About Dr. Lindsay Wakayama

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Hi there! I’m a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY32164) in California with nearly a decade of experience in evidence-based practice as a mental health clinician, educator, and consultant.

The San Francisco Bay Area has been my home since college, and I have trained and worked across its major healthcare systems, including Stanford Health Care, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Most recently at the San Francisco VA, I served as an Attending Psychologist and Program Lead in Obesity, Weight Management, and Eating Disorders, providing care to Veterans and consultation to primary care and behavioral medicine teams. As an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCSF, I supervised and taught psychology, medical, nurse practitioner, and dietetic residents with a focus on evidence-based assessment, treatment, and professional development.

Across my work, I integrate a practical mind-body approach, informed by my background as a former professional dancer, certified yoga instructor, and avid runner. I work with clients to improve mental, emotional, and physical health, manage chronic conditions, reduce stress, and strengthen relationships.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with loved ones, warm-weather travel, and discovering delicious restaurants.

Education & Training

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Official seal of the Department of Veterans Affairs featuring an eagle and American flags.
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Clinical Psychology Postdoctoral Residency

San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System and University of California San Francisco, Integrated Primary Care Emphasis (APA-Accredited)

Clinical Psychology Predoctoral Internship

Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Behavioral Medicine Emphasis (APA-Accredited)

Doctor of Psychology, Clinical Psychology

PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium (APA-Accredited)

Master of Science, Clinical Psychology

PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium (APA-Accredited)

Bachelor of Science, Psychology

Santa Clara University, Magna Cum Laude

Bachelor of Arts, Theatre (Dance Emphasis)

Santa Clara University, Magna Cum Laude

Selected Publications

Patel, M. L., Wakayama, L. N., Bennett, G. (February 2021). Self-Monitoring via Digital Health in Weight Loss Interventions: A Systematic Review among Adults with Overweight or Obesity. Obesity.  

Wakayama, L., Nameth, K., Adler, S., & Safer, D. L. (2019). Replication and extension of dietary adherence as a predictor of suboptimal weight-loss outcomes in post bariatric patients. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases,15(1), 91-96. doi:10.1016/j.soard.2018.10.029

Patel, M. L., Wakayama, L. N., Bass, M. B., & Breland, J. Y. (2019). Motivational interviewing in eHealth and telehealth interventions for weight loss: A systematic review. Preventive medicine.