Dr. Nita Tewari
About Dr. Tewari
Welcome!
I am Dr. Nita Tewari, a licensed psychologist and Founder of Sitara Psychology Center, a therapy practice dedicated to empowering people and organizations to successfully navigate their personal and professional challenges. My goal is to support my clients to live happy, purposeful, and fulfilled lives.
Over the past 20+ years, I have worked with students, families and faculty in the community and at universities locally and nationally. In my practice, I help young adults maximize their growth with confidence, I help professionals balance work-family life with success, and I believe people and organizations can move beyond inaction to accomplish meaningful goals. In addition, I have an extensive background in working with the Desi, Asian American and BIPOC communities, and I strive to create an open, affirmative practice that’s rooted in social justice.
Education
I earned my B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Irvine (UCI), then went on to complete my M.A in Psychology and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. I completed my doctoral internship at Student Psychological Services at the University of California, Los Angeles in 2000. Since then, I have worked with numerous institutions including California State University Long Beach, Washington University in St. Louis, DePauw University, NBC Studios and other Hollywood production companies.
Specialization
I particularly enjoy helping clients navigate life transitions, such as going to and graduating from college, pregnancy, parenting, changing careers, and grief and loss. I have additional focuses on treating anxiety, phobias, and multicultural issues. It is my privilege to talk to learn a person’s unique story, identify strengths and overcome fears. In my practice, I see myself as a “bank,” where people can safely and freely “deposit” their disappointments, fears, and dreams. Through my unconditional support and practical solutions, I aim to help my clients earn a great “return on their investment.”
Personal Life
I pride myself on being active in my community. In 2021, I received the California Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Honorary Service Award for my efforts in supporting and furthering education for the Corona Del Mar High School community. I am also part of Beauty in Grace for MemorialCare/Saddleback Women’s Hospital, dedicated to improving women’s health across the lifespan.
I was born in Southern California, and I am a second generation Indian American. I have been married for over 25 years to a gynecologic oncologist, and we have two young adult children. I feel so fortunate to have worked with many incredible and diverse people over the years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting you and our community.
Career Highlights
Former District 2 Commissioner for the Orange County Mental Health Advisory Board by Congresswoman Michelle Steele
Former District 2 Board Member for the Orange County Behavioral Health Advisory Board by Supervisor Katrina Foley
Senior Editor and Author of Asian American Psychology: Current Perspectives (2009)
Editor and Author of Counseling and Psychotherapy for South Asian Americans: Identity, Psychology, and Clinical Implications (2023)
Founded the Psychology SPACE Lab, a research lab focused on studying the impacts of screen time and social media on mental health
2021 Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA) Distinguished Contributions Award for Leadership and Service
Presented and consulted with university student services, departments and organizations on diversity and leadership such as the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
Hollywood and local radio, film, and TV appearances on psychology topics including social media use, parenting, Indian American dating relationships, and anxiety in younger generations
Board Member for the Dean’s Leadership Council in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of California, Irvine (UCI)
Publications
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I OFFER COMPLIMENTARY 15-MINUTE CONSULTATIONS FOR ALL NEW THERAPY CLIENTS.
Dr. Nita Tewari
Licensed Psychologist
CA PSY33824
You can expect to receive a response from me within 1-2 business days. Please note that by filling out this form you are not obligated to any commitment or service.
