Amanda Persaud, Ph.D.
New York City-based Licensed Clinical Psychologist #026204
About Dr. Persaud
she/her/hers
Professional Journey and Training:
As a New York–licensed psychologist, I have spent the past 12 years supporting individuals as they move through life’s challenges and transitions. I earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and completed my pre-doctoral internship at Elmhurst Hospital Center, where I received broad training in long-term psychotherapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, inpatient and partial hospitalization treatment, and culturally responsive models of care. My clinical experience spans a wide range of settings -- including hospitals, college counseling centers, and community mental health programs -- which has allowed me to work with individuals from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
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In addition to my psychotherapy practice, I bring extensive experience in diagnostic assessment. I have conducted evaluations across the lifespan for learning disorders, developmental concerns, traumatic brain injuries, psychiatric conditions, and neurological illnesses. My work as an executive functioning coach since 2016 further reflects my commitment to helping clients build practical skills in attention, planning, organization, and independent living -- supporting both personal growth and daily functioning.
I also have a longstanding interest in the relationship between psychology and the broader social landscape. Previously, I served as an APA NGO representative at the United Nations, presenting on policies that impact well-being in ethnically diverse communities. Through my involvement with the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, I have advocated on Capitol Hill for integrating psychological research into social policy. Alongside my clinical and advocacy work, I have taught as an adjunct professor at several New York–area institutions, where I enjoy fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness in emerging professionals.
Approach to Therapy:
My approach to therapy is grounded in warmth, empathy, and a deep respect for each person’s lived experience. As an integrative therapist, I draw from a range of evidence-based modalities -- including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based practices. This flexibility allows me to tailor treatment to each individual’s needs, addressing not only psychological and emotional aspects but also the cultural, relational, and existential dimensions that shape their sense of self.
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Because I view identity and mental health as deeply connected to the environments we inhabit, I incorporate a culturally attuned lens that honors the complexities of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and sociopolitical context. I am committed to providing gender-affirming, anti-racist, LGBTQIA-affirming, and feminist-informed care. I am also drawn to the ways art, storytelling, and cultural expression reveal emotional truths that may be difficult to articulate directly, and I often integrate these forms of exploration when they support insight and healing.
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Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, creative blocks, or major life transitions, I offer a therapeutic space that combines compassionate presence with thoughtful, expert guidance. My aim is not only to help you find relief in the present, but also to empower you to cultivate a more grounded, authentic, and meaningful life aligned with who you are and the world you come from.
The Therapeutic Relationship:
I believe deeply in the power of human connection and the healing that becomes possible within a safe, attuned therapeutic relationship. In our work together, you can expect a space where you are invited to show up as your full, authentic self... a space where your emotions, history, and cultural experiences are honored without judgment. Together, we will explore the thoughts, feelings, and narratives that shape your life, uncovering patterns, building new skills, and creating room for resilience and growth.
I approach therapy as a collaborative journey, one that recognizes how personal experiences are intertwined with familial stories, cultural identities, and the broader environments we move through. For many clients, this includes exploring creative forms of expression -- imagery, metaphor, or cultural stories -- that offer a deeper way of understanding and articulating their inner world. My goal is to help you develop clarity, strengthen your sense of self, and create a more grounded and fulfilling path forward.
Having experienced the transformative impact of therapy myself, I understand the courage it takes to begin this process. Thank you for considering me as a partner in your healing and growth. It is an honor to walk alongside you, and I look forward to supporting you as you move toward greater well-being and a more meaningful, authentically lived life.
More About Me:
In my free time, I love visiting art museums and immersing myself in the rich cultural experiences that New York City has to offer. Creativity is a big part of my life, and I enjoy making art in various mediums whenever inspiration strikes. I also feel most grounded when I’m moving my body -- whether through hot yoga, the gym, or mindful movement that helps me slow down and reconnect with myself. Outside of creative and wellness practices, I cherish spending time with friends, family, and finding the nearest dog to pet.
