I’m Dr. Teresa Young. I specialize in health psychology with an emphasis on adjustment to aging, chronic illness, acquired disability, and caregiver support.

Pronouns: she/her/hers/herself

My Background

I earned my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Tennessee State University. As part of my advanced training, I completed an internship with the Vanderbilt University – Tennessee Valley VA and a postdoctoral fellowship in interdisciplinary health psychology through the Tennessee Valley VA.

Following training, I worked for two years on the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation unit at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA. I saw patients in both acute and outpatient settings, providing individual and family psychotherapy. My position also included developing and implementing a caregiver support group, peer mentoring program, and chronic pain group therapy program. I served on the hospital-wide caregiver support committee, diversity committee, and suicide prevention committee. Because outreach and caregiver support are important to me, I also provided in-services to staff and spoke at outreach events in the Eastern Iowa area.

Between the fall of 2019 and fall of 2022, I lived in both Columbus, Ohio and Nashville, Tennessee, working in both private practice and with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Currently, I see patients in-person in Tennessee and via telehealth in Iowa and participating PsyPact states.

My Approach & Philosophy

The approaches I use are evidence-based, meaning there is scientific research and clinical experience supporting my rationale for intervention. I don’t believe in taking a one-size-fits-all approach, so you can rest assured your treatment will be personalized and collaborative. Theories and techniques I tend to use most include cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, mindfulness, existential psychotherapy, psychodynamic therapy, and family systems. Additionally, I believe in integrating societal and cultural factors into the treatment decisions we make together. I love psychotherapy, and I love what I do. I’m looking forward to our time together.