Dr. Barbara Bear

 Licensed Psychologist, Board Certified Coach,

Educational and Career Consultant, Executive Coach, Organizational Psychologist, Certified Autism Specialist, Master of Jurisprudence in Child Law and Policy

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Welcome!

Dr. Barbara Bear is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Board Certified Coach, Independent Educational Consultant, and Career Consultant based in Greensboro, North Carolina. She offers both in-person and virtual services through her private practice, where she supports individuals, couples, and families facing challenges related to mood disorders, anxiety, relationships, divorce, workplace stress, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Her practice is built on the belief that every person has the capacity to maximize their potential and live a productive, fulfilling life.

Dr. Bear is PSYPACT certified, allowing her to provide telehealth services across 42 states beyond North Carolina. She is known for her personalized, high-touch approach to care—prioritizing quality over quantity in her clinical relationships and services. She focuses on creating meaningful therapeutic connections and crafting individualized interventions rather than operating from a high-volume model.

Academic and Professional Roles

In addition to her private practice and consulting work, Dr. Bear has served as a full-time professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), where she taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses in psychology. Her academic contributions further enrich her clinical practice, blending theory, research, and practical insight.

Dr. Bear also serves in the following professional capacities:

    •    Educational Consultant, guiding students and families in finding the right fit for schools, colleges, universities, and graduate programs.

    •    Career Consultant, helping clients overcome barriers and navigate career transitions.

    •    Executive Coach, collaborating with leaders and teams to enhance emotional intelligence, performance, and leadership effectiveness.

    •    Organizational Psychologist, working with companies to improve workplace dynamics, conflict resolution, and cultural health.

    •    Certified Autism Specialist, providing adult autism assessments, coaching, and legal advocacy for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

Education and Experience

Dr. Bear earned her B.A. in Psychology from Duke University and completed her M.A. and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology (2000). With more than 25 years of clinical experience, she has worked with a wide range of populations and settings, always emphasizing tailored treatment based on each client’s needs.

She served as an Executive Coach and Adjunct Faculty at the Center for Creative Leadership from 2011 to 2021, coaching global professionals on effective leadership and personal development.

In 2014, she founded Next Step College Admissions and Career Consulting to assist high school students, college students, and adults in finding the best educational and vocational fit. She later earned a graduate certificate in Independent Educational Consulting from the University of California, Irvine (2015).

To expand her organizational expertise, she completed a graduate degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2018. Her passion for advocacy then led her to earn a Master of Jurisprudence from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 2022, specializing in legal advocacy for children and individuals with disabilities, primarily autism spectrum disorder. 

Clinical Philosophy and Approach

Dr. Bear’s therapeutic style is rooted in respect, empathy, curiosity, and evidence-based practice. She creates a safe, nonjudgmental, and confidential environment, where clients are encouraged to explore their challenges and strengths. Her work emphasizes building trust, fostering insight, and collaboratively identifying strategies that lead to meaningful change.

Using a biopsychosocial model and culturally responsive framework, Dr. Bear customizes every treatment plan. She draws from cutting-edge research, clinical training, and continuing education to ensure clients receive high-quality, empirically supported care.

Above all, Dr. Bear remains committed to individualized, quality-focused care, ensuring that each client feels truly seen, heard, and supported. Dr. Bear is deeply committed to helping individuals and families thrive—clinically, emotionally, academically, and professionally. Her practice reflects a rare blend of clinical excellence, legal insight, educational expertise, and heartfelt advocacy.

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Areas of Advanced Clinical Expertise

    •    Mood Disorders

    •    Anxiety Disorders

    •    Eating Disorders

    •    Low Self-Esteem

    •    Relationship Issues

    •    Life Transitions

    •    Parent Coaching

    •    Adolescents & College Students

    •    Communication Skills

    •    Conflict Navigation & Resolution

    •    Separation & Divorce

    •    Stress Management

    •    Grief & Loss

    •    Autism Spectrum Disorders

    •    Personal Growth

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5509-B West Friendly Avenue

Suite 203
Greensboro NC, 27410

Phone: 336-545-9696

Fax: 336-464-2750

Ready to book an appointment? Click Here: 

https://drbarbarabear.clientsecure.me/​

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