Helping People of All Ages Has Been a Lifelong Passion.

I have spent most of my life helping people thrive as a teacher, a community counselor, a UCLA Medical School professor, and for more than three decades, as a licensed psychotherapist in Santa Monica, CA.

Home – About Me

Sally Hackman, PhD, MFT

Clinical Psychologist & Licensed Therapist

My love of children led me first to the field of education, where I taught elementary school and worked with special needs children at the Kennedy Child Study Center at Saint John’s Hospital. Through volunteer work at Thalians Community Mental Health Center and Cedars Sinai Outpatient Cancer Center, I developed an intense desire to understand people more deeply and help them more comprehensively.

That calling led me back to school. After earning a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Ph.D. in Clinical Child Psychology, I built a career that spans community mental health, private practice, and academic medicine. Since 1992, I have maintained a private practice in Santa Monica and I bring the same enthusiasm and curiosity to every session today as I did on day one.

My 15 years of teaching at UCLA Medical School keeps me at the forefront of medical and psychological research, which I weave directly into my clinical work especially for clients navigating illness, whether their own or a loved one’s.

Professional Background

Formal Education

B.A. in Social Sciences — University of California, Los Angeles (1966)
California State Life Teaching Credential (1971)
Masters Degree in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy — Newport University (1987)
MFT License # MFC29541 — Licensed since 1992
Ph.D. in Clinical Child Psychology — The Graduate Center for Child Development and Psychotherapy (1994)
Certificate in Adult Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy — Institute for Contemporary Psychoanalysis

Previous Experiences

Los Angeles Child Development Center — low-fee, long-term psychotherapy for children
The Parent Connection, Inc. — Director of Education; taught Breakthrough Parenting classes; individual parent counseling
Thalians Community Mental Health Center — Warm Line counselor for developmental issues from birth to age 5; led infant/toddler and parent groups
Cedars Sinai Outpatient Cancer Center — created support team program connecting patients with psychosocial staff
Consultant, Stephen S. Wise Temple Parenting Center — helping families cope with medical issues
New Start Community Mental Health Clinic — seminars on adolescent development; workshops for clinicians working with children and families
Elementary School Teacher, LA Unified School District — including Master Teacher role in UCLA teacher training program
Teacher, Kennedy Child Study Center, Saint John’s Hospital

Current Work & Study

Private Practice, Santa Monica and Surrounding Areas — 1992 to present
Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, UCLA Medical School — 2005 to 2021 June
Institute for Contemporary Psychoanalysis: Advanced Adult Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Program — 2005 to 2007

Specializations

Anxiety and Depression (adults, teens, and children)
Relationship and Couples Counseling
Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy
Parent Consultation and Guidance
Coping with Illness — Self or Loved One
Preparing childern for Medical Procedure
Life Transitions and Empty Nest
Social Difficulties and Shyness
Work, Career, and Burnout
LGBTQ+ Concerns
Grief and Loss Counseling

Start Your Wellness Journey Here.

If you’re ready to take the first step or even just curious about whether therapy could help I invite you to reach out. Your first session is free if you decide not to return.

Memories

Reflections of Healing and Hope.

Healing is not a straight path it unfolds in its own time, in its own way. Over 35 years of practice, I have witnessed remarkable courage, quiet breakthroughs, and lasting change. It is an honor to be trusted with these journeys.