About
Meet Dr. Sara A. Snyder
Dr. Snyder is a clinical trauma psychologist and a public health researcher who specializes in traumatic stress, PTSD, anxiety, and the mental health needs of adults impacted by violence, displacement, systemic oppression, complex stressors, and vicarious trauma. Her clinical approach blends proven trauma treatments with relational and psychodynamic perspectives, offering both practical skills and deeper insight.
Her dual training in psychology and public health enables her to approach care from both individual and systemic lenses. Dr. Snyder believes that effective therapy must account not only for individual experiences but also for the larger systems that shape well-being. She is guided by principles of ‘health as a human right’ and ‘do no harm,’ placing transparency and collaboration at the forefront of her work.
Dr. Snyder is committed to global mental health. Internationally, she has worked in Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Projects include a clinical trial, measurement adaptations for local contexts, psychosocial programs for former child soldiers, mental health programs for refugees, and women’s mental health access initiatives. Domestically, her research has focused on police violence, access to care for displaced and detained persons, and vicarious trauma in healthcare, workplace, and humanitarian settings.
In addition to her private practice, Dr. Snyder is an active researcher, supervisor, and consultant. She serves as the Director of Research and Development for the Cambridge Health Alliance Asylum Program and is an Instructor at Harvard Medical School.
Clinical Training Placements
Victims of Violence Program at Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School (APPIC-accredited post-doctoral site)
Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System (APA-accredited internship/residency site)
Program for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Studies at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital
Rikers Island Correctional Health Services, Male Solitary Unit, NYC Health and Hospitals
Small Brooklyn Psychology (3-year neurospychological assessment training)
LIU Pride Healing Center and LIU Psychological Services Center
Education
PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University
MPH in Population and Family Health from Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
Certificate: Public Health and Humanitarian Assistance
MA in Psychology and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University
Certificate: Global Mental Health and Trauma
BA in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Denver
Clinical Psychology Licenses
Arizona
Maine
Massachusetts
New York
PsyPact/APIT: Semi-national licensure, ability to practice in 42 states
Mission
At TRANSIT Psychology, we provide trauma-focused psychotherapy, conduct community-engaged research, and take action to address the systemic conditions that shape mental health. We believe mental health is a form of movement—across borders, identities, and life stages—and healing requires both personal growth and collective transformation. Through evidence-based care and a commitment to equity, we walk alongside individuals and communities navigating the impact of violence, displacement, and institutional oppression.
Vision
We view mental health as movement —across time, communities, and systems. TRANSIT Psychology builds pathways of healing that extend beyond the therapy room, advancing research, advocacy, and action that dismantle systemic barriers, affirm dignity, and promote resilience. We work toward a future where care transcends borders, policies are rooted in equity, and healing transforms both personal narratives and institutional structures. Ideally, transporting us closer to a world of safety, connection, and belonging.
Values
✓️ Curiosity: Approaching each person and system with openness.
✓️ Accountability & Humility: Recognizing our limits and learning from others.
✓️ Respect for Lived Experience: Centering the wisdom each person brings.
✓️ Equity & Justice: Dismantling barriers and affirming dignity.
✓️ Shared Transparency: Building trust through honesty and clarity.
The TRANSIT Approach to Care
At TRANSIT Psychology, our approach to therapy is guided by the belief that healing happens at the intersection of science, collaboration, and human connection.
Evidence-based and Evidence-informed
We use therapies that have been rigorously tested through scientific research and shown to help people heal from trauma, anxiety, depression, and related challenges. These evidence-based treatments are supported by clinical trials, peer-reviewed studies, and professional guidelines. We also draw on evidence-informed approaches, which are emerging practices that integrate the best available science with clinical expertise and client preferences. This balance allows us to adapt care to each person’s unique needs, culture, and lived experience.
Modalities of Care
We offer a range of trauma-focused modalities, from structured, skills-based treatments to depth-oriented approaches that explore long-term patterns. Structured treatments include EMDR, CBT, CPT, PE, and DBT-PE. Less structured treatments include Herman’s Stages Model and psychodynamic therapy. Loosely, the former is best for clients seeking symptom relief and time-limited care, whereas the latter is better for clients seeking a better understanding the “why” behind patterns of behavior and attachment disruptions. Many clients to choose to have an integrated approach, starting first with a structured treatment and then moving towards a psychodynamic approach, once they have experienced some symptom relief and have established emotional safety.
Goodness of Fit
Therapy works best when the approach feels like a good match. A strong fit means that the treatment, style, and therapist align with your needs, values, and circumstances—building comfort, trust, and the foundation for successful outcomes. At TRANSIT, we believe clients are the experts of their lived experience and we view therapy as a collaborative partnership. If our approach is not the right fit or you do not feel connected to your therapist, we will help connect you with resources/therapists because feeling understood and supported is essential to healing.
