Dr. Kaleigh Urban

Dr. Kaleigh Urban is Postdoctoral Fellow with Wellness Psychological Services offering services in both our Tampa and St. Pete offices and virtually all across the state of Florida.

Hi! I am Dr. Kaleigh Urban, a psychologist and postdoctoral resident under the supervision of Dr. Lisa Beckman.  I understand how overwhelming it can feel when emotions seem too big to manage, relationships feel strained, and daily life becomes a constant battle. In therapy, my first goal is to understand you—not just your diagnosis or behaviors, but your experiences, strengths, and hopes. I believe that everyone deserves to feel truly seen and heard.

Using a warm, supportive, and collaborative approach, I help my clients build skills, process difficult experiences, and reconnect with themselves and the people who matter most to them. I draw from a range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), to support emotion regulation, behavior change, and insight-building. I also incorporate a humanistic perspective, emphasizing empathy, authenticity, and each person’s capacity for growth and healing. When it feels helpful and engaging, I enjoy integrating creative strategies such as music and art into sessions. I’m passionate about supporting both young people and adults in finding healing, hope, and connection. My experience spans the lifespan, working with individuals from preschool age through adulthood as they navigate life transitions, trauma, emotional challenges, relationship issues, and more. I specialize in working with youth who have experienced trauma and those who struggle with externalizing behaviors like anger, impulsivity, and acting out. I believe that involving parents and caregivers can be a vital part of the healing process when working with children and teens. I also work closely with families to strengthen understanding, enhance communication, and build practical strategies that support lasting growth. I also have experience supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, helping them build on their strengths, navigate social and emotional challenges, and thrive.

For adults, I offer a supportive space to explore complex emotions, shift patterns that may no longer serve them, and build deeper, more meaningful connections with themselves and others. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity development, relationship challenges, stress, burnout, or major life transitions, I tailor my approach to meet you where you are. My training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) helps me support trauma recovery in a structured yet compassionate way, while also fostering resilience and confidence. I am also deeply committed to creating an affirming and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals, where every client feels seen, respected, and supported.

PTSD & TRAUMA SPECIALIZATION 

Helping individuals heal from trauma is at the heart of my work, particularly those coping with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related challenges. My training includes Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for trauma, and crisis intervention, which I have applied in my work with children, adolescents, and adults. I also have specialized training in conducting psychological assessments with individuals who have PTSD, integrating clinical interviews, standardized testing, and behavioral observations to inform diagnosis and treatment planning. I am deeply passionate about trauma work, which has further shaped my commitment to providing trauma-informed, compassionate care.

In therapy, I prioritize creating a safe and validating environment where clients can process their experiences at their own pace. I focus treatment on building coping skills, fostering emotional regulation, and integrating evidence-based techniques such as relaxation training, trauma narration, and DBT-informed strategies to manage trauma-related dysregulation. I recognize that trauma often impacts many areas of life, so I work collaboratively with clients to address related concerns such as anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, or relational challenges. I structure my sessions using the Triphasic Model of Trauma framework, moving through phases of stabilization, trauma processing, and integration. I take a collaborative, strengths-based, and empowerment-focused approach, helping clients build resilience and regain a sense of stability, safety, and hope.

CHILD & ADOLESCENT SPECIALIZATION

Having worked with children and adolescents in a variety of clinical settings, I am passionate about helping young clients overcome behavioral, emotional, and social challenges while building skills, confidence, and resilience. My past experience in hospital settings, working with children and adolescents experiencing suicidal ideation, self-harm, or aggressive behaviors, helped me develop skills in crisis assessment, safety planning, and emotion regulation strategies, which I continue to apply in the outpatient setting. I support children in managing behavioral difficulties, improving emotional regulation, and developing positive social skills, while helping teens navigate challenges related to identity, autonomy, and peer relationships. I take pride in understanding and connecting with teens, creating a supportive space where they feel heard, respected, and understood.

I work closely with parents and caregivers using evidence-based approaches, including Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement (CARE) and Parent Management Training (PMT), to strengthen the parent-child relationship, teach effective behavior management strategies, and support consistent implementation of interventions at home. Interventions are tailored to each child’s needs, integrating cognitive-behavioral strategies, play-based techniques, and structured behavioral approaches. Progress is monitored through caregiver feedback, behavioral observations, and standardized measures to ensure that treatment goals are met.

AUTISM & ADHD SPECIALIZATION 

I am passionate about supporting individuals with neurodivergent conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as they grow and thrive across the lifespan. My training and experience include conducting comprehensive evaluations using standardized assessments such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), clinical interviews, behavioral observations, and collateral information from families, caregivers, and teachers. I have worked with clients of all ages to support communication, adaptive functioning, executive functioning, and overall well-being. Consistent with the neurodiversity movement, my approach emphasizes identifying and incorporating each individual’s strengths while addressing challenges related to social communication, flexibility, attention regulation, organization, and impulsivity. Treatment is highly individualized and may include adaptive communication strategies, social skills training, visual supports, self-monitoring, skill-building for attention, time management, and organization, as well as experiential practice in session and in natural environments. I collaborate closely with families, schools, and community supports to reduce barriers, promote generalization of skills, and create environments that foster meaningful participation in daily life. I also help clients recognize and celebrate small wins along the way, supporting confidence, motivation, and self-understanding throughout treatment.

ANXIETY SPECIALIZATION

I specialize in the treatment of anxiety across the lifespan, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Phobias, and adjustment-related anxiety. My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with psychoeducation, skill-building, and exposure-based strategies to help individuals better understand and manage their anxiety. I work with clients to identify triggers, challenge maladaptive thought patterns, and build effective coping mechanisms that can be applied in daily life. Treatment often includes mindfulness, relaxation techniques, distress tolerance skills, and graded exposure to feared situations to reduce avoidance and increase confidence. I also enjoy helping clients recognize that even small steps, such as facing a feared situation or noticing a moment of calm, are meaningful progress. Progress is assessed through self-report, behavioral observations, and evidence-based assessments, ensuring treatment remains goal-oriented and effective.

OTHER PSYCHOTHERAPY SPECIALITIES:

Mood disorders

LGBTQ+ Affirmative Care

Familial conflict

Effective Communication Skills

Attachment & Relationship Issues

Anger Management

Throughout my training and clinical work, I’ve learned that meaningful change happens when clients feel safe, respected, and empowered to grow at their own pace. If you feel like we might be a good fit, I would love to connect with you. 

Please feel free to reach out to me at drurban@wellnesspsychservices.com to learn more or to schedule an appointment.