Dr. Krystal Drake

I’m a licensed clinical psychologist with 20+ years of experience who cares deeply about helping people by building trust, fostering growth, and creating a space where clients feel supported, understood, and capable of real change. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Howard University and my master’s and doctorate degrees in clinical psychology, with a focus in health psychology, from the University of Cincinnati.

Throughout my career, I have served as a psychologist, clinical supervisor, clinical professor, training director, quality assurance lead, group facilitator, and expert speaker. I’ve worked across diverse settings, including hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation and nursing facilities, community mental health agencies, college counseling centers, residential programs, and private practice. These experiences allow me to adapt to a wide range of needs and provide thoughtful, person-centered care.

While I treat adolescents through older adults, I have a particular passion for supporting women and girls navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, ADHD-related challenges, and the stress that comes from lived experience, cultural expectations, and juggling multiple roles at once.

Clients often describe me as grounded, approachable, and honest. I show up as a real person—not a distant expert—and my goal is to help you move from simply getting by to living with more clarity, confidence, and emotional wellness.

My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, practical, and rooted in evidence-based care. I draw from CBT, DBT-informed skills, ACT, trauma-informed practices, and mind-body strategies to help you understand what’s driving your distress and to build tools that genuinely support you in your daily life.

I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model. You bring your lived experience and I bring clinical insight. Together, we create a space that feels safe, grounded, and meaningful. I’m honest and direct, but always compassionate. My goal is to help you grow at a pace that feels manageable, empowering you to move toward a healthier and more emotionally steady version of yourself.

Your first session is an opportunity to share what you’ve been carrying and what you hope to experience differently. We’ll talk about your current concerns, some of your history, and anything that has been affecting your sense of stability or well-being.

There is no pressure to go deeper than you’re ready for. The focus is simply to understand your needs and begin shaping a plan that feels right for you. By the end of our time together, you’ll have a clearer sense of your goals and how we can move toward them. Most importantly, I want you to leave feeling heard, supported, and hopeful about your path forward.