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Uma Shanmugham(She/Her/Hers)

(She/Her/Hers)
Psychologist, PsyD
IllinoisMassachusetts
Cultural adjustment- Life transitions-Pregnancy, perinatal, postpartum mental health-Race & cultural identity-College & graduate student mental health- Relationship issues-

See Uma's Details for:

AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & Fees

Professional statement

Dr. Uma Shanmugham is a licensed psychologist in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and in the state of Illinois. Uma earned her B.A. in International Relations from Tufts University and then received her M.A. in Counseling Psychology & PsyD in Clinical Psychology from William James College (formerly known as the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology). For both her Masters and Doctorate theses, Uma focused on examining the experiences of women in the sex industry.

Uma's training and work have been in individual, group, and family therapy settings ranging from community health centers, schools, outpatient clinics, and in-home care. In these various settings, Uma has facilitated treatment with individuals, groups, couples, and families of culturally and diagnostically diverse backgrounds. Additionally, Uma has extensive experience working with immigrants, refugees, and asylees across the lifespan.


Message to clients

I primarily work with clients who have spent much of their lives caring for others—anticipating needs, maintaining harmony, and meeting expectations. Over time, this role can begin to feel constraining, leading to a desire to prioritize one’s own well-being. Yet, guilt, fear of rejection, and a deep sense of obligation can make it difficult to identify personal needs and desires. 

If you have have been struggling with boundaries; people pleasing; perinatal and parenthood struggles; cultural/family expectations; intergenerational trauma; self-advocacy and finding your voice; anxiety, identity confusion, and burnout; and navigating marginalized identities in dominant spaces, you’re not alone. This space is for you.

I offer therapy that’s warm, relational, and culturally attuned. Together, we’ll gently explore your inner world, tune into what feels true for you, and build the confidence to live a life that reflects your needs—not just others’ expectations.

I welcome individuals of all races, ethnicities, immigrant statuses, gender identities, sexual orientations, castes, faiths, ability statuses, body sizes, and socioeconomic statuses. Let's partner together to help you reclaim your voice

I look forward to connecting with you!


Work and Education

Years of Experience: 9 years

Shanmugham Psychological Services , Owner , 2022 - Present
Life Changes Group, Staff Psychologist @ Group therapy practice , 2019 - 2021
William James College, Adjunct Faculty of Diversity, Difference and Inclusion, 2020 - 2020
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Adjunct Instructor of Diversity in Clinical Practice & Existential-Humanistic Psychotherapy, 2018 - 2018
The Claret Center, Staff Psychotherapist , 2018 - 2018
The Marjorie Kovlar Center, Clinical Volunteer for individual therapy and psychological assessments for recent asylees and torture survivors, 2017 - 2018
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Community Internship Consortium, Post-Doctoral Fellow, 2016 - 2017
William James College, Graduate Teaching Assistant of Psychology of Diversity and Difference, Career Counseling, and Multi-Stressed Families, 2012 - 2016
William James College, Writing Tutor, 2013 - 2016
Lynn Community Health Center; William James College Internship Consortium in Clinical Psychology, APA Pre-doctoral Clinical Intern , 2014 - 2016
The Home for Little Wanderers, Clinical Practicum Student; in-home therapy , 2013 - 2014
Children's Services of Roxbury, Clinical Practicum Student; in home therapy, 2012 - 2013
LABBB Collaborative, Clinical Practicum Student; school counselor, 2011 - 2012

William James College, Psy.D, 2017
William James College, M.A. in Counseling , 2013
Tufts University, B.A in International Relations, 2008

Licensure

Massachusetts: 11173 - Illinois: 071.009982

Languages

English, Tamil

Specialties

Cultural adjustment - Acclimating to a new environment; managing stress and coping with feelings of loss and separation from familiar people and places

Life transitions - Coping with difficult or impactful life changes, such as moving to a new area, relationship transitions, child rearing, or career changes; learning self-care to better manage resulting stress

Pregnancy, perinatal, postpartum mental health - Addressing issues specific to women and families during the pregnancy and postpartum period, including postpartum depression and anxiety

Race & cultural identity - Exploring topics of racial, cultural, and ethnic background as it relates to one’s family origins and personal identity

College & graduate student mental health - Specialized strategies for common issues of young adulthood, including school and career stressors, support around healthy relationships, existential concerns, and anxiety and/or depression.

Relationship issues - Understanding one’s wants and needs in relationships; exploring patterns of interaction, addressing concerns, and strengthening satisfaction in relationships and dating




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Locations & Hours


Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Tufts University Student Health Insurance

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$200 (55min)

Additional session information

Out-of-network billing options

This provider can support you in getting reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Here are the out-of-network billing options they provide:

  • Super billing
Payment options
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
Session frequency

Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.

  • Weekly
  • Monthly
  • Every other week
  • Every other month
  • As needed

Reach out to Connect

Small steps make a big difference. Start by connecting with Uma Shanmugham today.