James Overholser PhD

James Overholser, Ph.D., ABPP, is a board-certified clinical psychologist and a professor in the department of psychology at Case Western Reserve University, where he serves as Director of the Psychology Mental Health Clinic. He has published on the assessment and treatment of depression and suicide risk. In addition, Dr. Overholser has published several articles and a book on the Socratic Method of Psychotherapy. Dr. Overholser serves as the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy. Dr. Overholser’s areas of interest and specialization include anxiety, depression, suicide, and personality disorders. He has published empirical studies, theoretical papers, and treatment guidelines for these problems.

His approach to treatment primarily relies on cognitive-behavioral strategies with a special emphasis on the Socratic method. He is actively involved in research on risk factors for and treatment of depression and suicide. His research tries to identify cognitive and social factors that are related to depression onset, recovery, and treatment. Much of his research strives to improve our understanding of suicide risk and suicide prevention.