About Dr. Lake
Kati N. Lake, PhD, MSc, MA, MPhil (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist who provides evidence-based treatment for individuals experiencing the impacts of trauma, depression, mood, anxiety, obessions/compulsions, life transitions, and women’s mental health in the greater New York City area. She is currently accepting new clients.
Education and Clinical Training
Dr. Lake obtained a PhD from Teachers College, Columbia University. She trained at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, the Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Columbia University Medical Center/New York State Psychiatric Institute, and the Dean Hope Center at Columbia University, holding experience in outpatient, residential, and inpatient care.
Dr. Lake graduated from Teachers College, Columbia University with a master of arts, master of science, and master of philosophy in clinical psychology with a concentration in global mental health and trauma. She holds a bachelor of arts in political science and British literature with a focus on political communications from Miami University (Oxford, Ohio).
Consulting Experience
Previously, Dr. Lake served as the Vice President of Consulting at RAINN, which operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline, where she established and led the organization’s consulting services department. Prior to RAINN, she led teams in the development, execution, and evaluation of personnel policy across the Department of Defense, including the Defense Suicide Prevention Office and the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office. Dr. Lake also served as a Schedule C political appointee at the White House, providing support to the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. She has a demonstrated history of providing strategic, operational, and tactical leadership for developing and managing complex, high-visibility projects, leveraging experience in program management, policy development, and congressional affairs. Integrating her clinical and consulting background, she advises organizations interested in affecting culture change when providing sexual violence prevention and response services.
What You Can Expect in Treatment
We begin with assessing what is triggering and maintaining your stress. Next, we review evidence-based treatment options and select the right one to address your symptoms. Across our work, we measure changes in your behaviors, thoughts, and emotions to ensure we are on the right path as well as explore how your experiences and identities influence your well-being.
Assessment and Diagnosis
In our initial three to four sessions, we conduct an assessment of your behaviors, thoughts, emotions, and functioning. The assessment provides a solid foundation for accurate diagnosis and then effective treatment of your symptoms.
Evidenced-Based Treatment
Once a diagnosis is established, we review specific evidence-based treatments proven to reduce your symptoms. Next, you select a treatment based on your unique needs and preferences. Together, we map out a plan with specific and measurable goals that are routinely evaluated.
Trauma-Informed, Patient-Centered Care
Our work is guided by trauma-informed approaches to care, which address the psychological and neurobiological impacts of life events and/or environments. I also embrace patient-centered care practices, inviting you to actively collaborate in treatment, which has been shown to increase autonomy, self-efficacy, and capacity for authentic expression.
Clinical Ethos
Regardless of your specific diagnosis or selected treatment, our work is rooted in relational, humanistic, and behavioral approaches to care. This means that I believe satisfying relationships are necessary for our well-being, including the one between you and me. I also believe we are all a “whole person,” greater than the sum of our individual parts (e.g., our “good” and “bad” decisions). Finally, my work incorporates skills to develop self-awareness and mindfulness, moving from impulsive reactions to purposeful actions.
I believe humans are complex, with many different identities (e.g., father, queer) and rich lived experiences (e.g., survivor, warrior). Our work seeks to acknowledge, understand, and integrate these identities and experiences in service of living a more authentic, effective, and satisfying version of yourself. During our work, I will acknowledge my own identities and experiences and how they show up in our relationship.
I utilize a variety of theoretical frameworks, including cognitive, behavioral, dialectic, interpersonal/attachment, humanistic, relational psychodynamic, and family systems. Each of these approaches have strengths, and I frequently integrate them to meet the unique needs of the person with whom I am working.
Contact Dr. Lake
To inquire about treatment with Dr. Lake, please fill out the form below. Please do not send sensitive information to maintain your privacy.
If you are in crisis or need immediate assistance, please call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency department.