Dr. Sahar Khoshakhlagh, Psy.D, LMFT

Common Ground Counseling Marriage & Family Therapy, PLLC (CGCMFT) was founded by Dr. Sahar in 2010. With over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health services, she has gained valuable skills while overseeing a range of behavioral health programs, including a 24-hour supervised mental health residential facility, assertive community outreach programs, and family reunification services.

Inspired by the challenges of mental illness, Dr. Sahar worked with local and state multidisciplinary teams to decrease the negative stigma associated with mental health. She earned an Honorary Citation from the Office of the President of the Borough of Brooklyn, awarded by State Senator Kevin S. Parker, for her exemplary performance in Trauma-Informed Care, as well as a Certificate of Recognition and Gratitude from John Volpe, Special Advisor DOHMH, and Theresa Tobin, Deputy Chief NYPD, for supporting the NYPD Crisis Intervention Program in its mission to train NYC police officers to interact effectively with individuals with mental health challenges.

State Senator Kevin Parker said, "Dr. Sahar Khoshakhlagh is recognized for her exemplary efforts to change the way trauma is viewed, by ending isolation, exposing misconceptions, and developing collaborative strategies that enable individuals to live productive and healthy lives in their communities. She has demonstrated her commitment to social justice for all behavioral health providers in New York City and the State of New York."

Dr. Sahar's pursuit of a career in mental health began with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, with a minor in Peace Studies, from California State University, Fullerton. After completing her undergraduate degree, she earned a Master of Arts degree in Applied Psychology from New York University (NYU). During her formative years at NYU, Dr. Sahar developed a unique interest in relational systems, leading her to further her education in Couples and Family Systems. She earned another Master of Arts degree in 2005, followed by a Doctorate of Psychology in 2013 from the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) in Marriage and Family Therapy.

With a keen interest in intimate relationships, Dr. Sahar wrote her dissertation on Adult Attachments as a Predictor of Intimate Relationships and Sexual Behavior. She presented her research at the National Council on Family Relations Conference in 2013 and at the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy in 2014 and 2016.

As the Founder and Director of CGCMFT, Dr. Sahar welcomes individuals, couples, families, and members of the LGBTQIA community who are seeking change. Regardless of symptoms, religion, culture, sexual identity, or gender, deliberate and effective communication and a commitment to personal vision serve as the foundation of the work she does with her clients.

Dr. Sahar looks forward to meeting you.