Alumna Torricia Yamada knew she wanted to help Veterans as a clinical psychologist after attending the University of Iowa.  

The Iowa City native grew up exposed to the knowledge of medical expertise that the University of Iowa provides, and she says that she was always impressed with the reputation of the University of Iowa Health Care and clinical and counseling programs.

“Iowa’s Counseling Psychology PhD program was a better fit for me, because of its focus on clinical practice and the extraordinary emphasis on diversity,” says Yamada. “The University of Iowa has so many practicum experiences, and this is very unique. It allowed for a breadth of training experiences to get exposure to different types of psychology and treatment, and also hone into an emphasis.”

Yamada didn’t always have her sights set on becoming a clinical psychologist. It took several attempts of trial and error before Yamada found success in pursuing her career path.

“I was actually an English major in college and started a career in publishing, and quickly realized that was not my calling,” says Yamada. “In my personal search for next opportunities, I was fortunate enough to have thoughtful and knowledgeable people around me, who eventually became mentors. I started participating in neuropsychology research at the University of Iowa and was accepted into the Counseling Psychology PhD program a year later.”     

After graduating from the Counseling Psychology doctoral program in 2011, Yamada continued her career path with her internship opportunity in a neuropsychology track at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Afterwards, Yamada moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to complete her two-year postdoctoral residency at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System (VAHCS). 

“I always knew that I wanted to be in a helping profession – maybe a nice mix of nature and nurture. My father is a neurologist, and my mother was a social worker,” says Yamada. “Psychology allowed for the flexibility of working with diverse populations in a clinical and research setting.”

When it came to selecting the specific path of psychological assistance that Yamada sought to provide, she says she always the perfect route for her.

“As a psychologist, I knew that I wanted to serve specific communities; working with Veterans always felt like a good fit in terms of serving those who have served willingly and selflessly,” says Yamada.

Yamada now works as a Program Manager and a Psychology Supervisor at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs in Minneapolis. Her primary role entails supervising psychology trainees, other psychologists, and also managing the Neuropsychology and Psychology Assessment Clinic.

“I love working with Veterans,” says Yamada. “The training opportunities is why I first wanted to work at a VA, but it is the people at the VA that keep me within this system. I believe in holistic care, and the VA’s mission to support not only the Veteran, but their family, caregivers, and survivors, is extraordinary. Veterans represent a diverse group and deserve exceptional care.”

Although there are many benefits to being a clinical psychologist such as building unique connections, she emphasizes that the most rewarding aspect may be overlooked. 

“I think when they feel better leaving my office than coming in; they felt heard and questions were answered, even if it was ‘I don’t know,’” says Yamada.

According to a VA Health Care Utilization by Recent Veteran’s report published in 2020, around 62% of Veterans are receiving VA services over the past two decades. In 2023, Veteran Affairs reported more than 1.9 million disability compensation and pension claims for their Veterans - an all-time high for any calendar year. Clinical psychologists like Yamada are continuing to expand the support available for Veterans through VAs across the country.

Yamada provides advice to students who seek to follow a similar career path.

“Find good mentors – and not just one – there are so many parts and paths throughout your career as a psychologist,” says Yamada. “I have been fortunate to have so many amazing mentors in my life who have helped me grow personally and professionally. Continue to evolve.”