About

Dr. Anna Cariello

I am a clinical health psychologist with over 10 years experience working with adolescents and adults.

Why did I become a psychologist?

I became a psychologist to help people heal and become their best selves. I believe everyone does the best they can with what they have, and a lack of understanding about coping, emotional regulation, and relationship dynamics often leads to pain and feeling stuck without a way out.

Each individual I work with is unique, shaped by their experiences, traumas, and cultural background. I love therapy because it provides the way to explore the origins of psychological pain and understand the context behind unhealthy thoughts, behaviors, relationships and emotions.

Throughout my work with hundreds of patients, I've seen how each person's struggles make sense when viewed holistically. Therapy is a journey to investigate the root of psychological pain, process emotions, and learn new coping strategies. Together, let’s explore who you are and begin the healing process.

Who Do I treat?

I treat anyone ages 13 and older. My therapy approach is holistic - treating the whole person. For over 10 years, I’ve been treating a full array of mental health disorders and/or chronic physical health concerns helping patients recover. I work with patients from diverse backgrounds. For more information see Timeline below.

  • Are you in psychological pain and don’t know how to get unstuck? Anxious? Depressed?

  • Do you have a teenager that is harming themselves and you don’t know what to do?

  • Have you notice your chronic physical health condition is worsening and all you want is to get better?

Areas of Focus

  • Self-Harm (Cutting & Burning)

  • Suicidal Thoughts & Attempts

  • Eating Disorders (Food Restriction & Emotional Eating)

  • Substance Use (Alcohol & Drugs)

  • Sleep Disorders (Insomnia)

  • Chronic Pain (e.g., Fibromyalgia)

  • Weight Management (Obesity)

  • Depression/ Grief

  • Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder)

  • Anxiety Disorders

  • Stress Management

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Bipolar Disorder

  • Social Anxiety Disorder

  • Phobias

  • Relationship Issues & Family Discord

  • Adjustment Disorders

  • Diabetes Management

  • Sexual Dysfunction

  • Behavioral Addictions (e.g, Gambling)

  • Psychosomatic Disorders (physical symptoms caused by psychological factors)

  • Health Behavior Change (e.g., smoking cessation, exercise adherence)

  • Terminal Illness Coping

Therapies Offered

  • A widely researched approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.

  • A time-limited therapy that focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and social functioning, particularly effective for depression.

  • A counseling approach that enhances motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence, particularly useful in substance abuse treatment.

  • A form of CBT that emphasizes the psychosocial aspects of treatment, particularly useful for borderline personality disorder and emotional regulation.

  • A technique often used for treating anxiety disorders, including PTSD, where patients are gradually exposed to feared stimuli to reduce fear responses.

  • Specifically designed to treat PTSD, CPT focuses on challenging and modifying unhelpful beliefs related to trauma and improving emotional processing.

  • Focuses on accepting thoughts and feelings rather than fighting them and committing to actions that are in line with personal values.

  • Incorporates mindfulness practices to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and depression by fostering a greater awareness of the present moment.

  • Involves family members in the treatment process, often used for adolescent mental health issues and eating disorders.

  • Based on the exploration of unconscious processes and past experiences, focusing on how these influence current behavior.

Education

Fellowship: Clinical Health Psychology (Bariatrics)

University of Utah School of Medicine

Residency: Clinical Health Psychology

Medical College of Wisconsin- Milwaukee

Doctorate of Philosophy: Clinical Health Psychology

Masters of Science: Psychology

Virginia Commonwealth University

&

Masters of Education: Counseling Psychology

University of Utah

Bachelors of Science: Psychology

Brigham Young University

Awards & Recognitions

  • University of Utah Health Sciences

  • Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin- Milwakee

  • Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice

  • American Psychological Association, Prevention Section, Division 17

  • Department of Psychology, VCU College of Humanities and Sciences

Start Your Care with Dr. Cariello

We know that whether or not mental health therapy works depends on whether you feel seen, heard and understood by your therapist. I offer a free 15 minute phone call to briefly talk about your concerns to see if we are a good fit. Please click below to schedule your free consultation.