
Pioneer Psychological Associates, LLC
Daniel J. Wachtel, Psy.D.

Daniel J. Wachtel, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Geropsychologist
Education/Training
I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Boston University. I began my work in the mental health field in Miami, Florida at Mt. Sinai St. Francis Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. My work at a nursing home was the start of a life-long interest in working with older adults and within the area of geropsychology (Geropsychologist).
I received my Masters degree in Social Work (MSW), with a specialty in geriatrics at Florida International University. I obtained both my Masters degree (MA) in Psychology and my Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) in clinical psychology from the Georgia School of Professional Psychology in Atlanta, GA.
I have worked as a licensed clinical psychologist and geropsychologist in a variety of settings including prisons, psychiatric hospitals, medical settings, community mental health centers, and university counseling centers. Over the course of my career I have served as Clinical Faculty and Crisis Coordinator at Georgia State University Counseling Center, Clinical Psychologist at Georgia Regional Hospital, and Clinical Psychologist/Geropsychologist at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Decatur, GA.
In addition to my private practice, I am currently employed by the Department of Veteran Affairs as a clinical psychologist/geropsychologist at the VA Medical Center. I provide a wide range of mental health services for our veterans and continue to value the opportunity to assist veterans, their family members, and their loved ones.
I typically work from both psychodynamic and interpersonal orientations. The aim of therapy is to assist clients to understand how patterns in living and relating with others impact their lives. I also utilize and integrate cognitive-behavioral and meditative interventions into therapy to assist with symptom relief, or utilizing more effective coping strategies and enhance adaptive functioning.
Education
- Bachelors of Arts (BA), Boston University
- Masters of Social Work (MSW), Florida International University
- Masters of Arts (MA), Clinical Psychology, Georgia School of. Professional Psychology
- Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Georgia School of Professional. Psychology
Professional Psychology Experiences
- Mt. Sinai St. Francis Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Miami, FL
- Wein Center for Alzheimer's Disease & Memory Disorders, Miami, FL
- Phipps State Prison, Buford, GA
- Oxford College at Emory University Counseling Center, Oxford, GA
- Texas State University Counseling Center, San Marcos, TX
- Georgia State University Counseling Center, Atlanta, GA
- Georgia Regional Hospital Atlanta, Decatur, GA
- Department of Veterans Affairs: Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA
- Morehouse School of Medicine: Department of Psychiatry and. Behavioral Sciences