Ashley Leonor Perez, Psy D

Ashley Perez, PsyD, specializes in treating people who have mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma and grief or loss with the goal of helping them improve their overall physical health and well-being. Dr. Perez has expertise in clinical health psychology, specifically psychosocial oncology, which involves treating mental health conditions in people with cancer. She helps her patients navigate new medical diagnoses, changes in disease status or progression, medical decision-making, end-of-life concerns and reestablishing independence lost due to medical conditions. A college professor who was also a psychologist sparked Dr. Perez's interest in psychology. "I was determined to be able to make a difference for people when they are distressed and improve their overall quality of life," she says.As a clinical health psychologist, connecting with and helping her patients is what Dr. Perez loves most about her job. "Being able to play a role in relieving a patient's …distress is a profound feeling," she says. "Whether they're sleeping better, feeling less stressed or making decisions about their end-of-life plans, I love helping my patients thrive despite what they're facing."Dr. Perez grew up in New Jersey, attended graduate school in Chicago and moved to Pennsylvania to be closer to family - and to bring her expertise in health psychology to Geisinger.In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, their son and dog. Besides reading and crocheting during quieter moments, Dr. Perez also likes being outdoors, watching good movies and trying out new restaurants.