Abbey White, Ph.D.

Abbey White, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Vanderbilt University.

Prior to joining Vanderbilt, Dr. White served as an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Missouri School of Medicine. There, she provided outpatient psychotherapy and comprehensive psychological care while also playing an active role in training the next generation of physicians. She taught medical students in both large-group and small-group settings, delivered lectures on trauma and stress-related disorders, and provided psychotherapy supervision to medical residents and child psychiatry fellows. Her commitment to teaching reflects a broader dedication to mentorship and the integration of psychological principles into medical training.

Dr. White completed her postdoctoral fellowship at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and the National Center for Veterans Studies, with additional specialized training at a Level III Trauma Center at Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune. During this time, she worked extensively with active-duty marines experiencing suicidality.

Clinically, Dr. White takes an integrative and relational approach to therapy, grounded in the belief that the therapeutic relationship is central to healing. She is certified in Level 1 Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and CBT-I Web (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia), and she has extensive training in Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide (BCBT). Her work is informed by a strong interest in hope, suffering, meaning making and resilience.

Outside of her professional work, Dr. White enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring new places with her goldendoodle, Birdie.