Meet Anita Payan, PhD
I believe understanding yourself can change your life. And I’m honored to help you grow.
Notice what matters.
You’re in the right place.
“I know the sun must set to rise”
I’m Anita Payan, a licensed psychologist and school psychologist. I work with children, adolescents, emerging adults, graduate students, and parents navigating emotional, behavioral, and life transitions. My clients often come to me feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward and want guidance that is practical, compassionate, and tailored to their unique situation.
I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, school-related concerns, breakups, lack of self-love, parenting struggles, pregnancy loss, infertility, and major life transitions. I also support families through fertility challenges, postpartum adjustment, and early parenthood, helping parents navigate the emotional changes that come with these life stages.
All of our thoughts compete for our attention, but not all of them are useful or worth engaging with. In therapy, we learn to notice which thoughts are helpful and use mindfulness and acceptance skills to gently defuse from the ones that aren’t.
If you are ready to feel more grounded, more connected to your goals, and more capable of managing life’s challenges, I would be honored to support you on that journey.
My style
I strive to meet you where you are at in your journey.
I am deeply honored to walk alongside each of my clients on their journey and am consistently inspired as I observe them to take steps toward their growth.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to each client’s needs. I combine emotional exploration with practical tools, helping clients understand their feelings, notice patterns, and develop strategies to navigate life’s challenges. I strive to create a space that is safe, supportive, and empowering, where clients can process difficult experiences, build resilience, and reclaim authorship in their lives.
My guiding principles
Growth
We nurture clients’ exploration of transitions, strengths, and practical skills for resilience.
Trust
We create a space where clients feel heard, valued, and supported.
Transparency
We clarify the therapeutic process, helping clients feel informed, empowered, and confident.
Safety
We safeguard an environment where clients feel free to explore.
Training & Education
Emory University
Bachelors in Business Administration, Organizational Management and Psychology
The University of Houston
Doctorate of Philosophy in School Psychology
Houston Independent School District
American Psychological Association Accredited Internship and Post-Doctoral Fellowship