Meet the Executive Clinical Director, Sonia Singh, The Happy Therapist™

Ms. Sonia Singh, LCSW, LCADC, CCS, EMDR-C, FSW-C, PhD Candidate, widely recognized as The Happy Therapist™, is a highly accomplished, double board-licensed psychotherapist with expertise as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Forensic Social Worker, Certified Neuro-Criminologist, Certified EMDR Trauma Specialist, and Certified Clinical Supervisor. As the founder of the Center of Inner Transformations, LLC, Ms. Singh has been at the forefront of innovative alternative mental health and substance abuse treatment since 2017. Her pioneering programs have transformed the lives of thousands of individuals by offering holistic and unconventional approaches to healing.

In addition to her clinical work, Ms. Singh is a prolific writer and thought leader, contributing regularly to prominent media outlets such as Rolling Stone. Her articles, which explore her extensive experience as a community-based mental health and addiction treatment entrepreneur, have garnered widespread recognition and readership. You can read more about her work here: www.rollingstone.com/author/sonia-singh.

A proud first-generation Punjabi-American woman, Ms. Sonia Singh has over two decades of experience in the healthcare field. She has dedicated her career to empowering individuals to overcome complex mental health challenges and addiction, guided by her mission to help others navigate life’s most difficult moments. Her clinic, The Center of Inner Transformations, continues to be a cornerstone in the community, offering vital services that blend evidence-based practices with alternative therapeutic methods, all under the compassionate leadership of The Happy Therapist™.

 

Ms. Sonia Singh, The Happy Therapist™, identifies herself as a “lifetime learner” and passionate advocate for education. Her love for knowledge extends beyond her clinical practice, as she has taught continuing education courses at numerous universities and institutions. Her teaching spans a wide range of her professional specialties, including mental health, addiction, psychedelics, cannabis, immigration, Desi-American cultural issues, and forensic evaluations for legally mandated cases.

Ms. Singh’s academic journey began at Rutgers University-Newark, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work with College Honors. Following her undergraduate studies, she was awarded a prestigious scholarship from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to pursue her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work, along with a Certificate in Addiction Counseling and Treatment at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.

Currently, Ms. Singh is a PhD candidate, having completed doctoral coursework at Columbia University in New York City. Her extensive education and professional dedication have led her to achieve dual doctoral-level clinical board licenses in the state—LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and LCADC (Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor)—allowing her to practice as both a mental health and substance abuse therapist.

Committed to continuous professional development, Ms. Singh has also pursued post-graduate education at prestigious institutions such as Rutgers University, New York University, Columbia University, and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). She has further specialized through her involvement with the National Association of Forensic Social Workers and other professional organizations.

For Ms. Singh, maintaining a balanced life means continually seeking opportunities for growth—personally, academically, and professionally—while sharing her knowledge with others.

Ms. Sonia Singh has gained diverse clinical experience across a wide range of treatment settings, including outpatient treatment centers, intensive outpatient programs, in-home and in-community treatment programs, private group practices, hospitals, and independent private practices. Her extensive background has equipped her with the skills to address a wide spectrum of mental health and substance abuse issues in both clinical and community-based environments.

Throughout her career, Ms. Singh has been recognized for her groundbreaking contributions to the mental health field. Her innovative work—particularly in cannabis and psychedelic treatment programs as well as forensic psychological services—has garnered attention in local, national, and international media. These history-making initiatives have set new standards in alternative approaches to mental health and addiction treatment, further solidifying her reputation as a leader in the field.

Ms. Sonia Singh is a proud first-generation Punjabi-American, born in New York City and raised in Central New Jersey. As the daughter of Punjabi-Indian immigrants, she has a deep connection to her cultural roots and is semi-fluent in conversational Punjabi. Her personal experiences have instilled in her a profound passion for working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Ms. Singh has cultivated a broad, multicultural network of peers and colleagues, and she is dedicated to breaking down racial and ethnic barriers through her work in immigration and mental health.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Ms. Singh is deeply interested in holistic wellness, with a particular focus on cannabis health, plant-based living, and naturopathic approaches to well-being. She also enjoys exploring modern fashion and trends, fine arts, world cultures, real estate, and music therapy—interests that reflect her commitment to a well-rounded and balanced lifestyle.

Her influence extends across various social platforms, where she engages with a growing community. You can connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehappytherapist/ or Instagram: @TheHappyTherapist; and through her website: COITHEALTH.COM.