About Me

Hello! I’m Dr. Sam Lookatch, a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder of Anchor Point Psychological Services, where I provide outpatient mental health care through my private practice.

Across the last 15 years, I have worked to hone my skills as a clinician specialized in working with individuals navigating substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns. My clinical experience spans a wide range of treatment settings, including detoxification units, inpatient and residential programs, day treatment, and outpatient care. These diverse environments have shaped my comprehensive and flexible approach to treatment that enables me to tailor my work with each client based on their needs and presenting concerns.

Throughout my career, I’ve developed and/or facilitated a variety of therapeutic groups, such as:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for substance use

  • Relapse Prevention Therapy

  • Nicotine Cessation

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) adapted for substance use disorders

  • Motivational Interviewing for individuals transitioning from inpatient to outpatient care

  • Interpersonal Process

  • Wellness

  • Groups with/for families around communication and Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT)

Currently, I primarily provide individual therapy for adults (18+), and also offer support for couples and families, particularly around issues related to substance use. My clinical focus includes substance use disorders, trauma, anxiety, and depression. My goal is to create a supportive, collaborative space where individuals feel empowered to navigate life’s challenges and move toward meaningful change.

Educational Background

  • Postdoctoral Fellowship Philadelphia Veteran Medical Affairs Center

  • Predoctoral Internship Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

  • Doctorate in Clinical Psychology University of Tennessee, Knoxville

    • & Graduate Certificate in Women’s Studies

  • Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Towson University

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Women’s Studies University of Wisconsin, Madison

Notable Clinical Experience

  • Substance Abuse Counselor               Cornerstone – Johns Hopkins Medicine           

  • Psychology Fellow                                      Mothers MATTER – Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

  • Staff Psychologist                                      Philadelphia Veterans Medical Affairs Center

  • Assistant Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry Columbia University Medical Center

Notable Research Contributions

Service

  • Associate Editor for Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice

  • Oral Examiner for Addiction Psychology board certification through ABPP

Research Presentations

  • Lookatch, S.J., Chiligiris, A.C. & Evans, E.C. (2024). Motivational Enhancement and Cannabis Use: Implementing a Brief Cannabis Cessation Protocol. Oral presentation at American Psychiatric Association – New York, NY; May 4-8.

  • Chiligiris, A.C. & Lookatch, S.J. (2023). Motivational Enhancement and Cannabis Use: Implementing a Brief Cannabis Cessation Protocol. Oral presentation at American Psychology Association – Washington, D.C.; August 3-6.

  • Lookatch, S.J., Smith, R.V., McKay, J.R., Gelernter, J. & Kranzler, H. (2017). The impact of recent childbirth on healthcare utilization in substance dependent adults. Oral presentation at Addiction Health Services Research – Madison, WI; October 18-20.

  • Lookatch, S., Bishop, N., Mauck, S., Bierma, S., & Moore, T. (2015).  Recruitment of diverse Ps via Facebook ads: Methodological implications from two unique studies. Oral presentation at The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies – Chicago, IL; November 18-22.

  • Lookatch S., Moore, T. & Katz, E. (2013). “The impact of gender and motivation for use on perceptions of nonmedical prescription stimulant use.” Oral presentation at The College on Problems of Drug Dependence – San Diego, California; June 15-22.

Peer-Reviewed Publications

  • Fivecoat, H.C., Lookatch, S.J., Mavandadi, S., McKay, J.R., Sayers, S.L. (2022). Social factors predict treatment engagement in veterans with PTSD and SUD. Psychological Services.

  • Lookatch, S.J., Wimberley, A.S. & McKay, J.R. (2019). The effects of social support and 12-Step involvement on recovery among people in continuing care for cocaine dependence. Substance Use & Misuse, 1-12. 

  • Curtis, B.L., Lookatch, S.J., Ramo, D.E., McKay, J.R., Feinn, R.S. & Kranzler, H.R. (2018). Meta-analysis of the association of alcohol-related social network postings with alcohol-related problems and consumption in adolescents and young adults. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 42(6), 978-986.

  • Lookatch, S.J., Fivecoat, H.C. & Moore, T.M. (2017). Neuropsychological effects of placebo stimulants in college students. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 1-10.

  • Lookatch, S.J., Elledge, L.C., Shorey, R.C., Anderson, S., Stuart, G.L. & Moore, T.M. (2017). Cognitive and psychological changes during residential substance use treatment. Addiction Research and Treatment, 4, 334-341.

  • Fitzsimons, H., Tuten, M., Borsuk, C., Lookatch, S., & Hanks, L. (2015). Clinician-delivered contingency management increases engagement and attendance in drug and alcohol treatment. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 152, 62-67.

  • Jones, T., Lookatch, S.J. & Moore, T.M. (2015). Validation of a new risk assessment tool: The brief risk questionnaire. Journal of Opioid Management, 11(2): 171-183.

  • Lookatch S., Moore, T. & Katz, E. (2014). The impact of gender and motivation for use on perceptions of nonmedical prescription stimulant use. The Journal of American College Health, 62: 252-262.

  • Jones, T., Lookatch, S., Grant, P., McIntyre, J., & Moore, T. (2013). Further validation of an opioid risk assessment tool: The Brief Risk Interview. Journal of opioid management, 10(5): 353-364.

  • Jones, T., Lookatch, S. & Moore, T. (2013). A single session group intervention for pain management in chronic pain patients: A pilot study. Pain and Therapy, 2: 57-64.

  • Lookatch S.J., Dunne, E.M. & Katz, E.C. (2012). Predictors of nonmedical use of prescription stimulants. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 44: 86-91.

  • Chisolm M, Brigham E, Lookatch, S, Tuten L, Strain E, Jones H. (2011). Cigarette smoking knowledge, attitudes, and practices of patients and staff at a perinatal substance abuse treatment center. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 39(3): 298-305. 

Invited Talks & Trainings

  • Association for Behavioral & Cognitive Therapies

    • Treating Opioid Use Disorders: The Role of the Therapist

  • Columbia School of Social Work

    • Dual Diagnosis: Advanced Approaches to Substance Use Treatment in Outpatient Settings

  • Department of Psychiatry Grand Rounds - Columbia University

    • Family Matters: Use of CRAFT to improve outcomes for individuals with SUDs

  • Department of Psychiatry Training Rounds - Columbia University

    • Family Inclusion in Substance Use Disorder Treatment

  • PsychHub Courses

    • Motivational Interviewing: Foundations

    • Motivational Interviewing: Substance Use

Licensure & Certifications

  • Licensed since 2020

    License No: 023913

  • Licensed since 2022

    License No: 35SI00679500

  • Licensed since 2025

    License No: 071.022222

  • Certified since 2025

    APIT No: 22926

    https://psypact.gov/page/psypactmap

  • Since 2025

    Certification No: 10541