JULIA HALE, LICSW, ACT, (she/her)

FOUNDER/OWNER AND PSYCHOTHERAPIST

My name is Julia, and I am a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist with over 17 years of experience helping clients overcome a wide range of developmental, psychological, and health-related disorders. I am licensed to practice in both Massachusetts and New York.

I received my BA in Psychology from the University of Vermont, and after several years in the field, continued on to earn a Master's in Social Work (MSW) Summa Cum Laude from New York University. As a graduate student, I received training and education in both outpatient and inpatient settings, holding internship positions at New York Methodist Hospital and the New York State Psychiatric Hospital at New York Presbyterian. During this time, I received an award from the New York Office of Mental Health for my commitment to evidence-based practice in the field.

Early in my career, I spent my days in New York City helping street homeless individuals living with mental illness achieve a better overall quality of life through various emotional wellness programs and supported housing opportunities. Since then, I have worked in various settings, including the outpatient psychiatry department at Mount Auburn Hospital, where I developed a deep appreciation for the close connections between physical and mental health and the challenges facing patients and their families.

Because I value lifelong learning and being up to date on the best treatment, I receive ongoing clinical case consultation and regularly attend continuing education opportunities. I completed and received a certificate in CBT from Boston University and graduated from the International OCD Foundation's Advanced Behavior Therapy Training Institute. I also earned the distinction of Diplomate by the Academy of Cognitive Therapy after completing the rigorous certification process.  I have also had extensive training and supervision surrounding Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

I regularly give presentations, provide training, and offer consultation on OCD and related disorders. I enjoy a range of teaching opportunities, such as speaking at conferences and providing supervision to newer clinicians in the field. I have a particular interest in the intersection of OCD and eating disorders. And after my own experience with postpartum anxiety, I have developed a strong interest in perinatal OCD.

I have considerable experience working with high performers. Many of the individuals I work with are lawyers, engineers, and those working at the Big 5 consulting firms. I love working with women in academia and technology. I have a strong understanding of the challenges that come along with these industries and work with my clients on maintaining balance and emotional wellness in a landscape that doesn’t always support it.  I am LGBTQ affirming and work with many individuals who have neurodiversity.

I would describe my approach with clients as interactive and collaborative. I assume my clients are the experts of their mental health, and I have an enormous amount of respect and admiration for their ability to show up each week with the willingness to do hard things. My practice is rooted in a combination of ERP, ACT, and CBT. I am flexible and always open to feedback and learning new ways of approaching clinical concerns.

When I am not working, I enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing and running. I also love seeing live music and am sometimes known to travel far distances to catch a particular concert. I also enjoy spending time with my husband, toddler, and Australian Shepherd “Stella,” who is always keeping us on our toes.