Psychologist in Scottsdale, Arizona Kia Watkins, Psychologist

Dr. Kia A. Watkins, PsyD is a licensed clinical psychologist at LifeStance Behavioral Health in Scottsdale, AZ. She works with adults navigating trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, identity development, stress, interpersonal challenges, and major life transitions. She also supports exploration of culture, spirituality, meaning, and belonging.

Dr. Watkins earned her Bachelor’s degree from Wright State University and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Adler University. Her experience spans private practice, community mental health, residential care, college counseling, and hospital settings.

Her approach integrates Gestalt, psychodynamic, existential, and Adlerian perspectives, informed by ACT and somatic practices. She collaborates with clients to deepen awareness, explore relational patterns, and connect with present-moment experience, including how past experiences are felt in the here and now.

She views therapy as an experiential, relational process grounded in curiosity and authenticity. She offers a compassionate, nonjudgmental space while gently encouraging clients to stay with difficult emotions, expand awareness, and explore new ways of being. Her work emphasizes personal agency while honoring cultural and systemic contexts.

Outside of her work, she enjoys time with family, traveling, reading, writing poetry, composing music, and following football and basketball.