Dr. Sasheen Hazel, Psy.D.,
Founder & Executive Clinical Director
Precision Assessment. Personalized Care.
Dr. Sasheen Hazel is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Founder and Executive Clinical Director of Hazel Approach Psych Services, PLLC. She has 15+ years of experience in mental health and specializes in comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological assessment, with a focus on culturally responsive evaluation and diagnostic clarity.
Licensed Psychologist (Massachusetts, Connecticut)
Authorized for Clinical Practice in St. Kitts & Nevis
Background & Training: Dr. Hazel began her work in the mental health field not long after earning a Bachelor's degree in psychology from Columbia University. While working toward her Master's degree at Teachers College, Columbia University, she provided case management, social support, and advocacy for adults with serious and persistent mental health conditions living independently in Queens, NY. This early experience shaped her understanding of how systemic barriers, access to care, and environmental context influence psychological functioning.
Dr. Hazel went on to earn her doctoral degree in clinical psychology, with a specialty focus in forensic studies, from Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology in Boston, Massachusetts -now known as William James College. Her doctoral research examined trauma and the unique experiences and treatment needs of girls involved in the juvenile justice system—work that continues to inform her clinical perspective today.
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Clinical Specialization: Now based in the Greater Boston area, Dr. Hazel specializes in culturally responsive psychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults. She is known for her precise, contextually grounded approach to complex presentations involving trauma, neurodivergence (ADHD, Autism, OCD) and overlapping or unclear diagnosis. Her approach emphasizes distinguishing between neurodevelopmental differences, trauma-related responses, and culturally shaped behaviors within populations that have historically been underrepresented in standardized assessment models.
Approach to Assessment: Dr. Hazel integrates standardized assessment tools with in-depth clinical interviewing, behavioral observation, and contextual analysis to ensure that each evaluation reflects the whole person—not just test scores. She considers cultural background, educational access, trauma exposure, and systemic influences when interpreting results, particularly in cases where individuals have been previously misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Dr. Hazel views assessment not only as a diagnostic process, but as a tool for clarity, access, and advocacy—helping individuals and families understand their needs and navigate educational, medical, and legal systems through evaluations that are both clinically rigorous and accessible. Forensic & Systems Based Work: Dr. Hazel’s work as a forensic evaluator sits at the intersection of mental health and the legal system. She has conducted evaluations of children and adults across the lifespan (ages 4 and up) throughout Massachusetts and has been called upon to provide expert testimony in matters involving trauma, including proceedings before the Massachusetts Parole Board and Bureau of Special Education Appeals. Her experience spans multiple state systems, including the Department of Youth Services (DYS), Department of Children and Families (DCF), Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and Department of Mental Health (DMH), where she has provided consultation, assessment, and evaluation services across diverse populations. Teaching, Training & Community Engagement: Hazel Approach Psych Services (HAPS) serves as an active training site for doctoral-level clinicians, where Dr. Hazel provides supervision, mentorship, and structured training in culturally informed psychological and neuropsychological assessment. She currently oversees a cohort of pre-doctoral trainees and post-doctoral fellows, and is committed to developing clinicians who approach the work with both clinical rigor and cultural humility. Dr. Hazel also consults with and supports the African & Caribbean Mental Health (ACMH) program at William James College, where she contributes to graduate-level training through teaching, guest lectures, and panel participation. In addition, Dr. Hazel provides organizational workshops and trainings on topics related to racial trauma, equity, and inclusion. She is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the American Psychology-Law Society (Division 41), and the Society for Black Neuropsychology, and remains engaged in advancing culturally responsive practices within the field. |
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