Katrín I. Kutluçinar, MA, LCPC, LPC
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.
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.
Education
Master of Arts | Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Washington Adventist University
01/2019-12/2021 | Takoma Park, MD
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
Integrative Behavioral Health
Lead Psychotherapist for Mood & Psychotic Disorder Program
09/2024-08/2025
Synergy Family Services
Lead Psychotherapist for Abuse Intervention Program
10/2023-04/2024
Synergy Family Services
Psychotherapist
04/2022-04/2024
Synergy Family Services
Psychotherapist Intern
12/2020-04/2022
Research and Conversations About Bipolar Disorder Inc
Founder & Director
05/2020-06/2024
Family Services of Sheppard Pratt
Former Head Transitional Age Youth Care Specialist for Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program
11/2017-05/2019
Family Services of Sheppard Pratt
Residential Care Specialist for Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program
08/2015-11/2017
Montessori School of Chevy Chase
Montessori Kindergarten Assistant & Lead Teacher
07/2014-08/2015
Research Interests
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Bridging the research to practice gap in Pediatric Bipolar Disorder
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Diagnostic accuracy and psychosocial interventions in Pediatric Bipolar Disorder
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Reducing clinician stigma and bias in the treatment of severe mental illness
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Advancing psychosocial treatments for Bipolar Disorder
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Adapting Family-Focused Therapy into an individualized, evidence-based treatment approach
Publications
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.
Patients' Perspectives on the Consequences of Eliminating Prepubertal Pediatric Bipolar Disorder as a Valid Diagnosis
Kutlucinar, K., Burrows, K. (2024) Bipolar Disorders.
Linking Scientific Research to the Bipolar Consumer Patient
Kutlucinar, K., Burrows, K. (2022) Bipolar Disorders.
The Role of Astrocytes on Depression: A Mini Review
Kutlucinar, K. (2022). OALib Journal.
Patients’ Opinions on the Validity of the Diagnosis of Pediatric Bipolar Disorder
Kutlucinar, K., Hoyt, S., Willie, D. (2022). Bipolar Disorders.
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.
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).
Conferences
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/
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
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Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship Society
Certifications & Trainings
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Family-Focused Therapy for Bipolar Disorder (FFT-BD)
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBT-P)
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Certified Trauma Professional
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Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy for Bipolar Disorder (IPSRT-BD)
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Dialectical and Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Associations
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Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology
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Alpha Chi National Honor Society
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American Counseling Association
Volunteer Experience
Teacher | Human Service Trust
Abura Orphanage, Cape Coast, Ghana
Psychotherapist for Foster Youth | A Home Within
Oakland, California, USA
References
Dr. Robert M. Post, MD
Bipolar Collaborative Network/George Washington University: Director | Professor of Psychiatry
Dr. Benjamin Goldstein, PhD, MD
University of Toronto-Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: Director | Professor of Psychiatry
Dr. Manpreet K. Singh, PhD
UC Davis Medical Center: Chair in Bipolar Disorder Research & Treatment