Geri-Lynn Utter

Geri-Lynn Utter, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with those struggling with co-occurring mental health concerns, such as trauma and drug addiction. Dr. Utter’s motivation for choosing this field was personal—as a child, she frequently witnessed the familial turmoil and violence that arise from such issues. These experiences gave her a rare insight into how our life experiences and the way we see ourselves impacts our mental health, both positively and negatively.  

 

Geri-Lynn’s experiences have left scars on her soul, which she sees as marks of wisdom that have shaped her understanding of human behavior. She tries to understand what makes people do the things that they do, and this curiosity and desire to help others, which further drove her to pursue a career as a psychologist. 

 

In 2020, Geri-Lynn released her first book, Mainlining Philly: Survival, Hope and Resisting Drug Addiction, which resulted from her desire to share her story and instill hope in others. The book is based on her life’s experiences and challenges as a result of her parents’ struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, severe anxiety, and depression.  

 

Geri-Lynn currently lives in a Philadelphia suburb with her husband and two children. When she is not practicing psychology or writing, she can be found on the soccer field or basketball court cheering for her kiddos.