Dr. Monika Peterson, Psychologist

About me

Dr. Peterson obtained her undergraduate degree summa cum laude in Psychology at Arizona State University and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Brigham Young University with an emphasis on eating disorder treatment. She completed a one year internship at Valley Mental Health in Salt Lake City, the fifth largest community mental health center in the Country. While residing in Utah, Dr. Peterson completed numerous psychological and psychosexual evaluations for the Fourth District Juvenile Court.

After graduation, she relocated to New Mexico and completed a one year postdoctoral fellowship at The Samaritan Counseling Center prior to enjoying an active private practice specializing in the treatment of eating disorders. She also served as the Clinical Director of Adolescent Programs at The Eating Disorders Institute of New Mexico. As lead adolescent psychologist, she conducted therapy groups and offered meal support as part of the intensive outpatient treatment program at The Institute. Additionally, she contributed to the development of the program curriculum. As one of the few psychologists in the state specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, she spoke publicly to academic, medical, and mental health groups. She has presented and published research in eating disorders and has earned the Outstanding Early Career Psychologist Award given by the National Register of Health Service Psychologists. She is a certified eating disorders specialist (CEDS) as recognized by The International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals and currently services as the Certification Chair on the Phoenix board for the International Academy of Eating Disorders Professionals.

Her current work focuses on eating disorders including binge eating and dietary restriction, body weight and shape concerns, and compensatory behaviors including purging, overexercising, and laxative abuse. Other areas of focus include depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief/loss, career concerns, adjustment issues, stress management, and life transitions.

She approaches psychotherapy primarily from a cognitive-behavioral framework. She believes that identifying the unique relationships between emotions, thoughts, and behaviors allows patients to consider if modification will lend to increased life satisfaction and enjoyment.

She is a member of The American Psychological Association, The Arizona Psychological Association, The Academy for Eating Disorders, The International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, and The National Register of Health Service Psychologists.

Professional experience

Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Career difficulties

License information

AZ Psychologist 4577