Dr. Michael Dalton Ph.D

Advisor & Blog Author

  • Total publications 22
  • Number of subscribers 121
  • Last publication: May 12, 2026
MIchael Dalton Ph.D

"Emotional support animals provide more than companionship—they offer a vital source of stability and comfort, helping individuals manage their mental health in ways that are both profound and personal."

Dr. Michael Dalton Ph.D

Advisor & Blog Author

Dr. Michael Dalton, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in private practice, inpatient care, and executive assessment. Known for his practical and supportive approach, he holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University and has lectured there since 2021. With numerous awards and certifications, Dr. Dalton specializes in anxiety, depression, relationships, and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Featured in top publications, he’s recognized for his ethical, client-centered care.

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Dr. Michael Dalton, Ph.D., is an actively practicing clinical psychologist and Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP) with over 20 years of experience in direct patient care, psychiatric treatment, and advanced clinical assessments. Unlike passive advisors, Dr. Dalton maintains an active clinical practice where he conducts rigorous diagnostic evaluations and evidence-based therapies.

A core component of Dr. Dalton’s current practice includes comprehensive psychological assessments for Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). Leveraging his extensive background in clinical diagnostics—ranging from managing acute inpatient psychiatric units to conducting high-level corporate assessments—he ensures that all ESA evaluations strictly comply with federal guidelines. Dr. Dalton is known for his straightforward, honest, and highly practical clinical approach, actively working with patients to integrate animal-assisted interventions safely and ethically into their treatment plans.

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Columbia University
  • Master’s in Psychology, New York University
  • Bachelor’s in Psychology, University of Pennsylvania

Clinical Experience:

  • Clinical Psychologist & ESA Diagnostic Evaluator, Private Practice (Current)
    • Conducts active psychotherapy, psychological testing, and medical necessity evaluations for Emotional Support Animals.
  • Senior Clinical Psychologist, Midtown Psychological Services (2010-2020)
  • Director of Inpatient Treatment, Riverside Psychiatric Hospital (2000-2010)
  • Psychological Assessor, Fortune 500 Companies (1995-2000)

Recent Academic & Consulting Roles:

  • Lecturer, Columbia University (2021-Present)
  • Consultant, Behavioral Health Services, New York City Health Department (2018-Present)

Awards & Recognition:

  • Outstanding Clinical Psychologist Award, American Psychological Association (APA) (2019)
  • Excellence in Psychotherapy Award, New York State Psychological Association (2017)
  • Distinguished Service Award, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) (2015)

Active Clinical Certifications:

  • Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT)
  • Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapist (DBT)
  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Certified Provider

Media Mentions & Clinical Authority:

  • Featured in Psychology Today for evidence-based approaches to modern therapy (2022)
  • Quoted in The New York Times on mental health treatment strategies during the pandemic (2021)
  • Interviewed on NPR’s “All Things Considered” regarding clinical anxiety interventions (2020)

Clinical Credibility & Ethical Practice: Dr. Dalton’s 20+ year clinical career is built on medical rigor, ethical practice, and adherence to federal mental health guidelines. His peers recognize him as a committed LMHP who refuses to compromise on clinical standards, making him a trusted authority in psychological assessments and the ethical issuance of ESA documentation.

Areas of Clinical Practice:

  • Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Evaluations
  • Clinical Diagnostics & Psychological Assessment
  • Anxiety & Panic Disorders
  • Severe Depression
  • Personality Disorders
  • Trauma & Humanistic Therapy
  • Clinical Training and Supervision
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May 16, 2026

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