Geoff Cross, Psy.D.


Dr. Geoff Cross holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and criminal justice from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a master’s in forensic psychology from George Washington University, and both a master’s and a doctorate in clinical psychology from Appalachian State University. His clinical background includes private practice, university clinics, and forensic outpatient settings, enabling him to work with clients facing both traditional mental health concerns and forensic or high-risk needs. Dr. Cross has also received specialized training in suicide prevention and risk assessment, with his clinical work and doctoral research focusing on improving suicide prevention efforts. Additionally, he conducts a wide range of evaluations, including psychological and forensic assessments. Currently, as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Lepage Associates, his focus is on psychological assessment and therapy for clients of all ages, prioritizing ethical practice, thorough assessment, and personalized care.

Dr. Cross believes that meaningful therapy begins with understanding each person's unique experiences, strengths, and goals. As such, he collaborates with clients of all ages by using a holistic framework that evaluates human health and behavior across four interconnected domains: biological (genetics, physiology), psychological (thoughts, emotions), social (environment, relationships), and spiritual (meaning, purpose), in order to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses the factors influencing their lives. Regarding therapy interventions, he uses an integrative approach, drawing from evidence-based treatments that best fit each client's goals and needs. His therapeutic techniques include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

Dr. Cross has formal training and experience in individual and group therapy. He has provided therapy across the lifespan, to adults, teens, and children. Dr. Cross also has specialized training and experience in suicide risk assessment, intervention, and safety planning. In addition to individual therapy, he has co-facilitated groups focused on DBT, CBT, problematic sexual behaviors, and domestic violence. Dr. Cross strives to create a collaborative, non-judgmental environment where clients feel understood, respected, and empowered to make meaningful changes. He can address a range of problems and disorders, including but not limited to: anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, personality disorders, severe mental illness, and sexual behavior concerns.

Dr. Cross has training and experience in conducting psychological and psycho-educational assessments. He can conduct evaluations to address a range of referral questions, including diagnostic clarification, personality, developmental disorders (e.g., intellectual, learning, and autism spectrum), psychological functioning, capacity, substance abuse, and sexual offense risk. He also has experience in providing evaluations for local law enforcement applicants and promotions. His evaluations include comprehensive recommendations tailored to the referral question and supported by the assessment findings.

Dr. Cross’ education and experience in both clinical and forensic psychology have helped to prepare him to provide court-ordered evaluations and outpatient treatment. Dr. Cross can conduct court-ordered forensic evaluations regarding overall psychological functioning used for evaluations for forensic settings, competency to stand trial, capacity, mental state at the time of the offense, sex offense risk, and advisability of treatment. He works to provide a calm, unbiased, and nonjudgmental environment for individuals referred by court. Dr. Cross can also testify in court as needed.

Dr. Cross’ master’s thesis and doctoral research have been focused on suicide prevention, specifically suicide by firearm. His research focused on the need for developing culturally relevant messaging for gun owners to reduce the risk of suicide by firearm. In addition to his educational research, he worked as a graduate research assistant for four years while attending graduate school. In that lab, he collaborated with a team to create a safe storage map of North Carolina for gun owners to reference when considering safe storage options.

Dr. Cross spends his free time playing with his young daughter, hiking with his wife, working out, and exploring local breweries with family and friends.