Hi! I’m Dr. Kay (Keshani Perera, Psy.D)— an award-winning clinical psychologist, trauma specialist, and someone who deeply believes in the power of safe, authentic connection.

Before I became a clinical psychologist and trauma specialist, I was a professional athlete. I know what it’s like to push through pain, live under high standards, and carry the weight of performance on your shoulders. Over time, I learned that healing and performance aren’t as far apart as they seem. True strength isn’t just about what you can endure, it’s about what you can heal from.

I started Therapy Cove to create a space for people who are ready to release the pressure, break free from survival mode, and step into a new kind of strength.

I show up to therapy the way I wish someone had shown up for me: with warmth, cultural humility, and a deep respect for your story, especially the parts you’ve had to carry alone. My approach is warm, collaborative, and no-BS. Together, we’ll go beyond surface-level talk to get to the root of what’s keeping you stuck. I blend evidence-based practices, including relational psychodynamic therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with a deep commitment to cultural humility and the mind-body connection. This means we’ll hold space for your whole self: your past, your culture, your relationships, and the protective parts you’ve carried for so long.

I trained across some incredible institutions; earning my doctorate from William Paterson University of New Jersey, completing my APA-accredited internship at George Mason University, and deepening my work at the NYU Postdoc program for Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis. I was also honored to receive the prestigious fellowship from American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA)—an experience that continues to shape how I understand and honor the depth of the human psyche. Along the way, I completed an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) certification through The Embody Lab, expanding my tools to help clients heal not just in their minds, but in their bodies too.

Of note, I was the recipient of the Emerging Professional Award from the Division on South Asian Americans under the Asian American Psychological Association; an honor that reflects my ongoing commitment to advocating for accessible, culturally attuned mental health care within the South Asian American community.

I have over 10 years of experience in the field of psychology. But more than my credentials, what matters to me most is how I make you feel in our work together: seen, safe, and never alone.

If you’re looking for a therapist in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Florida, or any of the 42 PSYPACT states, I offer virtual trauma therapy tailored for Gen Z and Millennials. For those nearby, I also provide limited in-person therapy in Boynton Beach, Florida.

Outside of the therapy room? I’m beach-obsessed, cat-smitten, and yes—a big Swiftie who knows it all too well. And if you’re looking for a South Asian therapist who understands the culture, the pressure, honors your resilience, the old wounds, and the pain behind your success—you’ve found your cove. (And no, you’re not on your own, kid.)

All parts of you are welcome here!