Joanne W. Gallagher, Ph.D.

Joanne is an Arizona native who ventured to the east coast to complete her undergraduate B.A. degree from Connecticut College. She returned to Arizona for her graduate training where she received both her M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Clinical Psychology from the University of Arizona. Her internship program was at the Palo Alto Veterans Administration Medical Center in Palo Alto, California. There she completed a 6-month rotation of the Family Study Unit.

After returning to Arizona and completing her certification from the State Board of Psychologist examiners in 1979, Joanne worked in a variety of settings, working with both children and adults.

Due to a strong interest in working with Children, Joanne sought out Postdoctoral training in Pediatric Psychology at Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix in 1983. As part of that training she began working at the Child Development Center of Phoenix Children’s Hospital. For five years she was part of a multi-disciplinary team which included pediatricians, psychologists, speech and occupational therapists and educational specialists. Currently, Joanne is continuing her training as a second year student with the Harris Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Training Institute through Southwest Human Development.

Joanne has worked exclusively in private practice settings since l989. Her current practice includes the treatment of children, adults, and couples. Problem areas in which she specializes are anxiety, depression, adjustment to divorce, parenting and child behavior, women’s issues, stress reduction, and enhancing couple’s relationships. She sees private pay as well as insurance referred patients.

Joanne’s treatment approach is eclectic but draws heavily from cognitive behavior therapy. She believes that emotional changes often result from changes in our behavior and thought processes, and therefore likes to set specific goals in her treatment sessions. She believes that physical and mental well-being go hand in hand and encourages exercise and other self-care options when appropriate. Joanne also believes that a sense of humor is important in negotiating life’s pitfalls. She strives to provide a warm and supportive environment in which change can be achieved.

Professionally, Joanne is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Arizona Psychological Association, and is listed in the National Register of Health Care Providers.