Mr. Hal Pickett, Psy.D., LP, ABPP

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Making a Continued Impact on Mental Health Care in North Carolina

Dr. Pickett is a highly respected clinical psychologist recognized for his Board Certification in child and adolescent psychology. Returning to his home state after thirty years of practice in the State of Minnesota and settling in Eastern North Carolina, he has dedicated his career to advancing mental health care and education and will continue those goals in North Carolina. As the Director of Psychology at Cherry Hospital, he is instrumental in developing and enhancing psychological services for patients, leading a dedicated team of professionals committed to fostering healing and support.

With over 30 years of experience in various settings, including major university hospitals, private practice, and non-profit mental health organizations, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving mental health outcomes for children, adolescents, and families. His clinical expertise is particularly concentrated in trauma and adolescent forensic psychology, where he has been involved in juvenile diversion programs, psychosexual assessments, and certification evaluations for adolescent sex offenders. His work in these critical areas is essential for guiding at-risk youth toward rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society.

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Pickett is a fervent educator who has taught as an adjunct professor for more than two decades in graduate programs throughout the Twin Cities in Minnesota. His teaching emphasizes assessment techniques, evidence-based practices, and the evaluation of practice outcomes, ensuring that future mental health professionals are prepared to meet the diverse needs of their clients.

Dr. Pickett's extensive qualifications also include graduate certificates in Forensic Psychology, Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, and Animal Assisted Therapies. This broad spectrum of interests reflects his commitment to continuous professional development. An influential voice in the field, he frequently presents on various mental health topics across North Carolina, sharing his knowledge and fostering important conversations on pressing mental health issues.

Over the years, Dr. Pickett has chaired more than a dozen dissertations and master's research projects, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in psychology and supporting emerging scholars in the field. His dedication to mentorship and research underlines his commitment to enhancing the quality of psychological services available in the community.

On a more personal level, he attributes his success to his status as a lifetime learner and his insatiable clinical curiosity. “I believe that continuous learning is crucial in our field. Every client presents a new opportunity to grow and expand my knowledge,” he explains. This philosophy drives his active participation in professional presentations across the state, where he addresses various topics relevant to psychology and mental health.

When he is not working or teaching, Dr. Pickett enjoys spending time in nature, particularly anywhere there is water. His hobbies include dog training in agility and dock diving, scuba diving, gardening, and swimming, all of which provide him with balance and fulfillment outside of his demanding profession.

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