Dayton R. Walsh, PhD
Clinical Psychologist · Pittsford, NY
Hi! I am glad you found me.
I am a clinical psychologist with extensive expertise in eating disorder treatment, spanning all levels of care—from inpatient and partial hospitalization to outpatient settings. Since 2016, I have been a core member of the Western NY Comprehensive Care Center for Eating Disorders team, where I contribute to statewide efforts to expand access to evidence-based care through collaborative, education-focused initiatives, and currently serve as Director. My clinical work includes providing psychological services to athletes across competitive levels, with experience in eating disorders, disordered eating, and relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs).
My clinical work is grounded in Relational-Cultural Theory, emphasizing connection, mutual empathy, and the impact of social context on psychological well-being. In my private practice, I provide therapy to individuals, couples, and groups with a relational, trauma-informed approach.
I am also deeply committed to prevention and early intervention, offering training to parents, educators, and healthcare providers on topics such as body image, anti-fat bias, and disordered eating—with the goal of ensuring that young people are not left to navigate these complex issues alone.
I do my best to bring a grounded and compassionate perspective to both clinical and educational work, integrating research-driven practices with a deep respect for each person's lived experience. I am the mother of three deeply feeling children who humble and challenge me (and all my psychology training) daily, and the caregiver to several pets—including Pepper, a beloved therapy dog whose calm presence, attuned sense of empathy, and endless gifts of assorted stuffed toys enrich the therapeutic environment.
Education
PhD, Clinical Psychology
University of Rochester
Research areas: intergenerational transmission of trauma, mother and daughter relationships, complex trauma, relationship between trauma and disordered eating in minority girls and women, eating disorder symptoms in adolescent girls, mother/daughter attachment dynamics
LinkedIn Profile"If growth is to occur in any relationship, both — or all — of the people involved have to change."
— Judith V. Jordan
My loyal co-worker, Pepper Walsh ✦
Pepper is an English Cream Golden Retriever with a big future ahead — including a goal of becoming a certified therapy dog.
Pepper is in the office with me most days. If you have allergies or feel that her presence would not be the right fit for your sessions, just let me know and we can meet virtually instead. No questions asked.

