Dr. Jim Asbrand, Director

I have always been interested in how people have come to see the world as they do. At Carnegie-Mellon University, I studied History and English, immersing myself in the stories, ideas, and cultures that shaped our world. I also learned I needed to help others and became a founding member of the first student-run suicide hotline at CMU.

After graduating, I taught at an alternative high school in Southern California. It was there that I became aware of the pervasive experience of trauma, how it shaped the lives of my students and their families, and, most importantly, the resilient nature of people. After earning my doctorate in Counseling Psychology, I worked as a PTSD psychologist at the VA, helping veterans with combat and sexual trauma. Most recently I have been the Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Coordinator for the Salt Lake City VA.

As a psychologist, it is an honor and privilege to get to know my clients. My work involves helping people overcome barriers, whether difficult past experiences or current struggles, and achieve a healthy balance so they can be the person they want to be. In working together, my clients and I confront serious, sometimes painful issues while not losing sight of the beauty and humor in life.

When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, working out, traveling, reading, and being a nerd.

Dr. Austin Simpson

I believe in creating a warm, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment, where a strong therapeutic relationship is paramount. I offer a collaborative, integrative, and evidence-based approach, and tailor treatment toward each person’s unique background and presenting concern. That being said, I often draw from principles of mindfulness, neuroscience, and cognitive-behavioral therapies (ACT, CBT, DBT), while staying attuned to the latest research in the mental health field. Psychological change can take on many forms, but we will work toward cultivating self-compassion and flexibility, as well as develop actionable skills to specifically target your concerns. I strive to be honest, open, and direct with my patients, and challenge them in ways that foster insight and lead a more value-driven lifestyle.

I earned both my Masters and Doctorate in clinical psychology from Pacific University in Oregon. While the bulk of my training has been in neuropsychological assessment, I have always found great passion and fulfillment in providing psychotherapy. Over the years, I have seen both individuals and couples across various backgrounds and mental health conditions, such as trauma, depression, anxiety, life stress/adjustment, brain injury, and social/relationship issues. I have also had the privilege of training across various settings including community mental health, college counseling, and VA medical centers. Currently, I am a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Utah specializing in neuropsychological assessment.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time in the outdoors with my family and friends. I especially enjoy traveling, camping, and anything to do with water, such as snowboarding, paddle boarding, and wakeboarding/waterskiing.