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GET TO KNOW ME

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I’m Tara Stark, a licensed Psychologist based in central Texas. I am here to guide you through some of the most challenging and emotional matters you are faced with. I genuinely care about my patients well-being and assure you that you will receive thoughtful and individualized treatment during our time together.

Throughout my career, I have provided a number of specialized therapeutic techniques to those dealing with an array of mental health concerns. My approach focuses on validating your experience, while also challenging you to approach situations differently than you have in the past. I will go above and beyond to help you manage all of the obstacles you are currently facing. Get in touch with me today for more information.

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MY QUALIFICATIONS

What Makes Me Stand Out

EDUCATION

I graduated from Argosy University in Orange County, California in 2014 with a Doctorate in Psychology. During my training, I worked in a variety of settings to include an HIV/AIDS clinic, the Disability Services Center at the University of California, Irvine and an outpatient mental health clinic. I was also employed as a Lead Therapist performing Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) for children with Autism and other developmental disabilities. I completed my internship at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tallahassee, Florida in 2014.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

Following my graduation, I continued my career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons until 2020. I worked at prisons in Oklahoma, New York and Florida, where I was the Chief Psychologist. I focused my efforts on trauma treatment, substance abuse treatment and group and individual therapy, addressing various mental health concerns.

 

I relocated to Temple, Texas in January 2020 where I worked for the Department of Veteran Affairs in the PTSD clinic. I served as the coordinator of the Dialectical Behavior Therapy program (DBT), the only evidenced-based treatment for borderline personality disorder. Other diagnoses that also benefit from the therapy include Bipolar Disorder, Depression and Anxiety, as well as individuals struggling with relationship issues and regulating their emotions.

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In December of 2021, I began working within primary care for Baylor Scott and White. In this position, primary physicians refer their patients who can benefit from mental health treatment. Common presenting concerns include anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and health related issues. I also work with children with adjustment issues, ADHD and other learning disabilities and mood disorders.

TREATMENT MODALITIES

I am trained in the following treatment modalities. For information on any of the treatments listed, please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have.

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  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression (CBT-D)

  • Attachment Based Therapy

  • Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

  • Mindfulness

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Trauma Treatment

  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)

  • Written Exposure Therapy

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

  • Prolonged Exposure (PE)

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

MY VISION

My goal in therapy is to collaborate with you, focusing on your level of comfort and achieving agreed upon treatment goals. I tell all my patients that we don't get along with every person we meet, and the same stands true for therapy. The therapeutic relationship is an extremely important aspect of the therapy process. When you feel comfortable with me, you are able to be more open, and in turn, accomplish your goals. During your free consultation, this will give us the opportunity to get to know one another and to determine if I am a good fit for you. If this sounds like something you are interested in, reach out to schedule your free consultation today.

LICENSES AND 

CERTIFICATIONS

I have unrestricted licenses to practice in the following states:

  • Colorado (license # Psy.0006305)

  • Florida (license # PY10427)

  • New York (license # 021661)

  • Texas (license # 39172) ​

I have my PYSPACT certification (mobility # 15011) allowing me to practice telehealth in the following states:

  • Alabama

  • Arizona

  • Arkansas

  • Connecticut

  • Delaware

  • District of Columbia

  • Georgia

  • Idaho

  • Illinois

  • Indiana

  • Kansas

  • Kentucky

  • Maine

  • Maryland

  • Michigan

  • Minnesota

  • Missouri

  • Nebraska

  • Nevada

  • New Hampshire

  • New Jersey

  • North Carolina

  • North Dakota

  • Ohio

  • Oklahoma

  • Pennsylvania

  • Rhode Island

  • South Carolina

  • Tennessee

  • Utah

  • Virginia

  • Washington

  • West Virginia

  • Wisconsin

  • Wyoming 

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