mental health to provide a welcoming space for everyone, which is evident through her efforts to uphold ethical practice and cultural sensitivity.

Michaela Cassella is a mental health counselor (MHC-LP) working under the supervision of Dr. Robert Goldman. In 2022, Michaela graduated cum laude from the University of Delaware where she earned two Bachelor of Arts Honors degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology. Furthering her academic career, she graduated with distinction from John Jay College of Criminal Justice earning her Master of Arts degree in Forensic Mental Health Counseling. Currently, Michaela is working towards licensure for mental health counseling (LMHC).

At the core of her therapeutic practice, Michaela recognizes that the patient is the expert of their own life experience and emotions. She believes that counseling can help to navigate the complexities that come with life’s challenges in a safe and healthy manner. Combining trained experience and evidence-based approaches, Michaela is dedicated to creating a space that allows for the exploration and understanding of difficult thoughts, feelings, and personal struggles free of judgement and harsh criticism.

Using a patient-centered approach, Michaela’s therapeutic style is empathetic and collaborative, honoring her patients’ wisdom and perspective, as well as direct and challenging at times. This can require the patient to confront themselves in a way that may surface uncomfortable feelings, but is necessary for positive growth and change. She integrates several different empirically sound approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and psychodynamic therapy, while employing a multicultural, intersectional, and trauma-informed framework.

Michaela works with children, teens, and adults on the individual and group level who are experiencing a variety of mental health-related issues such as anxiety, ADHD, depression, stress, interpersonal conflict, trauma and PTSD, life transitions, low self-esteem, and addiction.

Annie Vasquez Gonzales is a dedicated professional in criminal justice and behavioral science, committed to advancing legal reform through psychological insights and strategic advocacy. Her work is rooted in the belief that real legal change must address psychological and systemic factors that lead people into the criminal justice system—especially when trust in legal institutions is low and opportunities are limited.

Ms. Vasquez earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Monroe College. During her studies, she explored the psychological roots of human behavior and societal issues, including publishing a psychoanalytic study on Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis. She has presented her original research at national and regional conferences and received the Honors Program Excellence Award for her academic achievements. Ms. Vasquez has served as a Court Advocate with Bronx Connects Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) Program, supporting justice-involved individuals by facilitating court updates, leading group sessions, and providing direct advocacy. This experience has strengthened her belief in restorative justice, early intervention, and community-based alternatives to incarceration, and deepened her conviction that these models effectively reduce recidivism and foster rehabilitation rather than punishment. Alongside her legal and academic pursuits, she has volunteered with Kids Need More for seven years, supporting children with cancer and other serious illnesses. As a member of the Leadership Committee, she helps develop programs and outreach efforts that offer hope and support to families in need. She also serves as a Basic Life Support EMT with the Central Islip-Hauppauge Volunteer Ambulance Corps, responding to emergencies and assisting with recruitment—furthering her mission to serve Latino and other vulnerable populations through crisis response and systemic reform.

Currently, Ms. Vasquez is with the Institute of Psychological Resilience, which specializes in forensic psychological case analysis and assessment. Her role includes court preparation, administrative coordination, and providing psychologically informed advocacy. Ms. Vasquez’s long-term goal is to promote fair and equitable legal reform by integrating psychological expertise into the policymaking process. With every effort, she aims to amplify the voices of those who have been historically unheard—working toward a future where psychological insights influence legal systems, and where everyone has access to justice, healing, and the opportunity to thrive.