David A. Perna, PhD

Welcome,

First of all, be sure to take a deep breath and know that whether you choose to work with me or someone else you will get through this process!

Choosing a therapist is not an easy task. I look forward to setting up a time to speak with you after you review my clinical background and training.

Most college students appreciate the sense of humor and warmth that I bring to our discussions. They feel connected and engaged with a real person who cares about them in a personal way. They also appreciate my ability to help them identify practical solutions to the academic and emotional issues that they voice in our meetings.

My wide range of clinical experiences allow me to help my patients move through treatment with a sense of energy and a feeling that their strengths are both appreciated and enhanced throughout the treatment process. This close relationship allows them to open-up and identify a pathway forward in their life that is meaningful, clear, and solid.

To provide you with some background I would note that I am a licensed psychologist who has worked with college students for years. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, college transition stress, social skill challenges and anger management. I also help students who need specialized support in managing the organizational, writing, or academic demands of a college environment.

I meet with students in individual, group, and family therapy sessions depending on the need. I also support students and their families in situations where they are stepping down from a stay in an in-patient hospital or are trying to avoid a hospitalization.

My approach to treatment is holistic in that I use a range of time-tested treatment interventions to identify and address your needs in a personalized manner. I would be happy to answer any questions you have about my approach to treatment in our first phone contact.

I maintain an academic appointment at Harvard Medical School and serve as a Clinical Associate at McLean Hospital, the medical school's largest teaching psychiatric hospital. I have supervised numerous psychologists, social workers, and psychiatrists over the course of my career and as such I am the Director of Training in my group practice, and I am currently training five psychology graduate students. Please feel free to email me at Perna@hms.harvard.edu or call me at 617-431-1441 in order to answer your questions.

Good luck with your journey!

https://www.copernican.solutions/david-a-perna-phd.html