Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Assistant Professor of Psychology, Harvard Medical School
Behavioral Medicine: Coping With Chronic Illness,
Injury, and Disease
A new medical diagnosis changes everything. In an instant, your sense of identity, your future plans, and your daily life can feel upended. Many people leave their physician’s office in a kind of shock — overwhelmed by information, uncertainty, and emotion they haven’t had time to process.
This is exactly where Behavioral Medicine comes in. It’s a specialized branch of clinical psychology focused on helping people navigate the psychological impact of physical health conditions — from a new diagnosis, through the arc of chronic illness, to end-of-life planning.
I have trained in Behavioral Medicine since 2016. My Ph.D. specialization, my clinical internship at MGH’s Behavioral Medicine Program, and my ongoing staff role at Massachusetts General Hospital have given me deep, focused expertise in this area — not as a general practitioner who occasionally sees complex cases, but as a specialist.
I am trained in the evidence-based approaches that work specifically for this population, including CBT adapted for health conditions, acceptance-based approaches, pain management techniques, and psycho-oncology. Importantly, I also explain the biology and physiology behind these interventions — because clients who understand why something works are more likely to use it consistently.
Care Coordination
With a signed release of information, I can collaborate directly with your medical team — physicians, oncologists, neurologists, and other specialists — to ensure your psychological and medical care are aligned. This integrated approach is rare in outpatient practice and reflects the standard of care I was trained to provide at MGH.
Conditions I work with
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Cancer (including psycho-oncology and survivorship)
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Diabetes and metabolic conditions
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Heart disease and cardiac rehabilitation
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Chronic pain and pain management
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Long COVID
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Traumatic brain injuries and stroke
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Multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions
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HIV and infectious disease
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Caregiver support for loved ones’ illness
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Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions
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Gastrointestinal disorders (IBS, UC, Crohn’s)
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Kidney and liver disease
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Health anxiety and illness-related anxiety
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ALS and degenerative conditions
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Orthopedic injuries and post-surgical recovery
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Organ transplant (pre- and post-)
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Spinal cord injuries
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End-of-life planning and serious illness
Even if your condition isn’t listed here, my expertise is in psychological adjustment and behavioral coping — skills that apply broadly. I encourage you to reach out.