Dr. Amanda Mead Licensed Psychologist

I've always been fascinated by people—their inner worlds, their relationships, the stories they carry. Even as a kid, I was the one friends turned to when they needed someone to really listen. That curiosity about how people make sense of their experiences eventually led me to study psychology in college, and over time, it became clear that this work was more than just an interest—it was a calling. What drew me most to becoming a therapist was the opportunity to create space for people to be fully seen and heard. I’ve experienced firsthand how transformative it can be to have someone walk alongside you through pain, confusion, or growth. That’s what I try to offer my clients: a space where we can make sense of things together, without judgment, and move toward deeper understanding, healing, and self-acceptance.

People often come to me carrying a lot—grief that hasn’t had space, trauma that’s been minimized, identities that have been misunderstood. I’m someone who welcomes the complexity. If you’ve ever felt like “too much” or like no one really gets the full picture of what you’re holding, you’re not alone—and you’re not too much for me. In our work together, I’ll meet you with curiosity, warmth, and honesty. I take time to understand not just the symptoms you might be experiencing, but the deeper story underneath. I won’t rush you, and I won’t give you cookie-cutter advice. I believe in therapy that helps you connect the dots, feel more present in your life, and uncover who you are beyond what you’ve had to survive.

In both life and therapy, I believe in honoring the whole person—not just the parts that feel polished or put together. We’re all layered, and I think healing begins when we stop trying to hide the parts that feel messy or complicated. That’s true in my personal life, and it’s how I approach therapy too. I also believe in going deep rather than staying on the surface. Whether I’m supporting someone in therapy or navigating something in my own life, I try to stay curious, ask meaningful questions, and hold space for nuance. Growth rarely happens in a straight line, and that’s okay—we’re allowed to evolve, shift, and take our time. My goal is to create a space where that kind of unfolding is possible.

• New Hampshire, Licensed Psychologist, 1490
• New York, Licensed Psychologist, 026364

Before founding Polaris Psychology, I spent years working in community mental health settings, college counseling centers, and medical clinics, where I provided therapy and conducted in-depth psychological assessments. These experiences helped me build a strong foundation in trauma-informed care, attachment work, and relational therapy. I’ve worked with people facing a wide range of challenges—grief, anxiety, dissociation, identity exploration, and the effects of long-standing trauma. I also developed specialized experience in writing psychological evaluations for immigration cases, supporting individuals and families through deeply personal and often difficult chapters of their lives. Today, in private practice, I draw from all of these experiences to offer therapy that is compassionate, grounded, and personalized. I also conduct psychological testing for concerns like ADHD, autism, and complex diagnostic questions that need more than a quick checklist to understand.