Dr. Laura S. Olivos
Psy.D.
Dr. Laura Olivos is a licensed clinical psychologist currently practicing in Miami Beach, FL and surrounding areas, providing services to her community of children and families. Her clinical experience and training emphasize the assessment and treatment of children with trauma, developmental disabilities, and family dysfunction. She is a strong proponent of evidence-based practices specializing in cognitive behavioral, play, developmental, and family systems therapies. Dr. Laura obtained her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from Florida State University, majoring in Psychology and Communication Disorders, and graduated with her Master of Science (M.S.) and doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) from Nova Southeastern University. She had the privilege of working in various clinical settings at multiple levels of care, including an autism and child development center, a trauma-specific clinic for children and their families, a residential treatment facility, and a pediatric neuropsychology rotation at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Laura completed her predoctoral internship at The Village for Families and Children in Hartford, CT, furthering her clinical experience with children with trauma and a myriad of mood and anxiety disorders and completing certifications in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Upon graduation, Dr. Laura came back to Florida to complete her postdoctoral residency, focusing on pioneering a family program for families struggling with addiction and trauma. She furthered her training by becoming certified as a Structured Family Recovery Counselor. Since then, Dr. Laura has fulfilled her lifelong dream by founding The Olive Tree Center for Child and Family Psychology.
Above all, Dr. Laura considers herself an advocate for children and families, often collaborating with community resources and other medical and educational providers for optimal outcomes. She extends her advocacy on an international level. She holds a position with the Olive Tree Foundation for Education as their Mental Health Outreach Coordinator, frequently planning service trips to Lima and Cuzco, Peru. She also takes her passion to medical centers and corporations, hosting training seminars to educate on neurodiversity-affirming practices and trauma-informed care.
Dr. Laura was recently awarded the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University's Center for Autism and Related Disabilities Professional of the Year Award 2023. In 2021, Dr. Laura was selected to serve on Parents Magazine’s Board of Advisors, often contributing and/or writing child and family mental health articles. She also volunteers at Crystal Academy Premium Therapy Center and School in Coral Gables, FL, aiding in staff training and support. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking Peruvian food at home with her husband, playing with her Siberian husky, Olive, and writing her first children's book, due to be published in late 2024.
Dr. Laura is passionate about integrating various evidence-based and creatively tailored treatment modalities with her patients and knows that family-focused care creates the most meaningful change. Above all, she believes nurturing connection, playfulness, and fostering safety are at the heart of her work.