Uma has been working in the mental health field for over 15 years and has worked in multiple outpatient and inpatient settings. She currently works as a licensed psychologist at the University of Utah as the Assistant Director of Psychology & Wellness in the Department of Athletics. As a sports psychologist, she works with student athletes providing individual, group and team-based services. She also is an adjunct professor at New York University. Prior to this, she was faculty in the Educational Psychology department for 4.5 years.
Uma graduated with her Masters (2006) and Specialist in Education (2007) in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University. She received her doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of Georgia in 2011. She has presented at local, national, and international conferences. She also has a small private practice providing individual therapy, assessment, and education/training. She is a co-founder of an international consulting firm working with human services organizations to address EDI (Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) and mental health initiatives.
Uma is a 1.5 generation immigrant who moved to the U.S. from India at the age of 10. She grew up in the Atlanta area and experienced the cultural complexities of being South Asian American. These early experiences of race and culture has informed her work with clients and teaching. Her work embodies the belief that each person has in them the power to heal and grow, but often individuals are in environments or part of systems that prevent them from being our true selves.
Uma understands the impact of power within larger systems and its influences on intersecting identities. Uma has centered much of her work in dismantling systems of oppression through creating space to engage in much needed conversations about racism and other inequities. In working with folks who have sexual trauma – it is important to consider the individual traumas that they have experienced while also understanding the context of collective and historical traumas especially within communities of color and queer and trans communities.
Personally, Uma loves spending time outdoors camping and hiking with her four children, partner, and two dogs. She enjoys listening to young adult audiobooks of the dystopian variety. She believes cooking is her therapy and encourages her creative side.
website: Salt Lake Psychology