Who Is Dr. Sara Smucker Barnwell?

Clinical Psychologist | Advisor | Educator | Speaker

I am a PhD clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience supporting individual and organizational transformation through the strategic application of behavioral science. I help high-performing professionals navigate the demands of ambitious careers while building lives of greater clarity, resilience, and integrity.

I earned my PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Southern California and a Master’s in Education from Harvard University. I attended Wellesley College for undergraduate study. I completed my post-doctoral fellowship at the Center of Excellence in Substance Abuse Treatment and Education (CESATE) at the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System in Seattle. I previously served as clinical faculty at both USC and the University of Washington, and I have published widely on behavioral health, technology, and implementation science.

In addition to my clinical work, I serve as a trusted advisor to C-suite leaders, healthcare organizations, and startups. I’ve held executive leadership roles as Director of multiple large-scale telehealth and behavioral health operations, and as a Partner of Seattle’s largest independent practice incubator. I regularly speak nationally on topics related to ethics in telehealth, behavioral healthcare innovation, and leadership well-being. My ongoing webinar series offers practical, evidence-based guidance on ethical telepsychology in a rapidly evolving digital care landscape.

I currently serve as a board member, investor, and mentor for healthcare ventures and early-stage companies that are shaping the future of mental health, technology, and leadership.

For more details, visit my LinkedIn or curriculum vitae.