Dr. Emmett Larsen
Dr. Emmett Larsen is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Brooklyn and Manhattan, New York. He currently works in private practice while also serving as an associate research scientist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. In addition, he supervises doctoral interns in clinical training settings, integrating clinical care with academic and research work. Dr. Larsen’s therapeutic approach is integrative, grounded in humanistic and existential psychotherapy while incorporating evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). His clinical focus centers on helping individuals better understand their thoughts, emotions, and lived experiences, with an emphasis on meaning-making and psychological flexibility. His research primarily explores delusional beliefs and the broader role of belief systems in mental health. With approximately 30 publications, Dr. Larsen’s academic work contributes to advancing understanding in clinical psychology, particularly within psychosis-related phenomena and cognitive processes underlying mental health conditions. Dr. Larsen earned his PhD and MA in Clinical Psychology from Stony Brook University, following his undergraduate studies in Psychology at St. Olaf College. His clinical training includes a doctoral internship at Natalis Counseling and Psychology Solutions in Minnesota, along with extensive research and clinical experience at institutions such as Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Beyond his clinical and academic work, Dr. Larsen is committed to education, supervision, and expanding access to evidence-based mental health care. He is motivated by a deep curiosity about the human mind and a commitment to helping individuals live more meaningful and fulfilling lives through psychological insight and therapeutic support.
• PhD, Clinical Psychology – Stony Brook University (2018–2024)
• MA, Psychology – Stony Brook University (2018–2020)
• BA, Psychology – St. Olaf College
• Licensed Clinical Psychologist (New York State)
• PhD in Clinical Psychology
• Advocate and Crisis Line Worker, HOPE Center (Fairibault, MN)
• Domestic violence and sexual assault support services
Dr. Larsen has an extensive research background with approximately 30 publications. His current research focus is primarily on delusional beliefs and the role of beliefs generally in mental health. Most of his publications are listed on his CV, which the editorial team will reference for specific titles and details.
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Existential and humanistic psychotherapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Anxiety disorders
- Academic research in clinical psychology
- Psychological assessment and diagnosis
- Clinical supervision and training
- Delusional beliefs and cognition research
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
My interest in this field began as early as middle school, when I first became curious about the mind and the brain. This curiosity continued to grow over time, but it was during graduate school—through coursework in psychotherapy and philosophy—that I truly solidified my path toward becoming a psychologist. A particularly formative influence was the work of Irvin Yalom, a psychotherapist and key figure in the development of Existential Psychotherapy, which continues to strongly inform my clinical approach today.
At the core of my professional motivation is a deep curiosity about what it means to be human and what contributes to a meaningful life. I find great fulfillment in helping patients explore these questions for themselves and in supporting them as they bring greater awareness, reflection, and understanding into their own lives.