Psychology has always been about understanding people—their experiences, their behavior, and the stories that shape who they become.
I am a licensed psychologist with nearly two decades of experience providing psychological evaluation, treatment, and consultation (E.T.C.) in complex clinical and forensic settings.
About Dr. Sy Hudgins
My Path to Psychology
My interest in psychology began early, rooted in a fascination with the questions that shape the human experience. As a high school student, I became particularly interested in existential psychology and the ways people make meaning of life, suffering, and mortality. During college, someone close to me experienced a first manic episode—an experience that deepened my curiosity about mental illness and the importance of understanding what lies beneath changes in thoughts, emotions, and behavior. That curiosity has remained central to my work. I believe effective psychological work begins with accurate understanding, thoughtful assessment, and genuine curiosity about each person’s unique story.
From Curiosity to Practice
I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in neuroscience from Wesleyan College, followed by master’s (University of Denver) and doctoral (Fielding Graduate University) degrees in clinical psychology with a focus on forensic psychology. My first clinical position was as a Behavior Specialist at Georgia Regional Hospital in Columbus, where I worked on a forensic unit alongside psychologists, assisting with behavioral modification systems and psychological evaluations. I became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2007 while continuing to work toward my long-term goal of becoming a psychologist, ultimately becoming a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in 2019. My journey has always been shaped by my experience as a Black woman in a profession where Black psychologists remain significantly underrepresented, deepening my understanding of identity, belonging, resilience, and cultural perspective.
Understanding Complexity
Throughout my career, I have worked with people navigating some of life’s most complex circumstances, including clinical and forensic work in hospitals, county jails, and a maximum-security prison. These experiences have taught me that people are rarely defined by a diagnosis, a difficult decision, or the circumstances that bring them to treatment. Behavior exists within a larger story shaped by biology, trauma, relationships, environment, culture, and personal choices. I approach psychological work with curiosity and respect, seeking to understand the full context of people’s experiences rather than reducing them to a label, a single behavior, or a single chapter of their lives.
My goal is not to judge your experiences—
it is to understand them.
My Approach
I believe effective evaluation, treatment, and consultation require more than knowledge and expertise. They require a thoughtful understanding of why we think, feel, and behave as we do. I draw from psychological theory and evidence-based approaches to help people better understand the patterns shaping their lives and circumstances. I bring clinical knowledge and experience; the people I work with bring expertise in their own experiences and goals. I value honesty, curiosity, and thoughtful examination of what is and is not working. My role is to provide knowledge, perspective, and guidance while respecting that meaningful change and growth ultimately require the active participation of the people I serve.
Whether you are seeking evaluation, treatment, or consultation, let’s connect.