About Leona Oakes, PhD

I am a licensed psychologist that specializes in working with neurodiverse individuals of all ages through my private practice in Rochester, New York. I provide individual therapy, skill building classes, psychodiagnostic assessment, and consultation services. My work focuses on addressing mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression, helping adolescents and young adults successfully transition into adulthood, and supporting individuals of all ages with a strength-based approach to emotional well-being.

I use an integrated approach to therapy, frequently calling on concepts and skills from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and mindfulness approaches. Most importantly, I work with my clients (and their supporters, if desired) to identify values and goals and then build skills and practices to support a full, meaningful life. I strive to create an open and accepting therapeutic environment for neurodiverse individuals, including those who also identify as LGBTQA+. 

I received my bachelor of arts in psychology from Harvard University and my doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Rochester. After attaining my doctorate, I completed my internship year at the Hutchings Psychiatric Center of the Office of Mental Health in Syracuse, New York and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. I have worked at acute psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, integrated health centers, and in special education settings. I believe my diverse training and experiences allow me to work creatively with my clients in a whole-person approach.