Helping children function, adapt, and thrive.

Dr. O’Brien is a Texas native who grew up in the Dallas area. She attended The University of Texas at Austin, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Child Development. She completed all of her graduate training at the University of North Texas, where she earned both her Master’s and Ph.D. in Psychology through APA-accredited programs, with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy.

She completed an APA-accredited residency at the Medical College of Georgia / Children’s Medical Center and a two-year post-doctoral fellowship at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children — both nationally acclaimed pediatric institutions. She received her licensure as a Licensed Psychologist from the Texas State Board in 2000.

After completing her training, Dr. O’Brien accepted a clinical faculty position at the Medical College of Georgia as Director of Pediatric Psychological Services for the Department of Pediatrics, with a joint appointment in the Department of Psychiatry / Health Behavior. Her work there included providing consultation and therapy — on both an outpatient and inpatient basis — to children and adolescents referred by general and subspecialty pediatricians. She was also actively involved in the teaching and supervision of medical students, pediatric residents, and psychology residents and post-doctoral fellows as part of APA-accredited training programs, and she participated in research that led to publications and presentations at regional and national conferences.

While in Georgia, Dr. O’Brien held several leadership positions in local and state psychology associations, including serving as President of the Augusta Area Psychological Association (2005–2006) and as a representative to the Georgia Psychological Association. She was also active with the Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Team, providing volunteer support to families affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

After her work in Georgia and another 13 years in private practice back in Texas, Dr. O’Brien moved to Washington State, where she worked with Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Harbor Pediatrics. There, she collaborated closely with pediatricians, psychiatrists, and care teams to support the complex needs of children and teens. Throughout, she has remained actively involved in her community, including her long-standing work with For the Love of Christi, a non-profit organization providing bereavement support to those adjusting to life after the death of a loved one.

Outside of her practice, Dr. O’Brien enjoys cooking, traveling, and — most of all — spending time with her husband, their four boys, and their pets.