About Dr. Lauren Kerwin

I am a clinical psychologist dedicated to helping teens, adults, and families transform intense emotions, confusing diagnoses, and harmful patterns into clearer thinking and a steadier daily life. For over 25 years, I have treated individuals navigating borderline personality dynamics, autism and neurodiversity, trauma, depression, anxiety, and complex family systems. My work blends practical, evidence based treatments like DBT and trauma informed interventions with careful psychological and neuropsychological assessment. I focus on skill building that clients can put into practice immediately.

Clinical focus

My practice is change oriented and collaborative. Together, we identify what is keeping you stuck, set measurable goals, and practice skills until they work reliably in real life. When an evaluation is required, I provide thorough diagnostic assessments and clear, usable recommendations for school, work, or treatment planning. I prioritize transparency so you always know what we are doing, why it helps, and how we will track your progress.

Research and academic background

I completed my dissertation and post doctoral fellowship at UCLA, where I examined atypical local and global processing and interventions for over controlled clinical populations, including ASD, OCD, and eating disorders. As an Associate Professor at UCLA, I presented this work at national and international conferences such as the APA and ISTSS, and I have published in peer reviewed psychiatric and clinical psychology journals. That research informs how I assess cognition, tailor interventions, and measure treatment effects in my clients.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

My clinical training began in the Gunderson Borderline Personality Disorder Program at McLean Hospital. I completed an internship at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital working with adolescents facing serious emotional challenges, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at UCLA with advanced training in DBT and neuropsychological assessment. I am a Harvard and UCLA trained clinician and maintain an active California psychology license.

Clinical Specialty

I specialize in DBT and related evidence-based methods for treating BPD, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and self injury. I completed a two year DBT postdoctoral fellowship and multiple Behavioral Tech advanced trainings, including DBT Prolonged Exposure and DBT for multi problem adolescents. Additionally, I am trained in Radically-Open DBT and the Gottman Method. I consult on expert panels and participate in a comprehensive DBT program developed from the work of Marsha Linehan.

Life outside work

I have been married for nearly twenty years and am the parent of three kids. We share our home with a loud, affectionate dog. I love architecture and hands on remodeling projects because there is a practical satisfaction in making a space work better for real life. The ocean is my reset; time by the sea keeps my perspective simple and steady. I am active in my local community, chairing the Harvard Westlake Parents Health and Wellness Committee and leading the Wise Mind parenting group. These commitments keep me grounded in the daily realities of parenting and schooling.

Daily reminder: A balanced life is the ultimate evidence based outcome. Small routines and steady supports produce measurable change.