Dr. Jessica Berndt, Psyd, NCSP
Over the past 9 years, I have gained experiences in both the clinical and school psychology fields. I attended Ohio University (Go Bobcats!) for my undergraduate education where I received my Bachelors in psychology. From there, I went to Nova Southeastern University in Southern Florida to obtain my Doctorate of Psychology in School Psychology. I then completed an internship within a school setting in Utah focused on trauma-based treatment, neuropsychological evaluations, and providing comprehensive psychological services to an elementary school. Upon graduating, I obtained a position as a school psychologist in Middletown City Schools, where I worked for two consecutive school years. I furthered my training by completing a post-doctoral fellowship at a private practice in Dayton where I engaged in individual therapy, group therapy, and assessments for clients of all ages. Upon completion of fellowship, I obtained my clinical psychology license in January of 2021. In 2022, I returned to the school setting and accepted a position with Gahanna Jefferson Public Schools as a school psychologist.
Between 2024 and 2025 I struggled to find balance between work and my family. The unexpected passing of my father in March of 2025 was a powerful reminder of what truly matters. Exhausted by a stress-filled life that was heavily consumed by my job, I made the decision to leave and pursue greater balance, which led to the creation of Tulsi Psychological Services. My hope is to empower others to find their purpose, give them hope, and guide them in creating a more balanced life.
My life revolves around my role as a wife and mom to four incredibly sweet children. When I find a spare moment, I love to hike, exercise, delve into wellness podcasts or audiobooks, and simply be with my family.
My journey into psychology began early, sparked by a high school class that illuminated my path to helping others with their mental health. My undergraduate studies in psychology further solidified this, offering valuable experiences in summer and after-school programs for children with ADHD and emotional challenges, all of which reinforced my desire to serve my community.
In 2019, my first son's birth, complicated by Down syndrome and other medical needs, profoundly shifted my perspective. That demanding first year, largely spent navigating hospitals and specialists, was pivotal in developing my interest in holistic and integrative care. This focus has since been a driving force in ensuring my children receive comprehensive care that prioritizes their whole-body wellness, with mental health at the forefront. This passion now directly informs my practice, as I genuinely enjoy performing thorough evaluations to identify underlying emotional causes and then providing integrative approaches to support my clients' healing journeys.