Meet Dr. Bennett

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, smiling, standing next to a large tree in a park with green trees in the background.

Dr. Bennett is a Florida native and chief psychologist of First Coast Psychology. As a high achiever herself, she pursued the highest level of education and clinical training in psychology to provide evidence-based, responsive care tailored to students, professionals, and high-performing individuals.

About Dr. Bennett

Dr. Bennett is a licensed psychologist in Florida with more than 20 years of experience in higher education, federal service, forensic and court settings, healthcare technology leadership, and private practice. In every role, her purpose has been the same: helping people and organizations make meaningful change.

She holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Georgia, a Master’s in Counseling from Arizona State University, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Florida State University.

The Human-Pet Bond

Animals have been part of Dr. Bennett’s work since the start of her career, and she has practiced with a loyal dog (or two) by her side. Her animal-assisted work includes supporting veterans and their psychiatric service animals, and contributing to a Florida Department of Corrections shelter dog program. Most of her clients have pets, and are an integral part of her understanding of how this bond enhances clients’ wellness. Having loved and lost animal companions herself, she brings deep understanding to guardians facing love, loss and life transitions.

A Commitment to Those Who Serve

As the daughter of a U.S. Army combat veteran, Dr. Bennett brings a personal dedication to caring for those who serve others. Throughout her career, she has provided culturally responsive support to military personnel, veterans, first responders, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and public servants.

As a federal psychologist, she held clinical and leadership roles with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the National Center for PTSD, contributing to large-scale behavioral health initiatives, including suicide prevention efforts and whole health care models.

Dr. Bennett has also completed provider certifications through the Red Line and Blue Rescue programs, which helps to provide trauma-informed care to the law enforcement, fire rescue, and healthcare professionals who dedicate their lives to caring for our communities. She is also a provider in private directories serving professional athletes and their families, who often value discretion and a psychologist who understands the demands of high-profile careers.

Why Independent Practice

After years in behavioral health experience, especially in technology and healthcare leadership roles, Dr. Bennett saw firsthand how corporate-driven models and AI are changing mental health care. That experience reinforced what matters most: a private, trusting relationship between client and psychologist. Independent practice allows Dr. Bennett to deliver thoughtful, high-quality individualized care, protect client confidentiality, and keep human connection at the center of consultation and/or treatment, with direct access to your psychologist between appointments.

Approach to Care

Dr. Bennett works with university students and career-driven professionals facing stress, anxiety, burnout, and work-life balance, as well as veterinary professionals, pet parents, and rescue caregivers. Her approach is integrative and trauma-informed, drawing on cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, mindfulness-based, and interpersonal methods to help you understand what is contributing to your concerns and work together to meet your needs.