Lawrence A. Vitulano, PhD

Lawrence A. Vitulano, PhD, is a clinical psychologist who treats children and adults at the Yale Child Study Center. He cares for patients with Tourette syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He also treats patients with mood disorders, including depression and anxiety disorders.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is helping patients get through problems they never thought they could overcome,” Dr. Vitulano says. “Very often people feel stuck and don’t see a way out.”

Dr. Vitulano cares for patients using evidence-based treatments that are backed by scientific studies. Some of the techniques he uses include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and executive function training.

“To reassure patients, I often tell them I’ve seen many other people with the same illness or disorder who are now doing quite well,” he says.

Dr. Vitulano has studied and published scientific articles in many areas of psychology, including anger management, behavioral interventions, group therapy, coping with chronic illness, hypnosis, and mindfulness. He also conducts research in sports psychology, which includes, among other things, how psychology influences athletic performance.

He also provides executive coaching for individuals and large U.S. and global companies. His coaching focuses on improving a person’s emotional intelligence, which is the ability to recognize, control, and express one’s emotions and handle interpersonal relationships empathetically.