Vanessa is a Clinical Psychologist and Postdoctoral Fellow at Upshur Bren Psychology Group. Vanessa earned her doctorate from Adelphi University and completed her internship at New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center with rotations in adult inpatient psychotherapy and perinatal mental health. She also held predoctoral externships at Mt. Sinai Beth Israel where she conducted group therapy on inpatient units and the New School for Social Research’s where she provided individual therapy to students in an integrated student health clinic.

Vanessa works with adolescents, adults, and new parents. Her work is grounded in psychodynamic and relational approaches to treatment which she integrates with mindfulness practice. She has specialized training in working with adolescents and young adults looking for support in honing social skills; navigating challenging emotions and behaviors; managing stress and anxiety; and processing interpersonal trauma. Additionally, she has experience in college adjustment and transition to adulthood; transitioning into parenthood; postpartum anxiety and depression; and coping with chronic illnesses.

Vanessa also holds degrees in literature and creative writing from Sarah Lawrence College and Columbia University. Her many years of professional experience in publishing, journalism and the arts prior to her career transition inform her passion for helping clients explore their inner worlds, create narrative, and find purpose during particularly challenging times. She welcomes clients confronting life transitions; academic, professional, and creative pressures; new parenthood and family planning.

Vanessa Hartmann, PhD