Dr. Hal Pickett, Psy.D., LP, HSP-P, ABPP, serves as the Director of the adolescent unit at Cherry Hospital, where he specializes in treating patients with developmental trauma and those who have experienced abuse or neglect. A former physical therapist, Dr. Pickett has over 30 years of experience in various mental health settings, including university hospitals and private practice.

Dr. Pickett earned his Bachelor of Science in Zoology from North Carolina State University and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He furthered his education with a Master’s degree in General Psychology from Old Dominion University and completed his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology. His postdoctoral certifications include homeland security and security analysis from Towson University, forensic mental health from Concordia University in St. Paul, and animal-assisted therapy training from Purdue University.

An active member of several professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association and the North Carolina Psychological Association, Dr. Pickett also volunteers with "Give an Hour," providing mental health services to military personnel and their families. He is a certified incident trainer, delivering lectures and training for law enforcement on adolescent brain development.

Throughout his career, Dr. Pickett has made significant contributions to forensic psychology, juvenile diversion programs, and psychosexual assessments. He has also served as an adjunct professor for over two decades, teaching assessment techniques and evidence-based practices.

In his personal life, Dr. Pickett enjoys spending time in nature, dog training (including agility and dock diving), scuba diving, gardening, and swimming. He credits his mentors, including George Realmuto, MD, Gerry Hugust, Ph.D., and Harry Hoberman, Ph.D., and honors the memory of Michael Pepler, MD, for their guidance.

Dr. Pickett’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, stating, "Every client presents a new opportunity to grow," reflecting his commitment to excellence in mental health care.