About
Hi there, I’m Dr. Hillary Ammon. (she/her)
I founded the Center for Anxiety & Women's Emotional Wellness to fill a gap I saw — and felt personally: a need for specialized, empathetic care for people with anxiety and those who identify as women.
Building this private practice was, in many ways, my own version of values-aligned living — creating space for the kind of thoughtful, tailored care I believe every client deserves.
Credentials
Education & Clinical Experience
My clinical background is rooted in hospital-based care, most recently at the University of Pennsylvania, where I also serve as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry.
Education
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
M.S. in Clinical Psychology, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
M.A. in Counseling Psychology, Rosemont College
B.A. in Psychology, Millersville University
Clinical Experience
Assistant Professor and Clinical Psychologist: Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Pennsylvania
Postdoctoral Fellow: Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Pennsylvania
Predoctoral Internship: Friends Hospital, Philadelphia PA
Externships:
Center for Cognitive Therapy, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Pennsylvania
Adult ADHD Research and Treatment Program, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Pennsylvania
Fairmount Behavioral Health System
Belmont Behavioral Health System
Professional Highlights
Trained Where CBT Was Born
My CBT training took place at the Center for Cognitive Therapy at the University of Pennsylvania — the program founded by Dr. Aaron Beck, widely regarded as the father of CBT. It's where the approach was developed, refined, and taught to clinicians around the world.
Rare Specializations, Rigorously Learned
Some approaches require extensive, specialized training that most clinicians simply haven't pursued. I'm trained in ERP for OCD, Habit Reversal Training (HRT) for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), and Prolonged Exposure (PE) for PTSD — all rooted in the evidence-based behavioral tradition of CBT. Much of this training came through the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (CTSA), founded by Dr. Edna Foa.
Dissertation-Level Expertise in Adult ADHD
I completed my dissertation alongside Dr. Russell Ramsay, one of the leading researchers in CBT for adult ADHD. That work included conducting comprehensive ADHD psychological evaluations and gave me a depth of knowledge in adult ADHD that goes well beyond general familiarity.
Quality Over Quantity
You won't find a laundry list of 30 specialties here. I focus on the areas where I've done the deep work — so when you come to me with a concern, you can trust that I actually know how to help.
Teaching What I Practice
Beyond my own clinical work, I've had the privilege of training fellow clinicians across the globe in these same evidence-based modalities — a role that keeps me sharp and accountable to the highest standards of care.
Recognized Voice in Mental Health
I'm the author of a children's book on OCD, and my work has been featured in national news outlets covering a range of mental health topics. I'm committed to making evidence-based mental health information more accessible — in the therapy room and beyond.
Affiliations & Licenses
Committed to Addressing Gaps for Women & Birthing People
Woman-centered therapy is central to my work. Having experienced the empathy gaps in women's healthcare firsthand, I made it a priority to create a space where women feel genuinely seen. I work with teens, college students, primary caregivers, and professionals — offering evidence-based treatment adapted to your unique life and identity.
Perinatal mental health became part of my focus after my own journey into parenthood. I completed specialized training through Postpartum Support International (PSI) and now support clients across the full spectrum of the perinatal experience — from family planning and pregnancy to postpartum recovery, fertility challenges, loss, and the ongoing work of parenthood.
The Human Behind the Practice
On a more personal note: my household includes a Labrador, a Corgi, two cats, and my wonderfully energetic young daughters.
While I am a lifelong Phillies fan, my partner has also successfully converted me into a fan of football. Go birds!
Somehow, I went from a casual observer to a full-fledged Disney fan as a parent—and now I’m usually daydreaming about our next trip.
You will often catch me wearing a mooncat nail polish when we meet. In recent years, I have rediscovered the joy of fun nail polishes.
I am serious about my homemade lattes, still working on the art. And if you bring up a comfort TV show or movie, there's a good chance I can quote it.
Location
Licensed Teletherapy in 38 States
My offices are based in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, and I am licensed to practice in all states that are a part of the PSYPACT Commission.
Available States
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Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia (D.C.), Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Showing Up for You
Gold-Standard Treatments
I've spent years training clinicians around the world in CBT and exposure-based therapies. That expertise shapes every session — alongside a genuine commitment to care that actually works.
Boutique Customer Service
No months-long waitlists — expect a response within a day or two and an appointment within weeks. And just as I help clients build flexibility, I practice what I preach: adapting my approach to each person's unique needs, circumstances, and learning style.
Humanity & Collaboration
Deciding to face your anxiety is no small thing — and I’m here to walk that path with you. Therapy is a partnership, built around your goals and your life. Over time, I’ll help you develop the confidence and self-trust to make choices rooted in your values, not your fears.
Move toward what matters.
Text “THERAPY” to 610-298-5775 to setup a free consultation.
This is a HIPAA-compliant line, and I’ll only use your number to setup your appointment. No spam or subscriptions, ever. (Messaging Terms & Conditions)
Still have questions?