Dr. Sam Colbert, Licensed Psychologist in Center City, Philadelphia - Sunlight through trees

Therapy That Meets You Where You Are

Meet Dr. Sam Colbert, Licensed Psychologist in Center City, Philadelphia

Offering tailored support for individuals, couples, and professionals seeking thoughtful mental health care in-person and online.

Sam Colbert Psychologist in Philadelphia

I specialize in relational individual and couples therapy.


Hi, I’m Sam. I’m a clinician, consultant, educator, and researcher with dedicated training in couples therapy.

I earned my PhD in Counseling Psychology and MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Ball State University and completed my predoctoral internship at the University of Pennsylvania.

I believe in lifelong learning and so continue to teach, engage in empirical research and professional consultation/supervision.

Supporting Philadelphia’s Diverse Communities


I utilize an interpersonal, relational, intersectional feminist, approach.

With couples, I conceptualize largely from Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.

In order to meet each client where they are, I use a variety of interventions. I believe strongly in a person of the therapist model (Aponte & Kissil, 2017), and therefore work diligently to bring authenticity, care and humility into the therapeutic space.

Dr. Sam Colbert, Psychologist in Center City, Philadelphia - People hanging out in the city
Interlocking Circles with Wood Grain

Clinical Training & Professional Background

    • Ph.D in Counseling Psychology

      Ball State University

      Concentration in Couples and Family Therapy

    • Predoctoral Clinical Internship

      University of Pennsylvania

    • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

      Ball State University

    • B.A. in Psychology

      SUNY Geneseo

      Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa

    • Couples and Family Therapy

      Temple University

    • The Psychology of Sexuality

      Ball State University

    • Multicultural Counseling

      Ball State University

    • Fundamentals of Counseling Skills

      Ball State University

    • American Psychological Association (November 2015 to present)

      Division 17 – Society of Counseling Psychology

      Division 44 - Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity

      Division 43 – Society for Couple and Family Psychology

    • World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) (August 2020-2021)

      Member

    • Colbert, S.M. (2021). Trans Individuals’ Perceptions of Counselor Effectiveness: An Experimental Analogue Study. [Doctoral Dissertation, Ball State University]. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.  

    • Colbert, S., & Chan, J. Y (2020). The Effect of Disability Status, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity on Prosocial Behavior. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin

    • Schoener, A., & Colbert, S. (2019). 2019 Report: Student Affiliates of Seventeen (SAS). The Counseling Psychologist

    • Kite, M., Colbert, S, & Barrera, S. (2020) Mistakes Were Made by Me: Recovering When an Instructor’s Error Affects Classroom Dynamics. In M. Kite, K. Case, & W. Williams (Eds.), Navigating Difficult  Moments in Teaching Diversity and Social Justice: Perseverance and Resilience (p. NA). American Psychological Association.

    • Colbert, S. &Schoener, A.(2018). 2018 Report: Student Affiliates of Seventeen (SAS). The Counseling Psychologist

    • Millspaugh, B. & Colbert, S.M. (2018). 2017 Report: Student Affiliates of Seventeen (SAS). The Counseling Psychologist, 46 (1), 87-91.

    • Katz, J., Colbert, S., & Colangelo, L. (2015). Effects of Group Status and Victim Sex on Female Bystanders' Responses to a Potential Party Rape. Violence and Victims, 30 (2), 265-278.

Therapy & Training Services

I know the great courage it takes to be truly vulnerable with another and feel continually humbled to be entrusted by my clients with their lived experiences, their pains and hurts, their joys and their struggles.

My approach is grounded in respect for all life experiences and identities, including but not limited to, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, romantic orientations, racial and ethnic identities, immigration identities, socioeconomic identities, disability status, and all of the nuanced and rich intersecting identities we possess as humans.

Psychologist in Philadelphia

Specialized Therapy

Whether you’re navigating relationship challenges, exploring your identity, or managing professional stress, I offer a welcoming space where your story matters.

I work with every client to understand their unique culture and lived experiences. This commitment shapes how I work with you to create an environment where you feel seen and supported.


Consultation & Training

I provide clinical supervision and consultation services. My workshops and trainings focus on strengthening team dynamics, improving client care, and fostering inclusive environments.

Whether you manage a private practice or coordinate a wellness initiative, my expertise helps your organization meet the mental health needs of your community with clarity and confidence.