Dr. Michelle Joaquin, Psy.D. — Licensed Psychologist | Trauma Specialist | Bilingual Therapist (English & Spanish)
I'm Dr. Michelle Joaquin, founder of Stress & Trauma Evaluative Psych Services (STEPS) and a bilingual, bicultural licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience. I am licensed in New York (025254), California (34048), and Ontario, Canada (4066340).
As a Latina psychologist, I bring both professional expertise and lived cultural understanding to my work. I specialize in trauma therapy, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), anxiety, depression, and identity-related concerns — with a particular focus on immigrant communities and underserved populations.
My Approach to Therapy
My approach is integrative — meaning I tailor my therapeutic style to each client's unique needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method. I draw from:
Online Therapy — Accessible, Effective, and Flexible
I currently offer therapy exclusively online, making mental health care accessible no matter how busy your schedule is. Research consistently shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person treatment — so don't let distance or a packed schedule stand between you and the support you deserve.
Education & Training
Additional clinical training at:
Professional Involvement
As a Latina psychologist, I bring both professional expertise and lived cultural understanding to my work. I specialize in trauma therapy, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), anxiety, depression, and identity-related concerns — with a particular focus on immigrant communities and underserved populations.
My Approach to Therapy
My approach is integrative — meaning I tailor my therapeutic style to each client's unique needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method. I draw from:
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Psychodynamic Therapy
Online Therapy — Accessible, Effective, and Flexible
I currently offer therapy exclusively online, making mental health care accessible no matter how busy your schedule is. Research consistently shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person treatment — so don't let distance or a packed schedule stand between you and the support you deserve.
Education & Training
- Doctoral Degree (Psy.D.) — Yeshiva University
- APA-Accredited Internship — USC UCEDD at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA)
- Postdoctoral Training — USC UCEDD at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA)
Additional clinical training at:
- Beth Israel Hospital — Chemical Dependency Treatment Program
- Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research
- Hispanic Family Mental Health Center
- Montefiore Medical Center — Group Attachment Based Intervention (GABI)
- Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Pediatric Behavioral Health Integration Program
- Mt. Sinai St. Luke's — Comprehensive Adolescent Rehabilitation & Education Service (CARES)
- Safe Horizon — Brooklyn Child Advocacy Center
- Yale University Medical School
Professional Involvement
- Member, APA Division 29: Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy — Professional Practice Committee
- 2023–2025 Committee Chair, Early Career Psychologist (ECP) Committee — APA Division 29
What Clients Are Saying
- Dr. Joaquín transformed my life. She is genuinely caring and supportive. From the beginning she made me feel safe and heard.
- Dr. Joaquin is a talented licensed psychologist who combines her strong background in evidence-based interventions with her warm and charismatic style. She excels in meeting her clients where they are emotionally, while gently leading them toward growth.
- Dr. Joaquin genuinely cares about her clients. She is respectful, kind, and gives great suggestions to help you cope and heal. I would definitely recommend her.
- She's down-to-earth and humorous at times, which I find really comforting. She truly listens and helps me sort things out.
- Dr. Joaquin uses a trauma-informed lens to explore and assess for adverse childhood experiences and determine the impact of traumatic events.