LYN ASHLEY GILDAR, PSY.D.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist based in Arizona, passionately dedicated to supporting children, adolescents, and their families. My journey into psychology began as a teenager in Scottsdale, where I recognized a significant need for child psychologists and committed myself to addressing this gap. I am thrilled to serve the community that first inspired my career, bringing over a decade of professional experience to my practice.

I earned my B.A. from the University of Colorado at Boulder before pursuing a Master’s (M.A.) and Doctorate (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University in San Francisco. My post-doctoral training at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland further honed my expertise in working with children and families. My clinical internship at San Francisco General Hospital provided invaluable experience in forensic settings, working with children and families affected by trauma.

My clinical approach is informed by my diverse background in hospital, government, educational, business, private practice, and community outpatient settings. I employ an integrated approach tailored to each client’s needs, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Strength-Based Treatment, and attachment-based approaches.

I work with children as young as three years old up to 18 years old, with a special focus on anxiety. My clinical interests also include healthy relationship building, giftedness, disability, trauma, and chronic illnesses. Currently, I am enhancing my expertise by completing training in LGBTQ-affirming mental health care through the Yale LGBTQ Mental Health Initiative.

In sessions, you can expect a supportive and non-judgmental environment where we work collaboratively to address your concerns about your child’s needs. Whether you're dealing with a specific issue or seeking parenting support, my goal is to empower you with the tools and insights needed to make positive changes in your family’s life.

Outside of the therapy room, I am passionate about promoting mental health awareness and frequently contribute to community workshops and educational events. I also enjoy writing on topics related to psychology and education. In addition to my clinical work, I serve on the Board of Teen Lifeline and co-authored a children’s book titled Captain Quarantine during the pandemic, aimed at helping children understand and navigate challenging times.