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Susan Axtell, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist with a focus in pain psychology. She is a Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and Director of Pain Psychology in the Headache Division. After graduating college with honors in Sociology and Contemporary French Studies, she earned a master’s degree in psychology at the New School for Social Research in New York and a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, with a specialty in Multicultural Issues, from the University of Denver.
After falling in love with Los Angeles — upon moving here for an internship — she built a private practice in Beverly Hills where, for five years, she enjoyed working with individuals with a wide variety of clinical issues. She joined Keck Medicine of USC in 2010, first as a pain psychologist in the Pain Center, and then in 2018 she joined the faculty of the Neurology Department’s Headache Division to further focus on headache, concussion, face pain and neck pain.
Dr. Axtell helps her patients manage their physical and emotional suffering with non-medication strategies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, biofeedback and stress management techniques. A primary goal is providing hope and a sense of empowerment to patients whose conditions leave them feeling powerless and despairing. Especially passionate about the use of mindfulness to manage pain and promote emotional balance, she manages her own stress through daily meditation, a strong support system and playing drums.
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