Clinician Spotlight -- Dr. Joel Fick

When Dr. Joel Fick isn’t working, you’ll most likely find him outside.

“I love to be in nature and hiking, especially in the mountains such as around Lake Tahoe,” he says. “I also love to be around – and in – the water, whether it is the Pacific Ocean or a lake. I grew up around lakes, so they are very comforting to me.” 

Dr. Fick always knew that he wanted to help people but wasn't sure which path to take. “Originally, I thought about being a medical doctor, but organic chemistry helped me to decide to pursue psychology instead, and I am very grateful that I pursued this route.”

He has been working as a licensed psychologist since 2002 and specializes in individual therapy with children, adolescents and adults. “My areas of expertise are children and adolescents, but I love to work with any age group. I also work with couples in therapy,” he says. He primarily uses CBT, but he is also very focused on “positive psychology and building on strengths to help people achieve their best versions of themselves.”

Dr. Fick believes in a long-term approach. “Therapy involves taking time to develop trust and build a safe space where one can be vulnerable and share their highest hopes and deepest fears,” he says. “Forming deep connections with others is about being open, present, and compassionate.” Ways he makes the deep connection happen is by practicing active listening, showing empathy, sharing vulnerability, and offering support. “We can create relationships based on trust and mutual understanding,” he says. “These connections take time and patience, but they are built on authenticity, shared experiences, and respect, which always leads to deeper connections.”

Happier Living's mission and values resonate deeply with Dr. Fick. “Both the mission and values emphasize positive mental health, personal growth, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in people's lives, goals that align with any psychologist's professional and ethical responsibilities,” he says. 

He is a big proponent of the company’s values of compassion and integrity. “Compassion is a core value that resonates strongly with me, as empathy and understanding are foundational to effective therapy,” he says. “Integrity is also crucial in psychology, where ethical practices and confidentiality are central.”

Happier Living’s focus on evidence-based care is something that also aligns well with his training, he says, as all mental health professionals should be dedicated to using scientifically proven methods to help their clients.

“I feel personally invested in helping individuals overcome challenges, build resilience, and enhance their quality of life through therapeutic techniques and guidance,” he says.