Robyn Pashby, Ph.D.
I am a Clinical and Medical Psychologist, coach, speaker, author, and the founder of Health Psychology Partners, a group health psychology practice based in Washington, D.C. My passion lies in reshaping our perception of mental health, highlighting its profound influence on physical well-being, and fostering a culture where mental health is destigmatized and prioritized in communities, workplaces and healthcare settings. Benefitting from over two decades of clinical expertise, I share my time between providing direct patient care and delivering lectures, workshops and training sessions.
My client base, which encompasses a diverse range of individuals from business executives, legal professionals, and medical providers to educators, parents, and students, underscores the pervasive nature of mental health challenges. Issues such as burnout, anxiety, overwhelm, shame, and stigma transcend demographic boundaries and affect every facet of life.
Drawing on my extensive and varied experiences, my mission is clear: to equip both individuals and organizations with practical tools essential for prioritizing mental well-being as the cornerstone of health, personal development, and professional achievement. I welcome opportunities to help others build environments that champion mental health, cultivate meaningful connections, and bolster the prosperity of individuals, businesses and healthcare practices alike.
Education & Accolades
Dr. Pashby is a distinguished expert in health psychology, blending her clinical practice with scientific expertise. With dual Ph.D.s in Medical and Clinical Psychology and advanced training from Harvard Medical School, she works at the forefront of patient care, education, and research.
- Licensed Clinical Health Psychologist
- Certified Health Coach
- Founder, Health Psychology Partners
- Co-founder, Health Psychology Advisors
- Research Assistant Professor of Psychology USUHS
- Ph.D. Medical Psychology – F. Edward Herbert School of Medicine USUHS
- Ph.D. Clinical Psychology – F. Edward Herbert School of Medicine USUHS
- Internship – Washington DC Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center
- Advanced training in Mind Body Medicine – Benson Henry Institute Harvard Medical School
- 2024 Psychologist of the Month – DC Psychological Association
Leadership & Memberships
Dr. Pashby is a recognized leader in the field of health psychology and obesity care, actively shaping clinical practice and policy. She serves on key committees and boards dedicated to advancing patient-centered care at the intersection of psychology, weight management, and chronic disease.
- The Obesity Society, Clinical Practice Committee Member
- The Endocrine Society, Clinical Practice Guidelines on Pharmacological Management of Obesity Committee Member
- National Board of Directors of the Obesity Action Coalition, Mental Health Committee chair (2022 - present)
- ADA (American Diabetes Association) Obesity and Weight Management Advisory Group
Selected Articles & Citations
Dr. Pashby’s expertise is frequently featured in leading health publications, where she explores the psychological aspects of weight management, medication use, and behavioral health. Her work addresses critical topics such as the emotional impact of GLP-1 medications, cognitive behavioral therapy in obesity care, and overcoming internalized weight bias.
- Healthline: Emotional Impacts of Dramatic Weight Loss from GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic
- Healthline: CBT and AOMs
- Healthline: Ozempic and Social Anxiety
- Obesity Action Commission (OAC): Routines and Weight Management
- Obesity Action Commission (OAC): Internalized Weight Bias
- Obesity Action Commission (OAC): Getting Unstuck
- Very Well Mind: Staying Body Positive After Covid 19
- Theranest: Perspectives on Being a Health Psychologist
- Dr. Robert Kushner: Body Positivity and Weight Management
- My Fitness Pal: 8 Strategies to Boost Weight Loss According to Psychologists
- Lady Docs Articles: Burnout, COVID, Weight gain
- Weight Watchers: The Importance of Mindset
- Medium: Things You Need to Achieve a Healthy Body Weight
- Wall Street Journal: Ozempic and the Easy Way Out
Selected Talks & Podcasts
A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Dr. Pashby is dedicated to reshaping conversations around weight, health, and stigma. Her expertise has been featured in The New York Times, national and international conferences, and influential webinars where she tackles complex topics, bringing a compassionate, evidence-based approach to empower both healthcare professionals and the public.
- "How Weight Loss Drugs Can Upend a Marriage" article in the New York Times
- ADA “Reducing Bias and Stigma in Obesity Care” video
- BioCrossRoads Life Sciences Summit presentation and panel moderation
- Speak Up for Your Health podcast with Dr. Archelle Georgiou: Overcoming Weight Bias
- Just Jenny podcast with Jenny Hutt: Weight Wednesday
- Villanova University MCNER Webinar: Using Trauma Informed Care When Discussing Weight in Clinical Practice
- National Academies of Sciences: Going Beyond BMI: Communicating About Body Weight in Clinical Practice
Video | Publication - OAC: Finding Middle Ground: Body Positivity and Weight Management
Slides - The Innovative Therapist podcast with Dr. Shawn Hondrop: Internalized Weight Bias
- Obesity Action Coalition (OAC): How to Cope with Seasonal Stress and Depression
- Obesity Action Coalition (OAC): Getting Back Out There: Life after COVID
- Elements of Being podcast: Mindfully Approaching Weight Loss
- Everyday Wellness podcast: Change Your Behavior for Real, Sustained Weight Loss
- Your Weight Matters (YWM): Taking Care of Your Mental Health
Slides - Westminster Church: Reimagining Our Engagement with Grief: Learning to Cope
Slides
