Betsy Bates Freed, Psy.D. (PSB36356)

In addition to working as a psychological assistant to Dr. Lehman, Betsy Bates Freed, PsyD, is a registered psychologist at the Glendale Adventist Family Practice Residency Program, where she completed her internship in health psychology. She also works with Santa Barbara County ADMHS in the children's services unit, evaluating children and making recommendations for mental health and family services.

 

Dr. Bates Freed has been a medical journalist for many years and writes the "Vitality Signs" blog on psychological and social issues in cancer care for the professional independent newspaper, The Oncology Report. She received her BA from Denison University, Granville, Ohio, and her MA and PsyD degrees from Antioch University Santa Barbara. As a graduate student, she counseled children, couples, and families and led groups at such diverse sites as the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara, the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, California State University Channel Islands, and Cleveland Elementary School. She has also received graduate training at Augustana College, Sioux Falls, S.D. in strength-based assessment of children from a perspective fostered by Native American traditions.

 

Dr. Bates Freed's specialties includes health psychology, behavior change, chronic pain, trauma and PTSD, eating disorders, relationship issues, and depression and anxiety (especially as they relate to illness, grief or loss). Her research has focused on cancer, multicultural issues in psychology, and integrating psychological and physical health care. Her psychological orientation draws from cognitive behavior therapy, narrative therapy, and family systems therapy to address the specific issues and style of the individual or family in her care.