Dr. Kate Stark, PhD
Clinical Director
Licensed Psychologist
Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
*Not currently taking new clients*
I have a dedication to normalizing and increasing understanding of mental health and neurodiversity through psychological evaluations and counseling. When providing therapy, I strive to help clients set short and long-term goals, identify strengths and values, increase positive coping and/or communication skills, improve relationships, and increase self-acceptance and self-compassion. I also value the use of humor, creativity, and games in therapy. I most often utilize acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, and exposure with response prevention.
Over time, I have developed a niche in working with anxiety (including social anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, OCD, and generalized anxiety), ADHD, and autism (including nuances of the presentation of ADHD/autism in females). However, I also consider myself a generalist for a wide range of concerns affecting mood, behavior, and development. I also have training and experience in evaluations for dyslexia and other learning disabilities. When providing psychological or psychoeducational evaluations, I focus on meaningful and tailored recommendations for home and school.
Training Background: I obtained my B.S. from Texas A&M University (special education and psychology with accompanying special education teacher certification), followed by a M.A. and Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin (school psychology with emphasis in child clinical psychology, family therapy, and neuropsychological assessment) and a predoctoral internship at Lewisville ISD. I completed my postdoctoral fellowship at Children's Hospital Colorado in the Neuropsychiatric Special Care unit. I have 17 years combined training and work experience in the fields of education and mental health and have been a licensed psychologist and school psychologist in Colorado and Texas. I have worked in various settings including hospital, school districts, community mental health, private practice, and as an adjunct professor at Texas Christian University.
Dr. Stark enjoys music, dogs, and being outside. She is a mom to two kids and two dachshund/terrier mixes, Peanut and Jelly.
Children's Books:
Enjoy the Ride: A Book to Help Understand and Cope with Emotions
Publications:
Brief Report: Understanding Crisis Behaviors in Hospitalized Psychiatric Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder—Iceberg Assessment Interview (Stark, Barnes, Young, Gabriels)
Bridging systemic research and practice: Evidence-based case study methods in couple and family psychology (Carlson, Ross, Stark)
BCBS, Aetna, UHC, Optum, UMR, Out-of-Network
She/her