Psychologist, Assistant Professor
Psychology
Department: Neurology
I am a licensed clinical psychologist, and I specialize in Health Psychology, caring for patients and caregivers with conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, ALS, epilepsy and other memory and movement disorders. My clinical expertise includes treating behavioral and mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety, grief, loneliness, adjustment to illness and interpersonal difficulties. I use a variety of evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Interpersonal Therapy.
My approach involves working closely with patients and their families to develop personalized care plans that best align with their unique needs. My aim is to support patients and caregivers by improving emotional well-being, enhancing quality of life and promoting resilience in the face of chronic illness. I deliver care both in person and through telehealth to communities across Ohio.
My academic and clinical experiences have shaped every part of my career. Working in both research and patient care has deepened my understanding of the bidirectionality of psychological and physical health, especially in individuals living with neurological conditions.
My research focuses on understanding how psychosocial risk factors and biological mechanisms interact to influence the progression of chronic illness. Specifically, I study how negative emotional states like depression, anxiety, loneliness and other modifiable protective factors impact health outcomes. I also examine how evidence-based psychological interventions can reduce psychological distress and promote resilience for patients with neurological conditions and their caregivers. Through this work, I aim to show how behavioral therapies not only enhance emotional well-being but also lead to measurable improvements in biological markers associated with chronic disease.
In addition, my role includes helping to educate the next generation of providers. I am an assistant clinical professor of Neurology in The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 11/3/2025, Dr. Sawhney has reported no relationships with companies or entities.