I earned both my masters in psychology and my doctorate in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University and have gained experience in a range of settings including private practice, community mental health, hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Throughout my training, I have focused on gaining skills that will help people to improve their health starting in early adulthood and as their age advances.
With over a decade of experience in mental health, I have had the opportunity to provide services at some of the most well-respected hospitals in Southern California including Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and City of Hope where I served patients facing a range of medical challenges including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, MS, HIV/AIDS and chronic pain. In addition to my work with medically ill patients, I have successfully worked to help clients who have presented with a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, mood disorders and problems with adjustment to life challenges.
Throughout my career, I have had a strong interest in supervision and training. I started as a peer-supervisor during her time at the Pepperdine University Counseling Center, Encino. I then went on to supervise and train practicum students and medical interns at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. At City of Hope, I developed, coordinated and provided supervision for the postdoctoral fellowship program in health psychology. In 2016, I returned to the Pepperdine University Community Counseling Center in Encino where I supervised students pursuing their master's degree in marriage and family therapy. In 2017, I began a training program for marriage and family therapy associates at the Rowan Center for Behavioral Medicine where I have continued my work as clinical supervisor.
I currently provide psychotherapy services to patients at both the Westlake Village Counseling Center in Westlake Village, CA. For more information about counseling sessions, you can call me at 805-405-6945.
Clinical Experience
City of Hope National Medical Center
Rowan Center for Behavioral Medicine
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services
Veterans Administration Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center
Pepperdine Community Counseling Center, Encino
LAC + USC Medical Center
Union Rescue Mission, Pepperdine Counseling Center
Recent Presentations and Publications
Life After Treatment: Cultivating Resilience and Growing from Trauma
Davidson, S. L.
BMT InfoNet: Celebrating a Second Change at Life Symposium
May 5, 2022
A Look at Sexuality, Intimacy and Relationships During and After Treatment
Davidson, S. L.
WeSpark Cancer Support Center
September 12, 2019
Postraumatic Stress Versus Posttraumatic Growth
Davidson, S. L.
City of Hope Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Summit
February 9, 2019
Compassionate Cancer Care (click here for a link to a recording of the show)
Dr. G: Engaging Minds
KABC radio 790
August 5, 2018
Emotional Recovery Following Cancer Treatment
Davidson, S. L.
Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center, Providence St. Joseph Medical Center
Young Adult Panel: Coping with Stress and Disease
Panelist
StupidCancer Summit, City of Hope Medical Center
August 5, 2017
Psychological Approach to Cancer Patients and Cancer Survivors
Davidson, S. L.
Providence St. Joseph Medical Center
Communication in Clinical Psychology
Patel, S. K., Davidson, S., & Folbrecht, J.(2016)
In Wittenberg, E., Ferrell, B. R., Goldsmith, J., Smith, T., Ragan, S. L., Glajchen, M., & Handzo, G. (Eds.)
Textbook of Palliative Care Communciations (71-78). New York: Oxford University Press.
Palliative Psychology: A Developing Frontier in Healthcare
Davidson, S. L., Folbrecht, J. & Patel, S. K.
Association of Psychologists in Academic Health Centers National Conference
Academic Health Centers in the Era of Interprofessionalism:
Multifaceted Contributions of Psychology, Poster Session
February 5, 2015
I'm done with treatment, now what? Best practices for education
Hammer, S. L., Mallory, L., Davidson, S. & Klein, L. A.
Cancer Patient Education Network, 23rd Annual Conference
September 19, 2013
Evidence Based Management of Insomnia
Zachariah, F., Davidson, S. L., & Van Zyl, C.
City of Hope National Medical Center
March 19, 2013
City of Hope’s Department of Supportive Care Medicine:
An Inter-Professional Practice in Cancer Care
Davidson, S. L.
American Psychological Association Annual Convention
Presidential Poster Session
August 4, 2012
Professional Memberships & Affiliations
American Psychological Association (APA)
APA Division 38, Health Psychology
APA Division 12, Society of Clinical Psychology
American Psychosocial Oncology Society
California Psychological Association
Los Angeles Psychological Association
International Psycho-Oncology Society 2012-2014
National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists 2010-2014
APA Division 20, Adult Development and Aging 2011-2012
Society of Clinical Geropsychology 2011-2012
Society of Personality Assessment 2005-2011
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill 2007-2011
Association of Psychologists in Academic Healthcare Settings 2015-2016
Licenses
I am licensed by the Board of Psychology in the state of California.
License number PSY24540.
I am licensed by the Board of Psychologist Examiners in the state of Arizona.
License number PSY005506.