Dr. Joe
Taravella

Board Certified Psychologist,
Author & Media Consultant

Dr. Joe Taravella is a board certified clinical psychologist (CA & NY) by the American Board of Professional Psychology, author, and media consultant with a private practice in Los Angeles. He previously served as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at NYU School of Medicine. His clinical work is grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and psychodynamic theory, assisting clients with a variety of developmental, emotional, and traumatic disorders.

Dr. Joe's expertise lies in identifying and treating neurological, behavioral, and environmental problems that cause breakdowns and turmoil. He created The Secret Box — a therapeutic tool that helps individuals, children, and families in crisis safely reveal long-held secrets and move toward lasting resolution.

Dr. Joe works with LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples, and with neurodivergent and autistic clients and their families, bringing the same depth of care and discretion to every person he sees. He also has a particular passion for working with individuals navigating the pivotal transition from high school through college and into the workforce.

Academic & Hospital Background

Dr. Joe received his master's degree in General-Experimental Psychology, and his master's degree and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Marital and Family Therapy at St. John's University in New York.

• Bellevue Hospital & NYU-Langone Medical Center Clinical training including neuropsychological assessments for pediatric and adult inpatients with intractable seizures at the NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center.
• NYU-Langone Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine Served as Intern, Resident, and Staff Psychologist in the Adult and Pediatric Psychology Departments, with a focus in rehabilitation, neuropsychology, and family systems.
• Pediatric Neuropsychological Fellowship — Rusk Institute Conducted neuropsychological evaluations and therapeutic treatments for children with congenital disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and psychological and psychiatric disorders.
• Supervisor of Pediatric Psychology & Co-Director, Psychology Intern Training NYU-Langone Rusk Rehabilitation.
• Former Ethics Committee Member Los Angeles County Psychological Association.
• Former Board of Directors, Kid Angel Foundation Underserved children & families.
• Clinical Assistant Professor Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, NYU School of Medicine.

Giving Back

During his time at NYU, Dr. Joe served on the Child Protection Committee, the LGBTQ Advisory Committee, and the Sala Institute for Child and Family-Centered Care. He is also a former Ethics Committee Member with the Los Angeles County Psychological Association, and proudly served on the Board of Directors for Kid Angel Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps underserved children and families.

He previously worked as the Director of Psychological Services at Moretto & Racco Medical Associates, where he provided consultation and treatment to patients, in addition to a private practice in New York City.

Forward Footsteps, LLC

Dr. Joe and colleague Dr. Stacey Bromberg are the founders of Forward Footsteps, LLC, a publishing company with a focus on young children and caregivers, which promotes support, encouragement, and respect for all families. Together, they authored board books that celebrate the diversity of families.

A Recognized Voice in Psychology

Dr. Joe's media spans television, radio, and print. He has worked with several local and national networks and was nominated for a 2012 Eddy Award for an interview on Cyberbullying. Dr. Joe was selected to host a pilot for a reality-based television series focused on families making breakthroughs. He was also among the top 25 candidates selected for the Live With Kelly Coast-to-Coast Co-Host search.

His Greatest Training

"In addition to his advanced degrees and years of clinical training, Dr. Joe will tell you that his best training has been raising his own three children — all born within fourteen months of each other. Parenthood has given him a firsthand understanding of the chaos, love, and growth he now helps other families navigate every day."