Dr. Debra Kissen is founder of Light On Anxiety, author, speaker, and anxiety expert.
I’m a clinical psychologist and anxiety specialist who believes you deserve tools that actually work. For more than two decades, I’ve helped people face fear with clarity, compassion, and evidence-based care.
I’m the CEO of Light On Anxiety CBT Treatment Center and a leader in evidence-based treatment for anxiety, OCD, and related disorders. For more than twenty years, I’ve focused on taking what works in research and translating it into real, practical tools that help people feel better faster. I’ve co-authored several books on anxiety treatment, contribute to national conversations on mental health, and speak internationally about science-backed, real-world approaches to care.
My approach is straightforward: face what feels hard, move toward what matters, and let clarity and joy guide the process. I don’t believe mental health has to feel dark or heavy to be taken seriously. Struggles like anxiety, OCD, or depression are real — and they deserve real support.
Light On Anxiety exists because I believe we can bring light to what feels overwhelming.
Light as in clarity.
Light as in hope.
Light as in shining a bright beam into the corners of life that feel scary or confusing — and discovering you are strong enough to live your life to the fullest.
Mental health treatment should feel energizing and empowering. More like training your brain for strength and resilience than sitting still and rehashing what’s wrong. My goal is to help people build skills, find momentum, and feel more alive and capable as they face what’s hard.
Dr. Debra Kissen is one of the nation’s leading experts on anxiety, OCD, and evidence-based treatment, known for her ability to break down complex psychological topics into compassionate, clear, and actionable insights. Whether you’re a journalist seeking expert commentary, a producer looking for a trusted voice on mental health, or an organization in need of impactful training or speaking, Dr. Kissen brings warmth, credibility, and clinical expertise to every platform.
Expert Interviews & Quotes
Available for articles, blogs, podcasts, and broadcast interviews on anxiety, panic, OCD, CBT, and mental wellness.
Featured Expert for Media
Reliable, science-backed insight delivered in relatable language for TV, radio, print, and digital outlets.
Speaking Engagements
Keynotes, panels, and educational talks for conferences, schools, professional groups, and corporate wellness events.
Trainings & Workshops
Customizable professional development for clinicians, educators, and workplace teams on anxiety treatment and resilience.
Guest Articles & Op-Eds
Contributions or ghostwriting on mental health topics for major publications and partner platforms.
Television & On-Air Consultation
Behind-the-scenes or on-air expert for shows covering mental health topics, including script advising and public education segments.
Mental Health Advocacy & Campaigns
Collaboration on public-facing mental health initiatives, destigmatization efforts, and awareness campaigns.
To discuss working with Dr. Kissen or to request media materials, please submit a request here.
When your child is anxious, your instincts naturally tell you to protect them. You reassure them...
Family vacations can be stressful enough without adding a fear of flying to the mix. If...
At Light On Anxiety, one of our core goals is increasing understanding of OCD and reducing...
