Dr. Isaiah Pickens is a licensed clinical psychologist and writer who believes the best version of each of us lies in our pursuit of healthiness, not happiness. Using science and entertainment, Dr. Isaiah helps people build lives full of meaning and promote their healthiest selves. The difference between pursuing health versus happiness is understanding that there is beauty and potential growth in both the triumphs and failures of life. Regardless of the situation, the important question always is “How can I get better?” Dr. Isaiah shares innovative tools to help you become a better and healthier version of yourself.
PROFESSIONAL & ACADEMICS
- Founder of iOpening Enterprises, a multi-media company specializing in health messaging through the creation of books, films, and life skills workshops for youth and the adults who care for them
- UCLA Assistant Director of the Service Systems Program for National Center for Child Traumatic Stress
- Former NYU School of Medicine Clinical Assistant Professor
- PhD in Clinical Psychology from Fordham University
- Research and clinical work focuses on impact of psychological trauma on teens and families
- Consultant for trauma-informed and culturally-responsive practices in schools, juvenile justice settings, and communities
- Suicide prevention trainer
PROJECTS & MEDIA
- Developer of Bridge Trauma-Informed Culturally-Responsive (TICR) Program for schools
- Host of TLC’s The Spouse House
- Author of The Dawn of Generation Why - book geared toward supporting young adults understand their identity in the context of globalization and use of social media
- Creator and Host of It’s Complicated Teen Talk Show
- Contributor to Viceland, MSNBC, Psychology Today, Huffington Post, BlackDoctor.org and more
- Social Media Ambassador for Health Central
- Interviews with Dr. Isaiah about his college days and career pursuits
ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS
- American Psychological Association Early Career Achievement Award
- Black Enterprise (BE) Modern Man
- American Psychology and Law Society Diversity Award