We help families understand their child, not just their challenges. Strength-based psychological services and therapy that lead to clarity, confidence, and a plan you can use.
We help families understand their child, not just their challenges. Strength-based psychological services and therapy that lead to clarity, confidence, and a plan you can use.
Who We Are
Founded in 2015, we’re a Charlotte-based child psychology practice supporting children, teens, and families through therapy, play therapy, psychological testing, and neuropsychological evaluations. Our work focuses on understanding how a child learns, thinks, feels, and functions across home, school, and relationships.
Our Story and Why Alderwood Exists
Dr. Joy Granetz founded Alderwood after seeing a need in Charlotte for care that feels more personal and child-centered. We wanted to create an experience that’s warm, unrushed, and supportive for both kids and parents.
When families work with us, we aim to:
- clarify a child’s unique profile with a strengths-based perspective
- understand the whole child, not just a diagnosis or a single concern
- make the process feel confidence-building and engaging, not stressful
Our mission is to support every child in growing academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally, so they can reach their full potential.
Where Our Name Comes From
“Alderwood” comes from Dr. Joy’s fascination with trees and what they represent: strength, resilience, and growth. She chose the alder tree because it’s long been associated with healing and steadiness, and because the image of roots and branches mirrors how we think about child development.
We use that metaphor intentionally. Roots reflect a child’s foundation, history, and support system. Branches reflect the many ways kids learn, connect, and grow over time. Our work helps families understand both and then decide on the next step that fits.
How We Approach Care
We Start With the Whole Child
We look broadly at how a child learns, thinks, and feels, because context matters. Strengths matter just as much as areas that feel hard right now.
We Treat Parents as Partners
We don’t work in a bubble. We involve parents in meaningful ways and coordinate care with other providers or schools when it helps the child.
We Built a Space Kids Can Actually Relax In
Kids sometimes ask if we live here because the office feels more like a calm home than a medical setting. That’s intentional. A comfortable environment helps kids show us their best effort and feel safe being themselves.
Meet Our Team
We’re a small team with specialized training and a shared focus on warm, parent-friendly care.
Dr. Joy Granetz, PhD
We’re led by Dr. Joy Granetz, a North Carolina-licensed psychologist specializing in child and adolescent neuropsychology, with over 30 years of experience helping children and families through assessment and planning.
Dr. Josefine Eriksson, PsyD
Dr. Josefine provides evaluation services, including autism spectrum evaluations, with a focus on helping families understand how a child processes and experiences the world, then identifying supportive next steps.
Sydney Sarfan, MA, LCMHC
Sydney provides therapy and play therapy support for children and families. We value the therapeutic relationship as the foundation for safety, comfort, and real progress over time.
Insurance and Payment, Explained Simply
We are an out-of-network provider. We do not accept insurance directly, and we can provide superbills for families who want to submit to insurance for potential reimbursement. Some families also use HSA/FSA funds when eligible.
Many parents appreciate the privacy and flexibility of private pay services, including the ability to focus on what’s most helpful for the child without insurance-driven limitations.
Ready for the First Step?
If you’re looking for psychological services in Charlotte that are thoughtful, child-centered, and grounded in real expertise, Alderwood is here to help.
Visit us in Charlotte
10724 Carmel Commons Blvd, Suite 540
Charlotte, NC 28226
Phone: (704) 750-1602
Fax: (704) 765-9640
We’re open five days a week, by appointment only.
