About Christopher

EDUCATION

Christopher Barr, PhD, is a clinical psychologist with extensive experience in relationship issues, anxiety treatment, and trauma-focused care. He earned his PhD and MS in Clinical Psychology from the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology at Palo Alto University, with a concentration in health psychology. His academic journey began with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Philosophy from Emory University.

Clinical Experience

Dr. Barr has worked across a variety of clinical settings, including primary care, addiction treatment, psychiatric hospitals, and community health programs. Most recently, he provided care at Gravenstein Community Health Center in Sebastopol, CA, where he supported adults facing mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, often alongside chronic physical conditions. His work emphasized collaboration with primary care providers to ensure seamless, integrated care for patients.

Bilingual Services and Group Therapy

Proficient in Spanish, Dr. Barr has offered behavioral health services to both English- and Spanish-speaking populations, including a Spanish-language immersion workshop for mental health professionals through WEEKEND en español®. His background also includes facilitating group therapy and trauma recovery programs for adults in addiction recovery at Sonoma Recovery Services and the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center.

Research Contributions

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Barr’s research has focused on grief and bereavement. His dissertation, A Two-Dimensional Model of the Continuing Bond to the Deceased, explored how individuals maintain connections with deceased loved ones and the impact of these bonds on emotional outcomes like grief and posttraumatic growth. Earlier in his career, he contributed to research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), working on studies related to mood and anxiety disorders.

Professional Presentations and Cultural Competency

Throughout his career, Dr. Barr has shared his insights through presentations at professional conferences, including the American Psychological Association (APA) convention. His breadth of experience reflects a commitment to personal, individualized care, including an understanding of the role culture and language play in mental health treatment.