Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Lina Haji.
Hi Dr. Haji, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I knew I wanted to be a psychologist at the tender age of 9 after going through a depression secondary to ongoing conflict between my parents. I was young and innocent and didn’t know what I was feeling. After going from doctor to doctor my mother brought me to a beautiful, empathic, young woman who finally listened to me and talked to me in the gentlest manner. She gave me hope and made me feel like I wasn’t alone. I asked my mother what she did, to which my mother replied, “she’s a psychologist.” I knew at that moment I wanted to do what she did when I grew up.
A rebellious and tumultuous adolescence and twenties resulted in 9 years to get a bachelors degree as I bartended in New York City. I was relatively lost and self-destructive. I was drawn to people who didn’t fit the mold, much like myself, and landed a job in a minimum security prison at the age of 23. After working with inmates for a short time I realized I wanted to specialize in forensic psychology. I went on to obtain a master’s in forensic psychology, a master’s in clinical psychology and a doctorate in clinical psychology with a forensic emphasis. I have now worked in over 9 prisons and two forensic hospitals in 4 states.
I decided in 2020 to open my own practice with a focus on both clinical and forensic psychology. It has allowed me the freedom to practice how I see fit. It has also allowed me to reach incarcerated populations as well as Miami locals. I love working with a diverse clientele from the park bench to Park avenue, as the saying goes.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I struggled with my own psychological issues throughout adolescence and early adulthood. I was very self-destructive for a long time. I also struggled financially while in school sometimes foregoing food for gas in my car to get to class. I always had my family to support me although at times I made it difficult for them to do so. I took longer than most to complete my education and training because I juggled multiple jobs to stay afloat. The struggle was worth it because I try my best not to take anything for granted. Sometimes it feel surreal.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My practice focuses heavily on forensic psychology simply because that is where my passion lies and where I seem to excel. I offer forensic evaluations including Competency to Stand Trial, Sex Offender Evaluations, Malingering Evaluations, Psychopathy Evaluations, and Probation and Parole Evaluations. However, forensic psychology can be tedious and stressful so my private practice has allowed me to also focus on clinical psychology for locals from Miami, Broward, and Monroe counties.
I believe what sets me apart is my ability to work with various clientele. I have a diverse background as does my practice. I am particularly proud of having worked with some of the most dangerous psychopathic inmates with ease which has prepared me to work with with just about anyone.
In addition to my work, I have overcome some of my own battles with the help of psychology and thus I am proud to be able to offer mental health services to just about anyone.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I worked in prisons for almost 20 years. Even though prisons are obviously stressful environments which the majority will never see the inside of, there was a comfort in that work for me. From a business sense, I was guaranteed a paycheck, benefits, and retirement plan. Leaving prison to start my own practice was a huge risk. I managed to find a balance by remaining in the private practice sector as a clinical director (which allowed a steady income and benefits), and building my practice on evenings and weekends. This was a huge risk for me but the payoff (professionally and financially) has been well worth it.
I consider myself a risk taker in some ways. I like to push myself to try unchartered territories but also try to ensure I have a backup plan at all times.
Contact Info:
- Email: risepsychological@gmail.com
- Website: www.risepsychological.com
- Instagram: @rise_psychological_services
