Dr. Floyd Phillips

Dr. Floyd Phillips was born and raised in the Harlem community and completed his early education in the public school system before earning a B.A. in psychology from the City College of New York. His ties to Harlem led him into community organizing and civil service work with Special Services for Children, and he was awarded a Human Resources Fellowship to Columbia University’s School of Social Work, where he earned a Master of Social Work.

Over the next 15 years he combined teaching with direct practice, supporting people with serious mental illness, individuals with intellectual disabilities, and those struggling with substance use. He continued his professional training at the Postgraduate Center for Mental Health, and after seven years of study and supervised work he received certifications in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and group psychotherapy. He is also licensed in New York as a psychoanalyst and as a clinical social worker (license NY LCSW 073369).

Dr. Phillips pursued doctoral study in health and behavioral studies at Columbia University, completing the required coursework and extensive research in health education, behavioral health, and health disparities. He was awarded an EdD in health education and behavior studies. Collaborating with 10 researchers, scholars, and clinicians, he helped found The New York Institute of Health and Behavior, a grassroots nonprofit that grew out of the curriculum and interests of the health and behavior studies department at Teachers College, Columbia University. The institute combines research, education, and treatment focused on mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, substance abuse, public health, and health disparities to improve health across New York State.

As a licensed clinical social worker and psychoanalyst with 30 years of experience, Dr. Phillips has worked as a psychocounselor and life coach with people facing a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, substance use problems, parenting challenges, career transitions, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. He has also supported many individuals who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. He uses a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches, including psychoanalysis, tailored to each person’s needs.