Amber Shuster, M.S., LMHCA
Postdoctoral Fellow

Ms. Shuster will be joining our team in August 2025. She is expected to have her doctorate (Ph.D.) in August 2025. She will be supervised by Karen Pavlidis, Ph.D. and Andrea Dorsch, Ph.D.

Education:

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Doctor of Philosophy Candidate School Psychology

Certificate in Grief, Loss, and Trauma

M.S., Applied Behavior Analysis

Licensure:

Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate, MHCA.MC.61682152

Training:

APA-Approved Pre-Doctoral Internship at Tennessee Internship Consortium: KLASS Center, Jefferson County Schools

Professional Memberships:

National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

Specialties:

Evaluation Services

  • Developmental evaluations

  • Learning Assessments

  • Neurodevelopmental disabilities (ADHD, Autism Spectrum)

  • Gifted Testing

Therapy Services

  • Parenting

  • Executive Functioning (time management, organization, planning, etc.)

  • Academic Intervention

  • Social Skills

  • Emotion Regulation

  • Coping Skills

Special Populations

  • LGBTQ+

  • Autism

  • ADHD

  • Learning Disabilities

Therapy approaches

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Exposure and Response Therapy 

  • Solutions Focused 

  • Family Systems

  • Behavior Management Training for Parents

My Approach:

My experience has been in both school and clinical settings, and with individuals from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. My training has emphasized psychoeducational and social-emotional assessment, with a focus on neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism, ADHD) and learning disorders. I rely on a collaborative, strengths-based approach throughout the assessment and intervention processes to ensure my work is thorough and practical.

My clinical approach is grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), while also drawing on ecological, solution-focused, and behavioral perspectives. In my work with clients, I consider how their perceptions and responses interact with their environment, life stage, and cultural background. This well-rounded view allows me to create individualized treatment plans that reflect each client’s unique needs. I enjoy working with both individuals, parents, and families, where I emphasize positive, evidence-based strategies to help clients build resilience and make meaningful, lasting changes.

Whether in assessment or therapy, I approach my work with compassion, patience, and a down-to-earth style. I believe that trust and humor are essential in building strong therapeutic relationships and helping clients feel empowered and supported. I strive to provide services that are culturally responsive, developmentally informed, and grounded in evidence-based practice.