About Dr. Sami Saghafi
I'm Dr. Sami Saghafi, a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder of Saghafi Behavioral Health Services based in Pittsburgh, PA. I specialize in evidence-based treatments for adults and young adults, with a particular expertise in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
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My work is grounded in radical genuineness—the kind of honest, compassionate presence that makes real change possible. I believe therapy should be collaborative, skills-focused, and centered on what actually matters to you: your values, your goals, your life. Whether you're struggling with borderline personality disorder, emotion dysregulation, suicide, trauma depression, anxiety, OCD, or relationship difficulties, my approach focuses on behavior change and building concrete skills—not just talking about problems, but creating lasting transformation.
I believe in the power of insight to create transformation, in skills that last, and in showing up authentically and honestly. Your background shapes how you communicate, express pain, and ask for help—and that matters here.
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DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) is a treatment for people who have really intense emotions and sometimes cope in ways that end up making things worse. DBT was originally developed for people struggling with suicidal thoughts and self-harm, and is now one of the most researched treatments for borderline personality disorder, emotion dysregulation, and trauma.
At its core, DBT holds two things at once: accepting where you are right now, and working hard to change what isn’t working. In practice that means learning specific skills for handling emotions, getting through crises without making them worse, and asking for what you need in relationships.
I provide comprehensive DBT, meaning the full model: weekly individual therapy, skills training, coaching between sessions, and a weekly consultation team where I meet with other DBT clinicians to review my cases and make sure I’m delivering the treatment the way it was designed. You’ll practice skills between sessions and track what’s going on week to week, so we can see what’s working and what isn’t.
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My clinical training has been shaped by some of the leading DBT and CBT experts in the world. I completed my doctoral training at La Salle University, where I began providing comprehensive DBT across diverse settings including community mental health clinics, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and college counseling centers. I went on to complete a postdoctoral fellowship specializing in DBT, deepening my expertise in evidence-based treatment for complex problems.
In addition to my work in private practice, I serve as a trainer and consultant for Behavioral Tech Institute—the gold standard for DBT training and consultation, founded by Marsha Linehan, the creator of DBT. Through this role, I lead DBT trainings and consultations for clinicians worldwide.
Prior to my doctoral work, I earned a master's degree from The Catholic University of America and conducted suicide prevention research. Since entering the field, I have maintained a specialized focus on treating suicidality, emotion dysregulation, and complex mental health presentations.
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I work with adults and young adults who are navigating:
Borderline personality disorder
Emotion dysregulation
Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Depression
Anxiety
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior
Self-harm
Difficult relationship patterns
Feeling stuck despite wanting change
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In addition to individual therapy, I provide:
Professional Consultation for mental health clinicians seeking to strengthen their clinical expertise in evidence-based practices
Clinical Supervision for pre-licensed psychologists working toward licensure in Pennsylvania and/or New York
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Growing up Persian shaped how I think about therapy. I learned early that communication is never just the words—every culture has its own logic for how people express needs, navigate hierarchy, or signal distress. Cultural competence isn't a checkbox in my practice; it's an ongoing commitment to understanding how your background shapes the way you show up in therapy.
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Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Pennsylvania License #PS019543
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, New York License #024430
PSYPACT, authorized to provide teletherapy in the following states: AK, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, ME, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
PsyD, Clinical Psychology, La Salle University
MA, Psychology, The Catholic University of America
BA, Psychology, American University
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I'm out-of-network with all insurance companies, which allows me to offer flexible rates and keep my focus on your care.
I help clients work with their out-of-network benefits and provide detailed superbills for reimbursement. Contact me for my current rates. I accept FSA and HSA cards, and all major credit cards.
I reserve sliding scale spots for clients with demonstrated financial need. If cost is a barrier, I'm open to discussing affordability on an individual basis.
You have the right to a Good Faith Estimate of my fees before treatment begins. If your bill exceeds the estimate by $400 or more, you can dispute it.
For more info: www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers or call 1-800-985-3059