A woman in an orange robe standing outside.

Dr. Kayla Nelson, PsyD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist | Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Grief, EMDR & Psychological Testing

Dr. Kayla Nelson is a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder of Glacier Psychology Services. She specializes in working with adolescents and adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship challenges. Dr. Nelson is known for creating a warm, non-judgmental, and deeply supportive environment where clients feel safe to explore, heal, and grow.

With a strong foundation in trauma-informed and grief-informed care, Dr. Nelson integrates evidence-based therapies with a relational and personalized approach. She works closely with clients who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected, helping them process difficult experiences, build resilience, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

As the founder of Glacier Psychology Services, Dr. Nelson has built a practice rooted in compassion, clinical excellence, and a deep commitment to supporting individuals and families. Her passion for this work is felt in every interaction, both by her clients and the team she leads.

Experience

Dr. Nelson earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) from California Lutheran University and has extensive experience providing therapy across a range of clinical settings.

She is a Certified Grief Educator, with specialized training in supporting individuals navigating loss and life transitions. Dr. Nelson also serves as a certified GoZen! workshop facilitator, where she provides workshops for parents and educators focused on emotional regulation, resilience, and anxiety management in children and teens.

She is committed to ongoing professional development and stays up to date on the latest advancements in trauma and grief treatment, including EMDR and other evidence-based approaches, to ensure the highest quality care for her clients.

Client Focus

  • Adolescents (teens)

  • Adults

  • Women

  • Individuals navigating grief and loss

  • Individuals from diverse and minority backgrounds

Dr. Nelson works with clients experiencing:

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Depression

  • Grief and loss

  • ADHD

  • Behavioral concerns

  • Relationship conflict

  • Life stress and transitions

She brings cultural awareness, humility, and sensitivity into her work, helping clients explore both personal experiences and the broader systems that may impact their mental health.

Therapy Modalities

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

  • Solution-Focused Therapy

  • Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

  • Relational, trauma-informed, and grief-informed therapy

Approach to Therapy

Dr. Nelson helps clients:

  • Process and heal from trauma using EMDR and other evidence-based approaches

  • Navigate grief and loss with compassion and support

  • Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression

  • Develop healthier coping strategies and emotional regulation

  • Improve relationships and communication

  • Build confidence, insight, and long-term resilience

Clients often experience Dr. Nelson as both deeply compassionate and gently direct, someone who will support you while also helping you create meaningful, lasting change.

She also leads therapy groups at Glacier, creating additional opportunities for connection, growth, and healing.

Types of Therapy

  • Individual Therapy

  • Couples Counseling

  • Family Therapy

  • Play Therapy

Psychological & Academic Testing

Dr. Nelson provides comprehensive psychological and academic evaluations for children and adolescents, including assessments for:

  • ADHD

  • Learning disabilities

  • Emotional and behavioral concerns

Testing services are designed to provide clarity, direction, and actionable recommendations to support each child’s success at home and in school.

I Am Grateful to be Doing This Work!

“Laughter truly is life’s best medicine and you are sure to hear mine echoing through the halls of Glacier. I feel grateful and joyful each day I step into the office.”

Dr. Nelson also offers grief-informed therapy and workshops for parents and educators focused on emotional regulation and resilience in children and teens.

Certified Grief Educator
GoZen Certification logo large size