Shireen L. Rizvi, PhD

Shireen L. Rizvi, PhD, ABPP is Director of Psychology Training, Director of DBT Services and Research, and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at our Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Her clinical interests focus on the use of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for a range of mental health problems, including borderline personality disorder and suicidal behaviors.

Dr. Rizvi received her Bachelor of Arts (High Honors) in psychology from Wesleyan University. She earned her MS and PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Washington. Her internship and postdoctoral fellowship were at the Boston VA Healthcare System.

Dr. Rizvi’s research program broadly covers treatment development and evaluation research for difficult-to-treat populations, including high-risk populations with suicidal behavior. Her work has resulted in more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. She has received research funding from the National Institute of Drug Abuse, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the National Institute of Mental Health. She has also published three books, including most recently Real Skills for Real Life: A DBT Guide for Navigating Stress, Emotions, and Relationships.

Dr. Rizvi is a Fellow of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies and the American Psychological Association. She is board certified in cognitive and behavioral psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology and in dialectical behavior therapy by the Linehan Board of Certification.