Katey Nicolai, PhD

VP of Clinical Services

Katey Nicolai, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist who received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Seattle Pacific University. Dr. Nicolai provides services to adolescents and adults using evidence-based treatment rooted in cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic therapies, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, interpersonal therapy, and family systems. Dr. Nicolai has specialized training in treating trauma and PTSD, personality disorders, self-harm and suicidailty, family problems, emotion dysregulation, and mood and anxiety disorders.

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All articles from this author:

Oct 18, 2023

Storm and Stress in Teens, and How Parents Can Best Support Them

“Storm and stress” may come up in the teen years. This article clarifies how common “storm and stress” is, what it means for your teen, and how families can support.

Teen girl moving away from home for college.

Aug 15, 2023

Moving Away from Home and Living on Your Own

Moving away from home for the first time can bring lots of emotions and big changes. Check out our article on what to expect and tips for moving away from home.

Aug 3, 2023

Teen Narcissism: What’s Normal and What’s Extreme

Teens can sometimes show signs of narcissism, but when does self-focus become extreme? We explore signs of potential narcissistic personality disorder in teens.

Teen girl sad, depressed, on phone setting boundaries with a friend.

Jul 12, 2023

How to Set Boundaries with Friends

We define what healthy boundaries look like in teen friendships, how to set new boundaries, how therapy can help, and when boundaries may not be enough in a friendship.

Teen girl tuning out bullies and other people's opinions.

Jun 27, 2023

Verbal Bullying in Teens - What to Do When It Impacts You

Joon psychologists help you understand what verbal bullying is, why it happens, and what to do if you are a victim or verbal bully, for both parents and teens.

Teen boy meditating and practicing radical acceptance.

Jun 6, 2023

How to Incorporate Radical Acceptance into Your Life

Learn what Radical Acceptance is, how to practice it, when to use it, and how acceptance can lead to more peace in a distressing world.

Mother parenting and teaching daughter to drive.

May 17, 2023

When Your Teen is Almost Grown-Up: How to Parent During Late Adolescence

Understanding development during late adolescence is key in learning, how to parent effectively and remain connected with your unique child during this stage.

May 3, 2023

Could therapy be right for you or your teen?

Learn how therapy benefits teens and young adults, find answers to common questions about therapy, and why Joon offers specialized therapy for this age group.

Apr 13, 2023

Teens, Tweens, and New Adults: What is an Adolescent and How to Parent Them

We help define the adolescent years from 10 to 24, what to expect from each stage, and how to confidently bond with your ever-changing child.

Mar 13, 2023

What to do when it feels like your teenager "hates" you.

A parent’s guide to understanding the teen transition and how to repair trust and communication when you feel like your teen hates you.

Feb 22, 2023

More than Moody: Teenage Borderline Personality Disorder

Is this normal or “more than moody?” This article will help you learn when extreme moods could mean teenage borderline personality disorder.

Mother and teenage daughter discussing therapy.

Jan 3, 2023

6 Common Roadblocks When Speaking With Your Parent/Guardian About Therapy

Speaking about mental health challenges with parents can be a difficult task. Here are common roadblocks you may face and ways to address them.

Father and son speaking about therapy and mental health options.

Dec 14, 2022

3 Steps to Talking to Your Parents About Therapy

It's not always easy to speak with our parents about mental health and therapy. Here are three steps to help set up the conversation for success.

Advice for Teens Struggling with Self-Doubt with Therapist Katey Nicolai, PhD

Jul 26, 2022

Mental Health Questions Answered: Overcoming Self-Doubt

Clinical psychologist, Katey Nicolai PhD, answers mental health questions about low self-esteem, self-doubt, body dysmorphia, and speaking to a therapist.

Teen Mental Health Advice with Therapist Katey Nicolai, PhD

Apr 28, 2022

Mental Health Questions Answered: Finding Care and Supporting Others

Clinical psychologist answers common mental health questions about finding the right therapist, supporting others, and coping with a diagnosis.

Mar 2, 2022

Raising Resilient Kids

Resilience should be a universal goal for parenting. Here is our step-by-step guide for raising resilient teenagers who can easily adjust to stress and recover from challenges.

Mental Health Questions and Answers with Dr. Katey Nicolai

Jan 20, 2022

Mental Health Questions Answered: Depression and Anxiety

Clinical psychologist, Katey Nicolai PhD, answers common mental health questions about depression, seasonal depression, public anxiety and trouble sleeping.

Jan 22, 2021

Secrets and Safety: Being a Good Friend

Being a confidante can be one of the most rewarding parts of friendship. Yet at times, it can feel like a pretty big job. This is when you need to get outside help.

Mother and teen daughter having a conversation

Aug 7, 2020

How to Talk to Your Therapy-Resistant Teen

All therapists have had referral calls like, 'How can I get my teen daughter into therapy? She says she won't go!' Here are tips for talking to your child about therapy.

Jun 29, 2020

Mental Health Strategies for College Students (Video)

Licensed psychologists and college students discuss mental health strategies for college. Listen to the discussion here.

Jun 5, 2020

Parents: Discussing Trauma and Violence with Your Teen

Adolescents in the US are routinely exposed to violence and other traumatic events. Here are recommendations on how to discuss trauma with your child.

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