About Dr. Sumi Raghavan, PhD
Hi, I’m Dr. Sumi, a licensed psychologist practicing virtually in NY, and in-person in Brooklyn.
I specialize in helping leaders, professionals, academics, and journalists derive satisfaction and joy from their work, and creating healthy boundaries to protect from stress and burnout.
I also speak and educate on these topics, as well as supervise and coach other therapists.
I’m glad you’re here. Let’s work together to help you get unstuck in work, relationships, or other areas where you need support. I’m warm, curious, and engaged. Therapy is your space to be yourself, and I am BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ affirming in my practice.
I help professionals experiencing burnout and chronic stress reclaim joy and find purpose beyond the hustle.
My goal is to help you feel more connected to yourself and others, and empowered to design the life you want.
My research, training, and work focuses on the intersection of culture and mental health — how individual distress exists within broader social, cultural, and structural contexts.
Burnout doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
Neither does self-doubt, perfectionism, or the pressure to succeed.
As a woman of color, I bring a multicultural lens to my work, helping clients understand both their inner worlds and the systems they’re navigating.
Training & Professional Background
I earned my BA in Psychology from New York University, completed my doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Fordham University, and completed specialized training at The Global Center for Journalism and Trauma on the professional culture and occupational challenges of journalists.
Before entering private practice, I worked in a variety of clinical settings including hospitals, community based clinics, substance abuse treatment programs, university counseling centers, and forensic facilities.
I also spent a decade as a college professor and educator — and ultimately made the intentional decision to walk away from tenure to dedicate myself fully to private practice. That lived experience of redefining success and stepping off a prescribed path informs how I support clients navigating their own crossroads.
My identities as a clinician, scholar, and educator are forever intersecting and evolving.
Staying engaged in research, media, and professional dialogue keeps my work dynamic and culturally responsive.
In addition to psychotherapy, I offer keynotes and workshops on burnout, workplace trauma, and culture-building, as well as continuing education, supervision, and private practice coaching for therapists.
I also enjoy being a podcast guest and featured expert in the media, and sharing thoughts on burnout and culture on my growing Instagram community and my newsletter Downshifting.
Whether in the classroom or the therapy office, connection is key. I prioritize building a safe, accepting environment where we can explore challenges and work toward meaningful, sustainable change.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me spending time with family and friends, cycling, doing yoga, cooking, and reading beach books all year round.