Clinical Expertise

Dr. Lopez-Casanova is a clinical psychologist who is dedicated to providing evidence-based treatment for adults, adolescents, and children. Her approach to therapy is primarily rooted in cognitive behavioral theory with an emphasis on DBT principles. Her methods are strongly influenced by the integration of science and practice, along with the consideration of developmental, cultural, and ecological contexts to inform treatment. She applies empirically supported treatments with flexibility and creativity to meet the unique needs, preferences, and values of her patients. Her areas of expertise include difficulties with emotion dysregulation, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and behavior, self-harm, personality disorders, grief, relational challenges, life transitions, and traumatic stress. She also has significant experience with treating substance use disorders, attention/hyperactivity, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and body-focused repetitive behaviors. Dr. Lopez-Casanova’s primary goal is to work collaboratively with her clients and ultimately help them build lives that feel meaningful and worthwhile.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Dr. Lopez-Casanova prioritizes understanding how identities shape experiences and offer unique strengths that can be harnessed to promote wellbeing. She works to surpass overly simplistic conceptualizations of identity and cultivate a nuanced understanding of the intricate and intersecting influences that shape behavior and experience. Dr. Lopez-Casanova also recognizes that genuine dedication to diversity requires continuous responsiveness and commitment. Accordingly, she strives to take actionable steps in both personal and professional arenas to enhance her DEI competencies and create a culture of equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging.

Training & Research

While pursuing her doctoral degree in clinical psychology, Dr. Lopez-Casanova gained substantial experience delivering cognitive behavioral interventions in outpatient, primary care, residential, inpatient, and emergency medical settings. She also continued to cultivate her interest in treating emotion dysregulation and self-injurious behaviors by providing comprehensive DBT and conducting research examining suicidality, borderline personality disorder, trauma, and the mechanisms of change in therapy. Prior to joining Cambridge Psychology Group, Kate worked at McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School in the 3East Intensive Adolescent DBT Program, where she had the privilege of offering comprehensive DBT to adolescents, young adults, and families experiencing a full spectrum of mental health concerns and challenging life circumstances. Overall, her clinical background has allowed her to deliver a broad range of evidence-based interventions with fidelity and solidified her commitment to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for her patients.

Education

• University of Vermont, B.S.
• Rutgers University, Psy.M.
• Rutgers University, Psy.D.
• UMass Chan Medical School, Predoctoral Internship
• McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Postdoctoral Clinical Fellowship

Areas of Expertise

Emotion dysregulation, anxiety (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder, agoraphobia, health anxiety, specific phobia), depression, suicidality, self-harm, personality disorders, grief, traumatic stress, substance use, attention/hyperactivity, OCD, body-focused repetitive behaviors, relational challenges, life transitions, educational and occupational problems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), mindfulness-based strategies, parent guidance

Hobbies

Dr. Lopez-Casanova enjoys live music, cooking, traveling, camping, playing board games, trying to keep her plants alive, and spending time in the great outdoors with her rescue dog, Koda.