Psychotherapy

About Clary Tepper, PhD

I’m Dr. Clary Tepper, a licensed psychologist with over 25 years of clinical experience. I work from a client-centered, relational, and psychodynamically-informed perspective, meaning that therapy with me is collaborative, engaged, and tailored to your unique story—not a one-size-fits-all approach.

My credentials include a Ph.D. in Clinical Developmental and School Psychology from Bryn Mawr College, one of the country’s top-ranked clinical training programs. Since becoming a licensed therapist in 1996, I’ve worked across a wide range of clinical, academic, and leadership settings, always bringing depth, empathy, and thoughtful strategy to my work.

Therapy for Physicians and Healthcare Professionals

Physicians face unique mental health challenges: burnout, chronic stress, imposter syndrome, and emotional fatigue are common, but often hidden. I specialize in working with doctors and healthcare workers, providing therapy tailored to the pressures of medical life.

Whether you're navigating the emotional toll of patient care, struggling with perfectionism, or seeking work-life balance, I offer therapy that understands the realities of practicing medicine. Sessions are available in-person in Sacramento or online across California and Connecticut.

Trauma-Informed Therapy and EMDR Treatment

Standard talk therapy isn’t always effective for trauma—and in some cases, it can unintentionally do harm. That’s why I’ve pursued advanced training in trauma treatment and am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional through the International Association of Trauma Professionals. I also offer EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), one of the most research-supported treatments available for trauma, anxiety, and performance-related blocks.

Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples

Struggling with disconnection, conflict, or feeling unheard? Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is a deeply effective, research-based approach that helps couples move beyond surface-level communication tools and repair the emotional bond at the heart of their relationship. EFT helps you recognize and change negative cycles, express deeper needs, and rebuild trust and closeness.

Unique Specialty: Scuba Diving-Related Anxiety and Trauma

As a certified master scuba diver, I offer a unique specialty for divers who are experiencing anxiety, panic, trauma, or performance issues related to scuba diving. Whether it’s a past dive incident, fear that’s preventing you from progressing, or psychological blocks underwater, I offer EMDR and trauma-informed therapy specifically tailored to divers. This is a highly specialized area, and I bring both clinical expertise and lived dive experience to this work. Sessions are available online across California and Connecticut or in-person in Sacramento, CA. 

Educator, Mentor, and Supervisor

In addition to my clinical work, I serve as the director of clinical training for the APA-accredited doctoral program in clinical psychology at California Northstate University. I’m passionate about teaching and mentoring the next generation of psychologists, and many early-career therapists seek me out for a unique blend of consultation and personal therapy as they grow in their careers.

Committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Since co-founding my college’s Coalition to End Homophobia and co-founding the Multicultural Awareness Committee at my first professional job, I’ve been committed to advocacy and inclusive care for people from marginalized communities.

Ready to Work Together?

I see clients in-person in Sacramento, CA and virtually across California and Connecticut. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, trauma, depression, or you are simply trying to understand why life feels harder than it should, we’ll work together to build insight and help you make the changes you desire.