Ummul Kathawalla, PhD

WHO I AM....I’m Dr. Ummul Kathawalla, a licensed psychologist in Massachusetts and Minnesota and the owner of Kiram Psychology Services, LLC. Since 2016, I’ve provided therapy to individuals from diverse backgrounds, tailoring evidence-based treatments to meet each person’s unique needs and goals. I deeply understand the importance of being heard and having a space to explore and express your true self—this is the environment I aim to create for the people I work with. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation and would love to talk with you further! MY APPROACH WHO’S A GOOD FIT…I work with young adults, adults, parents, and couples through life transitions. Whether you're navigating–pregnancy, postpartum, parenting, starting college, relationship changes, career shifts, or grief–I’m here to support you. My clinical expertise allows me to address a wide range of life struggles including anxiety, depression, pregnancy/postpartum mental health, work/college stress, relationship conflicts, family conflict, grief, identity exploration, trauma/PTSD, and sleep issues/insomnia. I also have a strong interest in career exploration and culturally-focused concerns (e.g., impact of discrimination, acculturation, family expectations, immigration). HOW I CAN HELP YOU…My approach emphasizes evidenced-based, culturally-informed care that builds on your strengths, helping you live a life aligned with your values and goals. I place a strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, listening closely to my clients and believing that a genuine, trusting connection is essential for meaningful growth. With specialized training in various evidence-based treatments, I tailor therapy to meet your unique needs. I often draw from client-centered, value-based, and cognitive behavioral therapies that explore the intersection of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, incorporating mindfulness and values exploration. I believe therapy can be valuable not only during difficult times but also as a space for self-care. WHAT ELSE…In addition to being a psychologist, I’m a mother, partner, friend, daughter, sister, outdoor aficionado, traveler, runner, yogi, foodie, concert goer, lifelong learner—and a griever. My life experiences help me deeply appreciate the complex range of emotions we carry on this journey through life. My own experience with loss has also given me a greater sense of the short time we have on earth, and I’m committed to supporting others in living a meaningful life. I’m also a Clinical Assistant Professor at Suffolk University, where I help train PhD students in clinical psychology. My research is available on Google Scholar for those interested in learning more about my academic work. EDUCATION & TRAINING From these educational and training experiences, I have specialized training in a variety of evidenced-based treatments and approaches. This diverse range of training allows me to tailor my approach to best meet individual needs and goals in therapy. Undergrad: BS in Human Development and Psychological Services from Northwestern University Graduate: PhD in Counseling Psychology from University of Minnesota Internship: VA Boston Healthcare System Fellowships: Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital and Boston University Certifications: Perinatal Mental Health Training; Primary Care Behavioral Health Credentialing Licensure: Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Massachusetts and Minnesota Additional Trainings: - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - Person Centered Therapy - Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy - Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT) - Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) - CBT for Insomnia - CBT for Chronic Pain - Race, Wellness and Empowerment - Culturally Sensitive - Trauma Focused - Career Counseling PAYMENT/INSURANCE I am currently an out-of-network provider with every major insurance company. This means I do not accept health insurance directly and you will pay out-of-pocket for therapy, but you may be eligible to submit your receipt to your insurance to receive partial or full reimbursement. I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance, or you can use a service like Mentaya, which files claims and handles reimbursements for a fee (https://www.mentaya.com/patients). Insurance plans sometimes hide the extent of the benefits they offer their members, and I am happy to help you through the process. My fee is $275/initial intake session, $250/individual session and $325/couples session. Services are available at a discounted fee for those with financial need (based on annual income and family size). For those ready to invest in their well-being, I also offer therapy packages. Please contact me for further details. I accept major credit cards, including HSA and FSA cards, through Simple Practice, a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. Full payment is due on the day of service. If you plan to seek reimbursement, I recommend contacting your insurance provider to ask: - What are my out-of-network mental health benefits? - What is my out-of-network deductible? Please note that if you choose to use your insurance benefits, a mental health diagnosis will be required for reimbursement. SERVICES I offer a free 15 min phone consultation for anyone interested in my services (individual therapy, couples therapy, career counseling). Finding the right therapist is important, and it can take time. I always encourage my clients to let me know if I’m not the right fit, and I fully support them in finding someone who is. Feel free to reach out via phone or email, or use the scheduling link to book a time. Individual Therapy…I provide individual therapy via telehealth. The first session is 60 minutes and then following sessions are 50 minutes. The first 1-3 sessions are an intake assessment where I ask you questions about yourself and what brings you into therapy. This will also help you see if I’m the right fit for you and I can determine if my expertise align with your needs for effective treatment. Follow up sessions are scheduled for weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis, depending on your needs. Couples Therapy…For couples therapy, all sessions are 60 minutes, following the Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy protocol. The first four sessions are the assessment phase: the first session together, one individual session each, and a joint feedback session. Afterward, we move into the treatment phase, where all sessions are together. During the assessment phase, you'll see if I’m the right fit for you, and I'll determine if my training and expertise align with your needs for effective treatment. Career Counseling…These sessions are designed to support career exploration and can help individuals at all stages who are experiencing dissatisfaction in their careers. Using evidence-based research, I will help you navigate career decision-making, maximize your talents, and increase your career satisfaction. These services are distinct from career coaching/resume building. Please call for a consultation if you have questions! Telehealth…At this time, I also provide therapy services via telehealth. I'm licensed to provide telehealth in the entire states of Massachusetts and Minnesota. Trainings, Speaking Engagements, Consultation, and Clinical Advising: Pricing varies based on scope and time commitment. Please contact me to discuss further details.