If you’re reading this, it means you’re taking your mental and emotional health seriously and doing your research. I love that for you. Let me make the decision a little easier by telling you who I am and how I work.

I’m Dr. Monica Johnson, a Licensed Psychologist and the founder of Kind Mind Psychology (https://www.kindmindpsych.com). I created this practice with a clear mission: to reduce the healthcare disparities that keep too many people from getting the mental health care they need and deserve. That means disparities in access and disparities in quality. Because it’s not enough to just get people through the door. They need to be met by clinicians who actually know how to serve them well once they’re there.

That’s what I’ve spent my career building toward.

I was trained with a population-based approach, which means I was taught to have the capacity to treat anyone who needed me. I’ve worked with people ages 12 and up across a wide range of settings: outpatient, inpatient, and forensic. I served as the lead psychologist at a homeless clinic. I’ve sat across from people in some of the hardest moments of their lives, in some of the most under-resourced environments you can imagine, and I brought the same standard of care every single time. That experience shaped everything about how I practice today.

I partner with my patients to find pathways to a better life. I work best with people who are tired of being stuck and ready to make changes. I can’t change you. Only you can do that. But I’m excited to be in your corner, helping you see what you’re capable of and clearing the road so you can get there.

One thing you should know about me: I am direct, engaged, and fully in the work with you. I’m down to earth and real, which means I will call things out when they need to be called out and help you figure out what to do about it. We will work hard and laugh a lot. Nothing is off limits or shameful in my office. I’ve seen it all and heard it all. If you need to talk about sex, money, medical issues, or that one time in Amsterdam, don’t hesitate.

I believe that being a good clinician means contributing to the field beyond your own caseload. I co-authored Addressing Race-Based Stress in Therapy with Black Clients (Routledge), a book for mental health professionals on culturally responsive treatment. I also wrote and recorded the audiobook Push Back: Assert Yourself in Relationships, bringing my perspective on setting boundaries and advocating for yourself in your relationships to a wider audience.

I’m the former host of the Savvy Psychologist podcast (Macmillan / Quick and Dirty Tips), where I brought humor, zero judgment, and actionable mental health tips to listeners for years. I currently host ADHD & through Understood.org, where I explore ADHD and its impact on relationships, identity, and daily life.

I regularly speak at conferences and organizations on topics including race-based stress, evidence-based practice, and culturally affirming care. I also provide clinical supervision and training for the next generation of mental health professionals.

My work has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, British Vogue, Self, the Associated Press, Ebony, Psychology Today, Popsugar, Them, Girlboss, and The Next Web.