Summary

My goal is to improve both the quality and accessibility of mental health services for individuals living with mood disorders, psychotic disorders, borderline personality disorder, and trauma-related conditions. I pursue this mission through an integrated approach that combines clinical psychotherapy with ongoing research, allowing me to remain at the forefront of evidence-based practice. Through research, education, and direct care, I strive to bridge gaps between scientific knowledge and real-world clinical application so that clients receive the most current, effective, and ethical treatment available.

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Ultimately, my work is driven by a commitment to dignity, empowerment, and long-term stability for those navigating complex mental health challenges. I aim not only to reduce symptoms but also to help individuals build fulfilling, meaningful lives grounded in resilience, self-understanding, and sustainable wellness.

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Education

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Master of Science | Experimental Psychology

University of Louisiana at Monroe

04/2026-current | Monroe, LA 

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Master of Arts | Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Washington Adventist University
01/2019-12/2021 | Takoma Park, MD

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Bachelor of Arts | American History & Constitutional Law
Marymount University
09/2010-06/2013 | Arlington, VA

 

 

Work Experience

​You First Health Systems
Psychotherapist
04/2024-Present
 
Dr. Robert M. Post, MD-Bipolar Collaborative Network/George Washington University
Research Associate
06/2018-Present
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Integrative Behavioral Health
Lead Psychotherapist for Mood & Psychotic Disorder Program
09/2024-08/2025
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Synergy Family Services
Lead Psychotherapist for Abuse Intervention Program
10/2023-04/2024
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Synergy Family Services
Psychotherapist
04/2022-04/2024
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Synergy Family Services
Psychotherapist Intern
12/2020-04/2022
 
Research and Conversations About Bipolar Disorder Inc- 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Founder & Director
05/2020-06/2024
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Family Services of Sheppard Pratt
Former Head Transitional Age Youth Care Specialist for Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program
11/2017-05/2019
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Family Services of Sheppard Pratt
Residential Care Specialist for Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program
08/2015-11/2017
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Montessori School of Chevy Chase
Montessori Kindergarten Assistant & Lead Teacher
07/2014-08/2015
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Research Interests

• Reducing the gap between research and clinical care of severe mental illness.​

• Advancing diagnostic precision and psychosocial care for Pediatric Bipolar Disorder.

• Advancing psychosocial treatments for Bipolar Disorder. 

• Reducing clinician stigma and bias of severe mental illness.

 

Publications
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Stigma, Bias, and Lack of Education Amongst Clinicians Harms Patients with Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review
Kutlucinar, K. (2025) Bipolar Disorders.

​​Research on Youth with and at Risk for Bipolar Disorder: A Five Year Update 
Dimick, M.K., Jiang, X., Kutlucinar, K., Burrows, K., Goldstein, B. (2024) Bipolar Disorders.
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Patients' Perspectives on the Consequences of Eliminating Prepubertal Pediatric Bipolar Disorder as a Valid Diagnosis
Kutlucinar, K., Burrows, K. (2024) Bipolar Disorders.              
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Linking Scientific Research to the Bipolar Consumer Patient
Kutlucinar, K., Burrows, K. (2022) Bipolar Disorders. 
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The Role of Astrocytes on Depression: A Mini Review
Kutlucinar, K. (2022). OALib Journal.
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Patients’ Opinions on the Validity of the Diagnosis of Pediatric Bipolar Disorder
Kutlucinar, K., Hoyt, S., Willie, D. (2022). Bipolar Disorders. 
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The Effects of Stimulant Treatment on Child and Adolescent Growth: What Every Parent and Clinician Needs to Know
Kutlucinar, K., Swanson, J., Zametkin, A. (2021). The ADHD Report.
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COVID-19 Wreaks Havoc on Mental Health and Suicide Rate 
Kutlucinar, K. (2020). Nahmias Cipher Report.

 

​Interviews and Research Featured in Popular Media

Bipolar Disorders. 2023. "Linking Scientific Research to the Bipolar Patient."
Gin Malhi's: Bipolar Disorders- The Overview-Volume 24-Issue 7. (Podcast).

​​Conference Proceedings

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​Kutlucinar, K. I. (2023, February 20). Patients' Opinions on the Validity of the Diagnosis of Pediatric Bipolar Disorder [Conference presentation]. EuroSciCon.  https://mentalhealthconference.euroscicon.com
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Kutlucinar, K.I. (2023, September 14). The Impact of Delayed Diagnosis of Pediatric Bipolar Disorder: What Every Clinician Should Know [Conference presentation]. Longdom Conferences. https://www.longdom.com/clinicalpsychiatry​
 
​Kutlucinar, K.I. (2024, September 29). The Gap Between Research and Practice is Failing Patients with Bipolar Disorder (Poster presentation). International Society of Bipolar Disorders. https://www.isbd.org/2024AnnualConference.​

 

Leadership Experience​

 

​Founder & Director of Research and Conversations About Bipolar Disorder Inc.​

 

Achievements​

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• Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology

• Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship Society ​

 

​Certifications & Trainings

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• Family Focused Therapy for Bipolar Disorder (FFT-BD)

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBT-P)

• Certified Trauma Professional

• Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy for Bipolar Disorder (IPSRT-BD)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical and Behavior Therapy (DBT)

 

Associations

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• Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology

• Alpha Chi National Honor Society

• American Counseling Association

• International Society of Bipolar Disorders

• ​Bipolar Collaborative Network​

 

Volunteer Experience

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Teacher  | Human Service Trust  

Abura Orphanage, Cape Coast, Ghana

 

Psychotherapist for Foster Youth​ | A Home Within

Oakland, California, USA

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Victims of Domestic Violence Advocate | House of Ruth

Rockville, MD, USA

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Professional References

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Dr. Robert M. Post, MD

Bipolar Collaborative Network/George Washington University: Director | Professor of Psychiatry

robert.postmd@gmail.com

 

Dr. Benjamin Goldstein, PhD, MD

University of Toronto-Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: Director | Professor of Psychiatry

Benjamin.Goldstein@camh.ca

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Dr. Manpreet K. Singh, PhD

UC Davis Medical Center: Chair in Bipolar Disorder Research & Treatment

mpksingh@ucdavis.edu