Paul J. Clear, Ph.D.

Counselor

Paul J. Clear, Ph.D. earned his doctorate and Master of Arts in clinical psychology from the University of Houston and his Bachelor of Liberal Arts with honors from Harvard University. Dr. Clear received his training and clinical experience with diverse populations having various ethnic backgrounds at the Psychology Research and Services Center at the University of Houston and the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Houston. At the Psychology Research and Services Center, he worked with children, adolescents, and their families as well as adults. Presenting problems in this setting included depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and interpersonal relationship issues. At the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Dr. Clear treated veterans experiencing depression and anxiety, PTSD, schizophrenia and other psychoses, and adjustment issues related to medical problems (e.g., chronic pain and spinal cord injury).

Dr. Clear's interest in serving these diverse populations developed during his previous careers, which include 24 years of distinguished service as a police officer and a successful tour in the U.S. Army. As a police officer, he gained important first-hand experience assisting individuals with a multitude of problems including crime victimization, family conflict, disruptive behaviors involving youth, and various crises. His military service provided him with a unique perspective that enabled him to gain an understanding of this special segment of society.

Dr. Clear's primary research interests are in trauma and mood disorders in children, adolescents, and adults with special emphases on posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. His work on ethnic differences in symptom presentation of sexually abused child and adolescent girls was published recently in the Journal of Child Sexual Abuse.