Lucy Takagi

Lucy Takagi is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Social Work and Child Advocacy at Montclair State University (MSU), housed within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She holds licenses in NJ and NY, telehealth registration in FL, and APIT certification via PsyPact. Her roles include clinical work, advocacy, and academic leadership.

Education:

• PhD in Clinical Psychology, Rutgers University GSAPP (2006)
• MS in Educational Psychology, Montclair State University (1999)

Research & Advocacy: Dr. Takagi focuses on clinical work with marginalized populations, forensic evaluations, and mental health policy. She led advocacy efforts for NJPA on licensure reforms (Bill #5307/2020) and PsyPact Law (2021), and co-founded the Alliance for Inclusive Integration of Science and Practice in Psychology. Recent UN involvement includes SPSSI participation and a rapporteur role at CoNGO’s 2023 conference.

Awards:

• 2021 APA Division 31 Outstanding Psychologist Award
• 2022 NJPA Psychologist of the Year
• 2024 GSAPP Peterson Award

Academic Leadership: Since 2011, she teaches full-time at MSU. From 2022, she serves as Graduate Program Coordinator for Child Advocacy, overseeing curriculum development and online program modernization. She balances teaching, student mentorship, and collaboration with the MSU Graduate School.