Meet Dr. Meena Dugatkin, Psy.D.

Meena Dugatkin
Lakeview Virtual
Dr. Meena Dugatkin is a child psychologist who specializes in helping children and families break free from cycles of anxiety and “sticky” thoughts. She works primarily with children ages 3–12, supporting those struggling with OCD, anxiety, and related concerns to build confidence and face fears collaboratively through hands-on strategies.

Utilizing evidence-based treatments including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dr. Dugatkin tailors her approach to each child’s developmental level, strengths, and individual needs, including neurodivergent profiles such as ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder.  She brings therapy to life through play and creativity, making sessions engaging and meaningful for children.

Collaborating with parents is central to her practice.  Dr. Meena Dugatkin provides parent-based CBT and family therapy, offering practical, real-world tools to help families respond effectively at home and step out of anxiety and OCD cycles.

She leads several specialized groups:

  • Parenting Beyond the OCD Cycle — a parent group based on the SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) approach, for caregivers of children ages 6–12 with OCD
  • Brave Steps Guild — a gamified, skills-based therapy group for children ages 6–12 with OCD
  • Parenting Neurodiverse Minds — a parent group focused on supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Levels 1 and 2)

Committed to providing culturally responsive care, Dr. Dugatkin works with sensitivity to neurodiversity, gender identity, race and ethnicity, religion, and other aspects of identity. She strives to create a space where children and families feel understood, supported, and empowered.

Dr. Dugatkin earned her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Murray State University and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Child, Adolescent, and Families track) from Spalding University. She completed her clinical training working with children, adolescents, and families across community, home, and school-based settings.  Dr. Meena Dugatkin is also a Certified Light On Anxiety Treatment Specialist, leads the Youth and Parents Training Program within the Clinical Training Institute, and is a co-author of the Anxiety Busting Workbook for Kids and Teens.

Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys reading, dancing, traveling, exploring new cuisines, and continuing her own personal growth.

To learn more or join a group, contact drmeenadugatkin@lightonanxiety.com.

Great communication, integration of medical theory and realistic application.

— LOA Patient

Education:

Spalding University

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, Concentration in Child, Adolescent and Families

Murray State University

Master of Clinical Psychology

Clinical Interests:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)ADHD & Executive FunctioningAdolescent AnxietyAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)Child AnxietyContamination OCDFamily CounselingFear of DogsGeneralized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)Habit Reversal Training (HRT)Hair Pulling (Trichotillomania)Harm OCDHealth AnxietyInference-Based Cognitive Behavioral TherapyLGBTQIA+ CommunityMindfulnessMotivational InterviewingMulticultural CounselingObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)Parenting Support & CoachingPerfectionismPerformance & Public Speaking AnxietyPhobiasSchool Anxiety & RefusalScreen AddictionScrupulositySeparation AnxietySkin Picking (Dermatillomania)Social AnxietyVomit Phobia (Emetophobia)Women's Health

If you are looking for therapy, medication or combined mental health treatment, learn more about how Light On Anxiety can create a custom individual treatment plan to fit your goals.

Success Stories

Get Anxiety Fighting Tips
to your Inbox!