Tara Samples

Tara Samples, Ph.D. LCP-HSP has a diverse work experience in the field of clinical psychology and counseling. Tara began their career as a Licensed Professional Counselor at A Growth Place, Inc, where they provided therapy to individuals, couples, and families. Tara also supervised graduate students and oversaw office development and staff recruitment.

Tara then moved on to work as a Practicum Student at Grady Health System, where they conducted research on gene X environment risks for trauma and stress disorders. Tara also provided therapy to African-American women experiencing domestic abuse and suicidal ideation, as well as families who have lost a loved one to suicide.

After completing their Ph.D., Tara joined Charles George VA Medical Center as a Predoctoral Intern in Psychology. Tara then served as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lincoln Christian University, where they taught courses and provided clinical supervision for graduate students.

Tara's most recent role was as the Director of Behavioral Health Student Training and Clinical Team Lead at Christ Community Health Services. In this position, they served as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Training Director for a psychology internship program. Tara also worked as a Behavioral Health Consultant and Clinical Team Lead, providing trauma-informed and evidence-based clinical and health psychology services.

Throughout their career, Tara has shown a strong interest in health care integration, trauma/PTSD informed care, social determinants of health, and ethical faith integration. Tara has also served as an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at both Point University and Lincoln Christian University, contributing to the education and training of future mental health professionals.

Tara Samples, Ph.D. LCP-HSP, received their Bachelor's degree in Human Relations from Point University (formerly Atlanta Christian College) in 2000. Tara then pursued a Master's degree in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University, which they completed in 2003. Continuing their education, they attended Fielding Graduate University, where they received a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology in 2010, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology in 2012. In terms of certifications, Tara Samples is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Health Service Provider in the State of Tennessee since 2017. Tara also holds a license as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation since 2014. Additionally, they are registered as a National Health Service Psychologist with the National Register of Health Service Psychologists.