Robyn Pashby, Ph.D.
I am a Clinical and Medical Psychologist, coach, speaker, author, and the founder of Health Psychology Partners. My passion lies in reshaping our perception of mental health, highlighting its profound influence on physical well-being, and fostering a culture where mental health is destigmatized and prioritized in communities, workplaces and healthcare settings. Benefitting from over two decades of clinical expertise, I share my time between providing direct patient care and delivering lectures, workshops and training sessions.
My client base, which encompasses a diverse range of individuals from business executives, legal professionals, and medical providers to educators, parents, and students, underscores the pervasive nature of mental health challenges. Issues such as burnout, anxiety, overwhelm, shame, and stigma transcend demographic boundaries and affect every facet of life.
Drawing on my extensive and varied experiences, my mission is clear: to equip both individuals and organizations with practical tools essential for prioritizing mental well-being as the cornerstone of health, personal development, and professional achievement. I welcome opportunities to help others build environments that champion mental health, cultivate meaningful connections, and bolster the prosperity of individuals, businesses and healthcare practices alike.
Awards and Honors
- Awarded Psychologist of the Month January 2024 from the Washington DC Psychological Association
- Featured in The Obesity Society's "Best of Obesity Week" 2024
Education & Credentials
Dr. Pashby is a distinguished expert in clinical health psychology, blending her clinical practice with scientific expertise. With a Ph.D. in Medical and Clinical Psychology and advanced training from Harvard Medical School, she works at the forefront of patient care, education, and research, shaping the future of the field.
- Licensed Clinical Health Psychologist
- Certified Health Coach
- Founder and Director, Health Psychology Partners
- Co-founder, The Modern Psychologists
- Research Assistant Professor of Psychology at The USUHS F. Edward Herbert School of Medicine
- Ph.D. Medical and Clinical Psychology
- APA Accredited Psychology Internship Washington DC Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center
- Executive Education Certificate in AI in Healthcare from Harvard Medical School
- Advanced training in Mind Body Medicine from The Benson Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital
Leadership & Affiliations
Dr. Pashby is a recognized leader in the field of health psychology and obesity care, actively shaping clinical practice and policy. She serves on key committees and boards dedicated to advancing patient-centered care at the intersection of psychology, weight management, and chronic disease.
- The Obesity Society, Clinical Practice Committee
- The Endocrine Society, Clinical Practice Guidelines on Pharmacological Management of Obesity Development Committee
- The Obesity Action Coalition, National Board of Directors
- The American Diabetes Association, Obesity and Weight Management Advisory Group
Featured Publications & Media
Dr. Pashby’s expertise is frequently featured in leading health publications, including The New York Times, where she explores the psychological aspects of weight management, medication use, and behavioral health. Her work addresses critical topics such as the emotional impact of GLP-1 medications, psychological health in obesity care, and the role of internalized weight bias.
- The New York Times Magazine: "How Weight Loss Drugs Can Upend a Marriage"
- The Wall Street Journal: "On Ozempic, and Feeling Judged for Taking the ‘Easy Way Out.'"
- Healthline: Emotional Impacts of Dramatic Weight Loss from GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic
- Healthline: CBT and AOMs
- Healthline: Ozempic and Social Anxiety
- Your Weight Matters Magazine Obesity Action Coalition: Routines and Weight Management, Internalized Weight Bias and Getting Unstuck
- My Fitness Pal: 8 Strategies to Boost Weight Loss According to Psychologists
- Weight Watchers: The Importance of Mindset
- Medium: Things You Need to Achieve a Healthy Body Weight
Selected Talks & Podcasts
A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Dr. Pashby is dedicated to reshaping conversations around weight, health, and stigma. Her expertise has been featured in proceedings from The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, on numerous podcasts, and at medical conferences around the world.
- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine "Mental Health Implications of GLPs and Obesity Management Medications." | Video
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine "Going Beyond BMI: Communicating About Body Weight in Clinical Practice."
Video | Publication
- ADA “Reducing Bias and Stigma in Obesity Care." | Promotional Video
- BioCrossRoads Life Sciences Summit | Panel and Fireside Chat
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics | Webinar Using Trauma Informed Care When Discussing Weight in Clinical Practice
- Speak Up for Your Health with Dr. Archelle Georgiou | Podcast Overcoming Weight Bias
- Just Jenny with Jenny Hutt | Podcast Weight Wednesday
- The Innovative Therapist with Dr. Shawn Hondorp | Podcast Internalized Weight Bias
- Elements of Being with Michael Moody | Podcast Mindfully Approaching Weight Loss
- Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow | Podcast Change Your Behavior for Real, Sustained Weight Loss
