Wendy S. Upadhyay, PSy.D

The BASICS

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Licensed Psychologist

Insurances Accepted:
Unity/Quartz, The Alliance, BCBS/Anthem, GHC, Medicare/Medicaid

Adults 17+
Telehealth Only

AREAS OF FOCUS

Gender Identity & Transition
LGBTQIA-related concerns
Neurodivergence
ADHD, Autism, PDA
Complex Grief & Loss
Developmental Trauma
PTSD
Relationships
Poly & ENM Relationships
Parenting
Anxiety
Complex Health/Medical Status
Depression
Self-Esteem
Minority and Cultural Stress

The best way to get started with me is to email me so we can set up a phone or email consultation.

wupadhyay.psyd@gmail.com

More Info

MY APPROACH

I approach the therapeutic connection from a place of deep curiosity, openness to sharing and learning, and with a sense of sacredness about the dual journey we embark upon. I have been told I’m kind, reassuring, empathic, patient and non-judgmental. Building trust and safety is at the forefront of my mind. To that end, you may find me tailoring my approach to make the virtual space more personally accessible based on your specific needs. You won’t find me pathologizing you through a medical model lens.

I constantly keep in mind the impact of minority stress (gender, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity, neurotype, disability, religious or spiritual affiliation) and am open to discussing the intersectionality of these parts of your identity. I’ll work with you to make meaning of your experiences, thoughts and feelings.

I love to infuse humor along the way, celebrate your wins, and empower you to be in charge of the direction we take. I show my emotions - whether laughter, excitement, or tears, so you won’t be left wondering how I feel. I will be honest with you. I also adore learning and love to share relevant resources with my clients to enhance their learning experience, as desired. You are welcome to ask me any questions along the way. I very much view us as equal partners in this endeavor.

My Specialties

I love my work with the transgender, non-binary, GNC, and LGBTQIA+ community. I am thrilled to support young people just starting to explore their gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as older people seeking formal transition-related services. I am a long-term member of WPATH, able to coordinate care with local providers and writer letters of readiness, as and if needed.

Many of my clients are wired a bit differently and consider themselves neurodivergent. Some are unsure and seek confirmation or validation of their neurotype. Some come to me knowing that they are autistic or ADHD or AuDHD or with a PDA profile. Know that I am neuro-affirming, with lived experience, and happy to help you explore the ways your wiring may be impacting you (or causing trauma) as you navigate a neurotypical world. We can address masking, burnout, executive functions, sensory sensitivities, social anxiety, RSD, interoception struggles, alexithymia, disordered eating patterns, delayed sleep cycles, depression/suicidality, perfectionism, emotional dysregulation and more.

Education & Training

Psy.D in Clinical Psychology (2002)
Illinois School of Professional Psychology - Chicago

Masters of Arts - Professional Counseling (1996)
Illinois School of Professional Psychology - Chicago

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology (1989)
Miami University

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing - Training 2017

Predoctoral Internship - Counseling and Consultation Services
University of Wisconsin - Madison

Previous Experience:
Agnesian HealthCare/SSM Health 2003-2021