A new wave of innovative psychologists is redefining mental health care, pushing beyond traditional models to create more holistic, accessible, and trauma-informed approaches. By bridging the gap between mental and physical health, advocating for trauma-informed care, and expanding access to therapy, these practitioners are challenging traditional approaches and redefining the field. In this article, you will meet four mental health professionals who are not just treating patients; they’re adding their unique approaches and authentic voices to the field of psychology in 2025.
Robyn Pashby PhD, Health Psychology Partners
Dr. Pashby is a licensed clinical health psychologist and nationally recognized expert in the psychological and emotional aspects of chronic health conditions. As new pharmacological and therapeutic advancements continue to emerge, she is a steadfast pioneer in advocating for an integrated and trauma-informed approach to patient care. By encouraging physicians to look beyond biological treatments and prescription pads, she highlights how psychological experiences, chronic stress, and internalized bias shape behaviors, metabolic health, and long-term physical and mental well-being in ways that medical approaches alone cannot address.
From her nearly two decades of clinical work, Dr. Pashby has learned that even the most advanced medical interventions will fall short without acknowledging the deep psychological and emotional burdens often tied to chronic conditions, such as shame, self-blame, and the traumatic impact of stigma. Although medical interventions can produce physical changes, true progress and healing requires integrating psychological and emotional considerations into patient care. As healthcare continues to evolve, she remains at the forefront, ensuring the medical field adopts a comprehensive and psychologically informed approach, one that treats the whole person, not just symptoms. Bio: Dr. Robyn Pashby is not a traditional psychologist. Drawing on her expertise as a clinical health psychologist, Dr. Pashby has emerged as a leading voice in the psychological and behavioral treatment of body-mass related chronic health conditions. As the founder of Health Psychology Partners, she leads a team specializing in the complex intersection of mental and physical health, an area where few psychologists have her depth of expertise. Dr. Pashby integrates evidence-based psychological and behavioral health strategies with medical science, bridging the gap between psychology and medical care to offer comprehensive, patient-centered treatment. With nearly two decades of experience, Dr. Pashby has contributed extensively to the field through clinical practice, research, and leadership. She currently serves on key national committees and is also a Research Assistant Professor at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, where she helps shape the future of clinical health psychology. A sought-after speaker, writer, and thought leader, Dr. Pashby has authored and co-authored peer-reviewed publications and actively contributes to public health and medical education both in the U.S. and internationally. She lives in Washington, DC, with her husband, daughter, and their dogs. Follow Dr. Pashby on LinkedIn.
Ashley Poklar, PhD., Founder, Clinical Director at Sentinel Foundation Drawing on her transition from special educator to psychologist, Dr. Ashley E. Poklar uses a systemic approach to support traumatized youth through her work at the Sentinel Foundation. As a counseling psychologist and advocate, her attachment-focused methodology recognizes that many children rescued from trauma often find themselves back in dangerous situations.
To address this stark reality, Dr. Poklar uses a long-term, systems based, holistic healing strategy, collaborating closely with agency partners to increase the likelihood of life long healing and positive outcomes for children who have faced trauma. Her approach extends beyond immediate intervention, focusing instead on helping parents and caregivers recognize and manage their own emotions, in order to create safe spaces where children can learn and grow. At the heart of Dr. Poklar’s work is the profound understanding that trauma is just one chapter in a person’s story, not their entire narrative. She develops practical support systems bridging critical service gaps in underserved communities, with the aim of preventing re-exploitation. Dr. Poklar’s core message to youth is that they are more than their traumatic experiences, while reminding parents that genuine presence matters more than perfection.
Bio: Dr. Ashley E. Poklar is a dedicated psychologist, educator, and mother, with a profound commitment to understanding and fostering meaningful relationships. Her work centers on the intricate dynamics of relationship building and meaning making, integrating insights from her research, clinical practice, and personal experiences. With a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Cleveland State University, Dr. Poklar has cultivated a diverse professional background. She currently serves as the Clinical Director at the Sentinel Foundation and is the founder of A Poklar Ponders, where she engages in high-quality homeschooling for her four children while consulting with families and schools on mental well-being. To learn more about her work, follow Dr. Poklar on LinkedIn
Dr. Ashley Appleton – Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Professional Counselor Dr. Appleton believes that mental healthcare should be accessible, affirming, and transformative for everyone. Her approach combines clinical expertise with genuine compassion, emphasizing that healing happens when people feel truly seen and understood. She champions the idea that therapy is not one-size-fits-all but should be as diverse as the individuals seeking support. “Mental health care is a fundamental right, not a luxury,” she often says. For Dr. Appleton, creating an inclusive therapeutic environment goes beyond policy, it’s about fostering genuine connections that honor each person’s unique journey. This vision led her to found Cognicare Psychological Services in 2019, where she provides compassionate talk therapy to individuals, couples, and families. Her commitment to expanding access to quality mental health care is exemplified by her work at BehaviorWise, which she acquired in 2024, a pediatric behavioral practice specializing in individualized strategies and ABA techniques for children and their families. Drawing on her experience as both a clinician and entrepreneur, she continues to bridge gaps in mental health care while building practices that prioritize innovation, empathy, and accessibility for all. Bio: Dr. Appleton is a licensed psychologist and licensed professional counselor based in New Jersey, with a passion for creating accessible, high-quality mental health care. She founded her first practice, Cognicare Psychological Services, in 2019, focused on providing compassionate talk therapy to individuals, couples, and families. Through hard work and dedication, the practice achieved a significant milestone in 2024, grossing over $1 million.
A passionate advocate for social justice, Dr. Appleton is committed to bridging gaps in mental health care while balancing her role as a leader and entrepreneur. She finds immense joy in running both practices, bringing innovation, empathy, and vision to the field. Dr. Appleton believes in the power of mental health care to change lives and is driven to make therapy not just a service, but an accessible and empowering experience for everyone. Follow her on LinkedIn
Dr. Yasmine Saad, Founder and Director of Psychological Services Dr. Yasmine Saad is advancing psychological care with her distinctive Inner Message Approach®, which treats emotions as meaningful signals rather than problems to eliminate. This method helps individuals decode thoughts and feelings to uncover their deeper significance, providing tools for sustainable emotional well-being. Recognized as bringing a “visionary” perspective to understanding the human mind, Dr. Saad’s work offers a fresh framework for psychological growth.
“Thoughts and emotions are messengers,” Dr. Saad explains. She invites individuals to learn to decode these messages to uncover the information they hold. Once they do, they hold the key to their healing. This perspective shifts how clients approach psychological challenges, viewing emotional responses as sources of insight rather than obstacles. Her approach emphasizes deep understanding and practical applications, helping clients effectively gain clarity about their emotional experiences. Bio: Dr. Yasmine Saad is a TedX speaker and acclaimed psychologist known as “The Wise Psychologist.” Her Inner Message Approach® integrates Eastern wisdom with Western therapeutic techniques, helping clients transform emotional challenges into opportunities for growth. As founder of Madison Park Psychological Services, in New York City, she leads a multicultural team delivering client-centered care by matching therapist expertise and style with each client’s unique needs. Those seeking compassionate guidance can work with her team of psychologists, all trained in the Inner Message Approach® and other effective modalities.
Dr. Saad has shared the stage with leading thought leaders, and her insights have been featured in various media outlets and major broadcast networks. Through her clinical work, speaking engagements, and media presence, Dr. Saad advances mental health by empowering individuals to understand the wisdom within their emotions and develop practical paths to lasting well-being. Follow Dr. Saad on LinkedIn and Instagram for more insights.
* This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of mental health concerns.
