Dr. Mary Ann Bishay is a distinguished Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 18 years of experience across hospitals, outpatient clinics, school-based mental health programs, private practice, and academic institutions. She has worked extensively with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, providing comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological evaluations, psychoeducational assessments, ADHD and Autism Evaluations, psychotherapy, and expert consultation.
With a deep commitment to helping individuals recognize their strengths and overcome challenges, she designs personalized, evidence-based interventions that foster growth, resilience, and long-term success.
Dr. Bishay has held clinical and leadership roles in renowned medical and academic institutions, including Georgetown University Hospital, where she provided comprehensive evaluations and therapeutic services in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
Her expertise in neuropsychological assessment and clinical intervention has allowed her to develop highly specialized diagnostic and treatment plans for individuals facing ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia), Intellectual Disabilities, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, Trauma, Anxiety, and Mood Disorders.
She is deeply committed to empowering individuals by identifying their unique strengths and challenges and ensuring they receive the educational accommodations, workplace support, and tailored interventions necessary to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
Expertise in Therapy & Clinical Intervention
In addition to her work in assessment, Dr. Bishay brings nearly two decades of experience in providing therapy to individuals facing complex emotional, cognitive, and relational challenges. She specializes in treating PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Narcissistic Abuse, Relationship Challenges, Attachment Trauma, and Executive Functioning Difficulties, tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of each patient.
Dr. Bishay also specializes in crisis intervention for children, adolescents, and adults, working with individuals who have experienced sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, narcissistic abuse, suicidal ideation, and self-inflicted harm. She provides compassionate, evidence-based support to help patients navigate life’s challenges after trauma, whether it was recent or occurred in the past. Her approach prioritizes healing, resilience, and empowerment, equipping individuals with the tools and strategies needed to regain control, build emotional strength, and move forward with confidence.
Drawing from evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed Care, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Interventions, she creates a compassionate yet structured therapeutic environment where individuals can gain insight, build resilience, and develop practical coping skills.
Advocacy & Educational Accommodations
Dr. Bishay is a dedicated advocate for individuals and families navigating the complexities of educational and workplace accommodations.
Recognizing that mental health and neurodevelopmental challenges extend beyond the therapy room, she works to bridge the gap between clinical care, education, and professional success. She is well-versed in special education law, IEPs, 504 Plans, Tiered Interventions (MTSS), and disability rights, ensuring that individuals receive the legal protections, support, and modifications they need to thrive.
Dr. Bishay collaborates with parents, educators, attorneys, and HR professionals to translate assessment findings into meaningful accommodations, empowering students and employees with the tools and resources necessary for success. Her expertise includes the development of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and standardized test accommodations, ensuring that both students and professionals have access to equitable learning and work environments that support their unique strengths and challenges.
Leadership in Education, Training & Mentorship
Dr. Bishay is a respected educator, mentor, and speaker dedicated to advancing the fields of psychology, education, and mental health advocacy.
She has taught at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels in Clinical and Forensic Psychology programs, training future psychologists in psychological assessment, therapy, and neuropsychological evaluations.
As a supervisor and mentor, she has guided numerous pre- and post-doctoral interns, ensuring they develop the skills, clinical expertise, and ethical foundation necessary for excellence in practice. By fostering clinical excellence, ethical practice, and evidence-based care, she ensures that mental health professionals are equipped to provide the highest level of support to individuals, families, and communities.
Dr. Bishay is also a highly sought-after speaker and trainer, conducting professional development workshops, educator training programs, and consultation services for academic institutions, mental health professionals, and school districts. Her expertise spans a wide range of topics, including neurodiversity, executive functioning, grief and loss, parenting strategies, ADHD, trauma-informed education, and mental health advocacy.
She has developed specialized training programs to help educators better understand and support neurodiverse learners, working directly with school leaders and special education teams to implement evidence-based best practices in student support services and special education programming.
Bullying Prevention & School Safety Initiatives
Dr. Bishay is also a recognized leader in bullying prevention and school safety initiatives, dedicated to fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments. She has developed anti-bullying programs that have been successfully implemented in schools, equipping educators, administrators, and students with proactive strategies to prevent harassment, promote resilience, and create a culture of respect.
In addition to her work in education, she conducts risk assessments for schools, workplaces, and community organizations, helping institutions identify potential safety concerns and implement effective mental health and crisis intervention strategies that prioritize well-being.
Commitment to Empowerment & Advocacy
At the core of Dr. Bishay’s work is a deep commitment to empowerment and advocacy. She is passionate about helping individuals recognize their strengths, navigate challenges, and develop the tools they need to succeed. Through her comprehensive assessments, therapy, educational advocacy, and professional training programs, she strives to create meaningful, lasting change in the lives of the individuals, families, and professionals she serves. Her influence extends beyond direct clinical care, shaping educational policies, professional training standards, and community advocacy efforts to build more inclusive, supportive, and equitable environments for all.
Professional Memberships & Commitment to Excellence
As a leader in the field, Dr. Bishay is a dedicated member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN), and the Association for Psychological Science (APS). She remains actively engaged in cutting-edge research and clinical advancements, ensuring that her practice is rooted in the latest scientific evidence and best practices.
With a steadfast commitment to growth, advocacy, and clinical excellence, Dr. Bishay continues to be a trusted leader in the field, empowering individuals, families, and communities to navigate challenges, embrace their strengths, and build fulfilling lives.
Your Path to Clarity, Growth & Success
If you are looking for a compassionate and highly skilled psychologist to support your mental health, learning needs, or advocacy efforts, Dr. Bishay and her team at CNS Behavioral Health are here to guide you.
Contact CNS Behavioral Health today to take the first step toward healing, growth, and a more empowered future.
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“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”
― C.S. Lewis
