About Dr. Katie Carhart, Licensed Psychologist

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Clinical Psychologist

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Hi, I’m Dr. Katie Carhart, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Align & Empower Therapy. I specialize in helping adults navigate anxiety, trauma, ADHD and neurodivergence, relationship stress, depression, burnout and life transitions through secure online therapy. I’m passionate about helping clients break free from patterns that leave them feeling stuck so they can live with more purpose, clarity, and connection.

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Many of my clients are high-achieving professionals, caregivers, and individuals who appear to be “functioning well” on the outside but feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or disconnected internally. Whether you're healing from past wounds or feeling overwhelmed by day-to-day demands, I create a space where meaningful change can happen. 

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I provide therapy for individual adults, couples, and families. I also offer focused therapy intensives for clients who prefer a more concentrated format rather than traditional ongoing weekly therapy.

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In addition to therapy, I offer comprehensive ADHD, Autism and AuDHD evaluations. I specialize in assessing women, high functioning and high masking individuals whose symptoms may have been overlooked, misunderstood, or misdiagnosed in the past. These evaluations provide clear answers to guide treatment, medication planning, and next steps, so you don’t have to navigate uncertainty alone.

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I bring over 14 years of experience as a clinical psychologist across hospital, outpatient, community health, occupational health, correctional and private settings.

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 I received my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Texas A&M University, completed my pre-doctoral internship at Bellevue Hospital–NYU, and my postdoctoral fellowship through Community Health Center, Inc. I'm certified in trauma treatment and authorized to provide telehealth across PSYPACT-participating states. 

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I am licensed in Connecticut, Arizona and Florida, and am authorized to provide telehealth services in over 40 states through PSYPACT, including Maryland and Virginia.

 

​​My Approach to Therapy

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My therapy approach is integrative and collaborative. My work is informed by a trauma-informed and nervous system-informed perspective, integrating somatic therapy, and evidence-based psychological treatments. I tailor our work to your needs and goals, drawing from a range of approaches depending on what will best support your growth and healing.​​​

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For individuals, my work may incorporate:

• Somatic Therapy

• Nervous System-Informed Care

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Parts Work/Internal Family Systems (IFS)- Informed Therapy 

 

For couples, my work may incorporate:​

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) 

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 

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While these frameworks guide my work, the most important part of therapy is the relationship we build together, a space where you feel safe enough to explore, reflect, and grow. At the heart of my practice is the belief that therapy works best when you feel emotionally safe. I aim to build a trusting, supportive relationship where you feel heard and empowered to create lasting change. I am committed to equity, inclusion and respect for each person's lived experience.​

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My interest in neurodivergent-affirming care is both professional and personal. As a neurodivergent psychologist, I understand that insight and knowing what you’re “supposed” to do don’t always make something accessible. That perspective shapes the way I think about capacity, masking, executive functioning, sensory and emotional demands, and the importance of working with your brain and nervous system rather than constantly pushing against them.

 

Educator and Writer
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My work extends beyond the therapy room through writing, media interviews, and podcast appearances. I contribute to conversations on neurodivergence, trauma, burnout, stress, nervous-system regulation, and emotional well-being, translating psychological research and clinical concepts into practical, accessible insights.My expertise has been featured in national publications including Forbes, Newsweek, Verywell Mind, Real Simple, and Cosmopolitan. You can explore a selection of my expert features, articles, and podcast appearances on my Media & Articles page.

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I also created The Capacity Project, where I write about ADHD, neurodivergence, burnout, nervous-system health, and sustainable ways of living and working. I translate psychology, neuroscience, and nervous system concepts into practical tools for understanding how your brain works and supporting your capacity in everyday life. 

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This educational work grows from the same areas I specialize in clinically: supporting adults navigating burnout, trauma, anxiety, ADHD and neurodivergence, and chronic nervous-system stress.​

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Alongside my clinical practice, I am also an educator and mental-health presenter. I teach undergraduate and graduate psychology courses, including Introduction to Psychology and Psychopathology, at institutions such as Post University, Pima Community College, and SUNY Canton. Teaching keeps me deeply connected to current research and helps me translate complex psychological concepts into practical, compassionate tools for real life. I incorporate this knowledge into the workshops I offer to help people understand themselves more deeply and build skills that support their wellbeing. 

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If you're looking for a psychologist who combines clinical expertise with a compassionate, grounded approach, I’d be honored to connect with you.