Avantika Bhatia received her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Maryland (UMD), College Park. Prior to the PhD, she received a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling, also from UMD, and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Delhi University. Avantika’s research centers on the process and outcome of psychotherapy (i.e. what makes psychotherapy work), with particular emphasis on the therapeutic relationship. Through her research, she hopes to highlight the “human” and relational aspect of therapy as universal components of effective psychotherapy. Her research interests also include college student mental health, counselor training, attachment and psychotherapy, and cultural factors in mental health.

Avantika has conducted both short-term and long-term psychotherapy, and has experience providing therapeutic services to the university student population. Other areas of clinical interest and experience include adult psychotherapy, psychodynamic therapy, working with survivors of trauma, multicultural issues and eating disorders.