David A. Perna, PhD

About Us

I work with children, adolescents, and adults who have often had unsuccessful prior treatment experiences. They feel that my knowledge and holistic approach to treatment will provide them with a healthier pathway forward in their life. Although I have a depth of experience to share with my patients I value learning from them on a daily basis. To facilitate change I employ a range of focused DBT and CBT strategies that I also teach to younger clinicians who train with my practice. I have maintained a professional home for 30 years at Harvard Medical School where I serve as a Part-Time Lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry. , I treat a range of diagnostic presentations and specialize in working with anger challenges, self-harming issues, learning/executive function challenges, and college transition issues. I offer a unique, Multi-Modal Treatment (MMT) approach that is holistic, learning focused, and fully integrated with my fellow co-treaters. , I have worked with a range of patients from diverse ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds who have struggled with their mental health. I have found that cooking with my clients in my outpatient groups allows everyone to appreciate and celebrate their ethnic diversity and unique contributions to the group process. It promotes a diversity-curious vibe.