Laura Richardson, Ph.D.
One of the few DBT-LBC™ certified psychologists in the region. EMDR-certified (EMDRIA) and IFS-informed in trauma work. As the parent of a transgender adult, I bring both clinical expertise and personal understanding to gender-affirming care. Licensed in NJ, NY, and PSYPACT states.
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Evidence-based therapy that helps you thrive.
I specialize in evidence-based treatments that promote lasting change and healing. My approach is grounded in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which I have found to be highly effective in helping clients manage emotions and improve relationships. As one of the few DBT-LBC™ certified psychologists in the region, I am committed to providing the highest fidelity of DBT available.
Recognizing the profound impact of trauma, I have expanded my toolkit to include EMDR, a powerful therapy that addresses deep-seated trauma when other methods fall short. Internal Family Systems (IFS) is newer to me, and I bring an IFS-informed lens to my trauma work as well.
I am passionate about supporting parents, adolescents, and adults navigating gender identity and transition, including writing letters for medical transition. Families come to me because I have lived the questions they are asking and because I do the clinical work to back it up.
My practice is committed to providing affirming and culturally competent care for all clients, and our team continually pursues training and consultation to make therapy genuinely inclusive. Whether you are working through emotional regulation, depression, anxiety, trauma, or identity, I am here to help.
Areas of specialty.
A few areas where I have built deep expertise over years of training, leadership, and practice.
Highest-fidelity DBT in the region
One of the few psychologists in the region certified by the Linehan Board of Certification. This is the gold standard for DBT delivery, and it shapes how I lead our team and how we deliver care.
Trans & gender-diverse clients
As the parent of a transgender adult, I bring both clinical expertise and personal understanding to gender-affirming work. I see trans and gender-diverse adults and adolescents, and I write letters for medical transition.
Supporting parents of LGBTQIA+ youth
I work closely with parents who are navigating their child's gender identity or coming out, and with families who want to show up well for the young person in front of them. You do not have to figure this out alone.
EMDR + IFS-informed trauma work
EMDRIA-certified EMDR for deep-seated trauma when other approaches have fallen short, integrated with an IFS-informed lens to meet the parts of the self that carry it.
A career built on rigorous training and leadership.
DBT certification & training
- DBT-LBC™ CertifiedLinehan Board of Certification. Learn more
- Past Project Director of DBT programEssex County Hospital Center, a county inpatient psychiatric hospital in northern New Jersey, where I served as principal Clinical Psychologist
- Past continuing education reviewerBehavior Tech, LLC, the company that teaches DBT
- Advanced DBT intensiveWith Charlie Swenson, M.D., and Kelly Koerner, Ph.D.
- Adolescent DBT trainingWith Jill Rathus, Ph.D. and Alec Miller, Ph.D.
- Adolescent and family DBTWith Alan Fruzetti, Ph.D.
- DBT Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE)Evidence-based trauma treatment delivered within the DBT framework. With Melanie Harned, Ph.D.
Trauma certifications & training
- EMDR CertifiedCertified by EMDRIA. Learn more
- IFS Circle 6-month trainingFall 2025
- Psychedelic Integration TherapyTrained in integration support for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and other psychedelic experiences
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Foundational training and ongoing application
Practice & professional roles
- Practice Clinical Director & OwnerTurn the Mind, LLC
- DBT-LBC board volunteerDiversity committee
- Previous clinical advisory board memberEmotions Matter, Inc., an advocacy and education non-profit for people living with Borderline Personality Disorder and their families
- Past Ethics Education and Resource CommitteeNew Jersey Psychological Association
Licensure & jurisdictions
- Licensed in New JerseyLicense #35SI00480300
- Licensed in New YorkLicense #018389
- PSYPACT (40+ states)Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT). Through this PSYPACT authority, I provide specialized telehealth across 40+ states, including New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and beyond. More information
I am so grateful to you for your wonderful care and good counseling. You are brilliant, caring, professional and so insightful, and truly helped me and my family. Thank you for sharing your talent for healing and wisdom (Wise Mind) with us. You are a true blessing.
Ready to start? Let's talk.
Schedule your free 15-minute consultation call with our team and start your therapy journey today.