Heather Watson-Perez, PhD
Dr. Heather Watson-Perez is a clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults.
Heather Watson-Perez, PhD (NJ license #4943)
She incorporates both cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic theory in her psychotherapeutic approach and has extensive experience in the treatment of a variety of diagnoses, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and autism spectrum disorders.
Dr. Watson-Perez graduated with high honors from Commonwealth Honors College at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she received her BA in psychology and a certificate in Social Work.
During her undergraduate education Dr. Watson-Perez coauthored a journal article entitled “Stress and Family Satisfaction in Parents of Children with Facial Port-Wine Stains” as part of a training experience at The Rusk Institute at NYU Medical Center.
Dr. Watson-Perez continued her studies at Teachers College, Columbia University and received her MA in applied psychology. Her master’s thesis was entitled “Homeless Women and Children: A Descriptive Study” and was based on her work at a shelter for survivors of domestic violence in New York City.
Dr Watson-Perez received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University where she focused her studies under Gretchen Gibbs, PhD on survivors of relationship violence and their families.
Dr. Watson-Perez’s psychotherapy office in Chester, NJ
During her studies at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Dr. Watson-Perez completed two clinical externships. At Morristown Memorial Hospital’s Family Enrichment Program, her work focused on forensic assessments and therapy with children and adolescents. At South Beach Psychiatric Center in Staten Island, NY, Dr. Watson-Perez worked with adolescents and adults, both inpatient and outpatient, and conducted assessments and psychotherapy.
Dr. Watson-Perez completed her pre-doctoral clinical internship at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, NY. Her training focused on inpatient and outpatient group and individual therapy. During her internship, Dr. Watson-Perez’s clinical rotations included behavioral medicine, adult inpatient, and addictions/detoxification.
Dr. Watson-Perez is a member of the American Psychological Association and the New Jersey Psychological Association. She has held numerous supervisory positions in the field of clinical work with children and adolescents and has led local and national workshops on parenting and discipline for parents and caregivers.