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12 Years
experience
Your Trusted Psychologist in Davis, CA
I am a licensed psychologist with a private practice in downtown Davis, offering psychotherapy services to teens, college students, and adults. With over a decade of clinical experience, my practice focuses on fostering personal growth through evidence-based approaches tailored to individual needs. My professional journey began in education, where I taught English for 13 years before transitioning to school counseling. This diverse background informs my holistic understanding of psychological challenges beyond traditional academic settings. I completed rigorous training at Yolo Family Service Agency and Yolo County Mental Health, which prepared me to address complex issues such as depression, anxiety, and life transitions.

My eclectic therapeutic approach emphasizes building trust, dismantling defense mechanisms, and empowering clients through self-discovery. I hold a Ph.D. in Psychology and maintain a practice grounded in compassion, cultural sensitivity, and scientific rigor. My work with adolescents and adults addresses academic stressors, spiritual crises, and identity challenges, while prioritizing client comfort in the therapeutic relationship. I am committed to continuous professional development and ethical practice standards that ensure client safety and confidentiality. This practice represents the culmination of decades of education, training, and hands-on experience dedicated to mental health care.
Services
Depression Treatment Anxiety Management Life Transitions Counseling Adolescent Therapy Academic Stress Support Spiritual Crisis Guidance ADHD Assessment Parenting Support
Details
  • Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
  • 10 years of clinical experience in private practice
  • Doctorate in Psychology with specialized training in mental health
  • Eclectic approach combining multiple therapeutic modalities
  • Deep understanding of educational systems and academic challenges
  • Personalized care for diverse client populations
Services
Depression Treatment
Specialized interventions for depressive disorders using evidence-based techniques tailored to individual needs. Addresses persistent sadness, motivation issues, and emotional regulation challenges through collaborative therapy. Combines cognitive-behavioral approaches with psychodynamic insights to promote lasting recovery and emotional resilience.
Anxiety Management
Comprehensive treatment for anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias. Teaches practical coping strategies while exploring root causes of anxiety. Integrates mindfulness techniques with cognitive restructuring to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning.
Adolescent Therapy
Developmentally appropriate mental health support for teenagers navigating identity formation and life transitions. Addresses academic pressure, social challenges, and family dynamics. Creates safe space for emotional expression while involving parents when beneficial for treatment outcomes.
Life Transitions Counseling
Guidance through major life changes including career shifts, relationship transitions, and midlife adjustments. Focuses on building resilience and adaptive coping strategies. Helps clients reframe challenges as opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
Academic Stress Support
Targeted interventions for educational stressors including test anxiety and perfectionism. Combines academic coaching with emotional support to improve learning outcomes. Addresses underlying psychological factors affecting academic performance in students of all ages.
People
Joy Policar
Licensed Psychologist
Licensed psychologist with 10 years of private practice experience. Former English teacher and school counselor with specialized training in mental health. Doctorate in Psychology with focus on therapeutic relationships and personal transformation.
Questions
What types of clients do you work with?
I work with teens, college students, and adults of all ages facing depression, anxiety, life transitions, academic challenges, and spiritual crises.
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
I combine cognitive-behavioral techniques with psychodynamic insights and mindfulness practices to create personalized treatment plans for each client's unique needs.
How long are therapy sessions?
Standard sessions last 50 minutes, with occasional longer sessions available for intensive work on specific issues or life transitions.
Do you accept insurance?
I operate as a private pay provider but can provide documentation for potential reimbursement through out-of-network benefits if applicable.
What are your office hours?
Office hours vary by client needs but typically include weekday daytime and early evening appointments at our downtown Davis location.