About Dr. Kimberly Thiessen

During my undergraduate and initial graduate program years I studied criminal justice in Chicago. During that time I felt a calling and I began working with individuals who had survived trauma. It didn’t take me long to realize that for the rest of my life I wanted to work with people who may not know where to turn or find themselves searching for answers.

I relocated to Tucson and continued working with survivors. Soon after, I began counseling in the addictions and recovery community with individuals participating in the Pima County Drug Court program. I returned to university to obtain a Doctorate in Psychology, so I could continue the work that I love. During my studies, I completed a year-long training program at a local community mental health agency and an intensive outpatient program for adolescents with substance abuse issues and their families. I also started working for a forensic psychologist as a research assistant. I completed an APA approved internship and postdoctoral position at another local community mental health agency. My internship focused on individuals with serious mental health conditions, often with co-occurring substance use issues and a residential treatment center. Since that time, I have been fortunate enough to work at a local 24-hour crisis center, Sierra Tucson – a world-renowned treatment facility, and I also helped develop the clinical program at a new residential treatment facility when it opened in Tucson. I also became interested in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related conditions. I have attended several intensive training conferences about these issues and continue to do so at least once per year.

I learned many things during my time working in Chicago and Tucson. I knew that I wanted to continue doing the work that I love and also that I wanted to open a private practice so I could continue working with people who find themselves struggling and looking for change. I recently started my private practice on the northwest side of Tucson and I look forward to watching both myself and the practice continue to grow. I have been very fortunate in my career – working with amazing people, meeting wonderful professionals and mentors, and continuing to broaden my areas of expertise.