IU 2025 Graduate Profile: Sarah Tarlecki, Psy.D.

When Sarah Tarlecki, Psy.D., first stepped into an Immaculata University classroom as a graduate student in August 2018, she had no idea she would one day return to stand on the other side.

Now a licensed psychologist and adjunct faculty member at Immaculata, she graduated from the University’s Psy.D. program in August 2024 and officially earned her license in January 2025. Her clinical background includes working with children, adolescents and families in settings ranging from schools and hospitals to specialty clinics. Today, she practices privately in Exton, Pennsylvania, while also teaching and mentoring the next generation of clinicians in Immaculata’s Psy.D. program.

Deciding to Pursue a Psy.D.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bucknell University, Tarlecki knew she wanted to continue her studies. Encouraged by an undergraduate advisor to consider graduate study, she saw a doctoral degree in clinical psychology as the right path to gain the advanced skills she needed.

“Immaculata stood out to me for several reasons,” Tarlecki said. “I grew up nearby and wanted to stay close to family and friends. The evening class schedule allowed me to work during the day, especially in the first few years before practicum. And the six-year timeline helped balance coursework, practicum and dissertation work in a manageable way.”

Tarlecki’s dissertation, titled “Investigating an Overlooked Diagnosis: ADHD in Women and Girls,” explored the experiences of women and girls diagnosed with ADHD.

“I employed a qualitative research approach, conducting interviews with eight women who had received an ADHD diagnosis. Through data analysis, I identified several recurring themes across participants, including symptoms of depression and anxiety, challenges with emotional regulation, difficulties with time management, and instances of risky driving behavior,” Tarlecki explained.

From Theory to Practice: A Personalized Therapeutic Approach

For Tarlecki, one of the most appreciated aspects of Immaculata’s Psy.D. program was its broad, generalist approach.

“I liked that the Psy.D. program didn’t commit to one specific theoretical orientation,” Tarlecki said. This gave her room to grow and figure out her own clinical identity, allowing her to apply insights from her coursework and dissertation research to her current role as a licensed psychologist at the Pediatric Psychology Center of Chester County.

Tarlecki describes her time in the program as challenging but ultimately rewarding. “It took a lot of hard work and dedication, but I will never regret my decision to pursue my Psy.D.,” she said.

At the Pediatric Psychology Center of Chester County, Tarlecki takes an individualized, collaborative approach to therapy that blends acceptance-based and goal-oriented strategies. She incorporates techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

Her clinical work, which is deeply informed by her dissertation research, spans across age groups, with experience supporting children (including those under five), adolescents, young adults and families. Her areas of focus include ADHD, conducting comprehensive evaluations and assessments, treating anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/IDD), and providing therapy for children navigating divorce or involved in court-mandated services.

Giving Back Through Teaching

Returning to Immaculata University as an adjunct faculty member was both a personal and professional milestone. “I thought about all the professors who taught and mentored me throughout the program,” she said. “I was eager to give back to a program that helped shape me as a clinician.”

To those considering graduate study—especially those balancing work, family or other obligations—she encourages thoughtful consideration, but also optimism.

“Immaculata is a great place for people with other commitments. Most of the people in my cohort had a lot to balance and they made it work,” she said. “Pursuing a Psy.D. was one of the best decisions I’ve made.”