Sarah Kertz

Dr. Sarah Kertz brings a unique blend of academic expertise and clinical experience to her role as a specialist in treating anxiety and OCD in women. With a warm, supportive approach grounded in evidence-based practices, Dr. Kertz empowers her clients to face their fears and reclaim their freedom.

As the owner and director of Anxiety Specialists of St. Louis, Dr. Kertz has dedicated her career to helping adult women overcome various anxiety disorders. Her areas of expertise include treating OCD symptoms, specific phobias (such as emetophobia, driving, and bug phobias), panic attacks, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Dr. Kertz's specialized training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, including postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD, makes her particularly well-suited to support pregnant women and new mothers experiencing intrusive thoughts or OCD symptoms.

Dr. Kertz's impressive academic background includes a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Louisville, completed in 2011. She further honed her skills through a predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the prestigious McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Prior to focusing exclusively on clinical work in 2020, Dr. Kertz spent eight years in academia, where she taught and supervised doctoral students in clinical psychology and undergraduate psychology majors. Her commitment to advancing the field is evident in her publication of over 35 peer-reviewed articles and more than 100 conference presentations.

In her therapeutic approach, Dr. Kertz employs a range of evidence-based techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy, inference-based therapy for OCD, exposure and response prevention, and mindfulness and acceptance strategies. Her style is described as down-to-earth and progress-focused, striking a balance between support and firmness. Dr. Kertz emphasizes practical strategies and structured approaches, encouraging clients to complete homework assignments between sessions and track their progress. She believes that much of the therapeutic work happens outside of the therapy room and celebrates her clients' bravery and vulnerability in facing their challenges.

Clients working with Dr. Kertz can expect a therapist who is deeply passionate about her work and highly skilled in utilizing effective, skills-based strategies. Her ability to be warm, personable, and easy to talk to, combined with her extensive expertise, makes her a trusted and respected figure in the field of anxiety and OCD treatment. Dr. Kertz's dedication to helping women reach their goals in therapy is evident in her approach, making her an excellent choice for those seeking to overcome anxiety and live the life they deserve.