Dr. Meena Dugatkin, Psy. D

Dr. Meena Dugatkin is Certified in CBT for Anxiety & OCD and has completed the extensive clinical training program through the Center for Anxiety Training.  Dr. Dugatkin received her Master’s of Clinical Psychology at Murray State University and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Child, Adolescent, and Families track) from Spalding University.  Before joining Light on Anxiety, Dr. Dugatkin completed her internship and post-doctoral training working with children, adolescents, and families in the community, including home and school-based settings.  She is passionate about working with children and adolescents struggling with social anxiety, excessive worry, perfectionism, separation anxiety, OCD, bullying, trauma, and racial discrimination. In addition, Dr. Dugatkin works with children and adolescents with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders to learn to manage their anxiety, develop effective communication skills, manage sensitivity to their environment, and increase flexibility while staying true to their values and personalities.

Dr. Dugatkin also provides family therapy that is culturally sensitive and takes into account family values.  She has specialized training in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).  With both respect and a desire to improve family functioning, she includes family members to help manage a child’s anxiety more effectively.  She believes all children possess the courage to reach their goals and she is excited and honored to take on the journey towards overcoming anxiety together.

Dr. Dugatkin uses a non-judgmental, validating, and collaborative approach to treat anxiety and related disorders.  She seeks to empathically challenge the children she works with to face their fears and engage fully in their lives.  Dr. Dugatkin incorporates play, mindfulness, and attachment theory within her work as a CBT and OCD specialist.  Additionally, she focuses on increasing a child’s self-compassion, self-reliance, and confidence to tackle challenges and adapt to changing circumstances.