ABOUT DR. TAMARA NELSON-CALHOUN
Where research, culture, and compassion come together.
As both a licensed clinical psychologist and researcher, I believe the best therapy is grounded in science without losing sight of the person sitting across from me.
More than a diagnosis.
More than a treatment plan.
Hi, I'm Dr. Tamara Nelson Calhoun, a licensed clinical psychologist who provides compassionate, evidence-based care for adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, and pregnancy and postpartum mental health concerns.
As both a clinician and researcher, I know that change doesn’t happen in isolation from your relationships, identity, community, or systems you have had to navigate. Those experiences matter, and they deserve a place in the therapy room. My goal is to provide care that is both grounded in science and responsive to the unique person sitting across from me. I view therapy as a collaborative process—one where we combine evidence-based treatment with thoughtful conversation, practical tools, and genuine curiosity about your story. Together, we'll work toward meaningful, lasting change in a space where you feel seen, understood, supported, and empowered.
Change doesn't happen in isolation. It happens when your story, your relationships, your culture, and your strengths all have room to be seen.
CLINICAL TRAINING
My clinical training has spanned a range of settings, including community mental health, emergency and family medicine, Veterans Affairs, and perinatal mental health care. I completed my APA-accredited predoctoral internship at the Greater Hartford Clinical Psychology Internship Consortium, with training experiences in the VA Connecticut Healthcare System and UConn Health. I later completed specialized postdoctoral research and clinical training in perinatal mental health at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, with rotations at Women & Infants and Butler Hospital.
These experiences provided extensive training in the assessment and treatment of mental health conditions and other complex concerns across diverse populations and stages of life.
RESEARCH & TEACHING
In addition to my clinical work, I am an Associate Professor of Psychology at Rutgers University–Camden, where I direct a research lab and the graduate program in psychological sciences. My research examines how culture, identity, relationships, and systemic factors shape mental health, with particular attention to the experiences of Black women and other historically underserved communities.
I also teach and mentor the next generation of psychologists, experiences that continually challenge me to remain thoughtful, curious, and engaged with emerging research. Together, my roles as a clinician, researcher, and educator allow me to bring both scientific knowledge and a broader understanding of people's lived experiences into therapy.
EDUCATION
Rutgers University, New Brunswick | BS in Psychology & Exercise Science
Clark University | MA & PhD in Clinical Psychology
MY APPROACH
Therapy that's thoughtful, collaborative, and grounded in both science and humanity.
Relational
Healing happens in relationship. Together, we'll build a therapeutic partnership rooted in trust, curiosity, honesty, and genuine collaboration.
Evidence-Based
Every recommendation is grounded in current psychological research and tailored to your goals, experiences, and the life you're actually living- not a one-size-fits-all treatment plan.
Culturally Responsive
Your culture, identity, spirituality, relationships, and lived experiences aren't separate from your mental health- they're part of understanding it. They belong in the therapy.
Hope-Centered
Even in seasons of uncertainty, growth remains possible. Therapy isn't about becoming someone different, it's about creating more freedom to live in alignment with your values and yourself.
LET'S CONNECT
Finding the right therapist matters.
Meaningful change doesn’t happen in isolation. It begins when your story, your relationships, your culture, and your strengths all have room to be seen, understood, and valued.