Dr. Saarah Nicolas
(Kison), Ph.D.
Licensed psychologist. I write independent mental health nexus letters and conduct DBQ evaluations for veterans nationwide. Trauma-informed, clinically sound, and built to withstand review.
Hi, I’m Saarah.
Helping veterans is at the heart of my work. I’m a licensed psychologist, and I write independent mental health nexus letters and conduct DBQ evaluations for veterans nationwide, alongside trauma-focused therapy. My evaluation work is clear, clinically sound, and able to withstand review.
My career began within the Bay Pines and Tampa VA Healthcare Systems, treating people with complex trauma from across the country, and I earned my Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi. As a biracial Black Jamaican woman, I believe culturally responsive care is essential, and I’ve worked closely with Veterans, women, trauma survivors, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC clients.
“Through the pain, the change, and the victories, I’ll be there every step of the way.”
Having moved through real trauma myself, and found healing through therapy, I know how it reshapes the way we see ourselves. That’s what led me to this work, across both of my practices.
Two practices, one standard of care.
My week splits between rigorous evaluation work and the slower, relational work of therapy. Each informs the other.
Founder · EvaluationsLiberty Evaluations
Independent mental health evaluations and nexus opinions for veterans nationwide. Documentation built to be consistent, well-reasoned, and able to withstand review.
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Owner · TherapyTampa Counseling & Wellness
Trauma-focused therapy and clinical consultation. A space for veterans and others to process difficult experiences and move toward meaningful, lasting healing.
Visit websiteA decade close to the work.
Virtual, evidence-based, culturally responsive therapy and consultation.
Independent mental health evaluations and nexus opinions for veterans nationwide.
Clinical quality and evidence-based mental health care at scale.
Assessment and treatment of veterans with complex trauma and PTSD.
Evidence-based trauma care within the VA system.
Early specialization in complex trauma and veteran mental health.
Education & licensure.
A nationally recognized, top-ranking counseling psychology program.
Minor in Statistics.
Licensed where it counts.
I’m a licensed psychologist authorized to practice in Florida, California, and the PSYPACT states. That means I can support veterans and clients across 47 states and territories. The full list is below.
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Areas of focus.
What I focus on most, across my evaluation work and my therapy practice.