Dr. Lyris Salvi is a dedicated mental health professional with over 13 years of experience, beginning her career with adolescents and extending her expertise to mid-life and older adults. Her extensive work in both inpatient and outpatient settings has provided her with a rich understanding of various clinical environments and the diverse needs of her clients and their families.

 

Her academic background mirrors her broad clinic experience. Starting with an associate-level clinical degree in addiction studies, she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus on behavioral neuroscience from the University of Washington. She continued her studies with a master’s degree in psychology from Antioch University Seattle and completed her doctoral training there. Her specialized internship at the New Hampshire Veterans Affairs Medical Center provided her with invaluable insights into health psychology and geropsychology.

​

While Dr. Salvi has worked with clients across the lifespan she has specialized in work with midlife and older adults. Dr. Salvi sees aging as a deeply transformative journey, filled with opportunities for profound personal growth. She has worked with older adults navigating significant life changes, such as retirement, the loss of a spouse, major changes in physical and mental health, caring for adult children, lifestyle downsizing, and finding purpose in later life. In one memorable case, she supported a client grappling with chronic pain, depression, and caregiving for his wife. Through a blend of cognitive-behavioral techniques and compassionate relational therapy, Dr. Salvi helped this client develop new coping strategies and rediscover a sense of purpose in their daily life. Dr. Salvi witnessed firsthand the positive gains that can come of supportive mental healthcare at any age. 

 

Her commitment to holistic care also extends to families and caregivers. She has guided families through the challenges of caring for a loved one with newly diagnosed and advanced medical conditions and helped identify and orient families toward developing sustainable care plans. Dr. Salvi recognizes that the “changing of the guard” is not only a practical one but a mental and emotional one as well. She believes with support, families can restructure in new ways that scaffold the family system, decrease decision-making fatigue, and enable families to get back to what matters most, connection and time together. By focusing on reducing caregiver burnout and improving communication, Dr. Salvi addressed the family's unique dynamics, fostering a more supportive and harmonious caregiving environment.

 

Dr. Salvi is passionate about proactive care and believes that enhancing one’s quality of life can start at any stage. She encourages clients to focus on their physical, mental, and emotional health early on. For example, she has worked with individuals in mid-life facing stress and anxiety about aging, helping them embrace lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and mindful practices. In another case, she supported someone through a major career transition, using narrative therapy to explore their life story and uncover new sources of fulfillment.

 

Dr. Salvi’s approach blends cognitive-behavioral techniques with relational psychotherapy, always tailored to each client’s unique needs. She incorporates narrative and reminiscence therapy to deepen the therapeutic experience, honoring and exploring her clients' personal stories. Whether working with older adults or supporting their families, Dr. Salvi is dedicated to offering compassionate, individualized care that recognizes and respects the complex interplay of personal history and family dynamics.