Meet Hevylla Terlau, Psy.D.

Dr. Hevylla Kelly Terlau is a clinical psychologist with training in neuropsychological assessment, psychotherapy, and the evaluation of complex neurological and psychiatric conditions. Fluent in both English and Portuguese, she brings a culturally informed, patient-centered perspective to her clinical work.

Dr. Terlau earned her Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) and Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She also holds a Master of Social Work in Clinical Social Work from Savannah State University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University.

Her advanced neuropsychology training has included work across major healthcare and Veterans Affairs systems. As a Neuropsychology Fellow at Hartford HealthCare’s Institute of Living, Dr. Terlau conducted comprehensive adult neuropsychological evaluations for individuals with neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, acquired brain injuries, and complex medical conditions. She also provided cognitive assessment in the context of movement disorders and pre- and post-surgical evaluations. Her work included inpatient consultation for conditions such as strokes and traumatic brain injuries.

Prior to her fellowship, Dr. Terlau completed an APA-accredited neuropsychology internship with the VA Maine Health Care System, where she evaluated Veterans with a broad range of neurological, medical, and psychiatric concerns. Her earlier neuropsychology training included clinical experiences with the VA Maryland Health Care System and Neuropsychology Associates of Fairfax, where she worked with adults across the lifespan presenting with conditions including dementia, mild cognitive impairment, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, cerebrovascular disorders, multiple sclerosis, ADHD, mood disorders, and other complex presentations.

In addition to her neuropsychology background, Dr. Terlau has extensive experience providing psychotherapy in outpatient and inpatient settings. Her therapeutic training includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-focused CBT, exposure and response prevention, psychodynamic therapy, family systems approaches, motivational interviewing, and other evidence-based interventions.

Dr. Terlau’s research interests have included Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive functioning following COVID-19, neuroplasticity, clinical decision-making, and executive dysfunction in neurological illness. She has presented her work through professional organizations including the International Neuropsychological Society and maintains affiliations with organizations such as the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, National Academy of Neuropsychology, American Psychological Association, and Cultural and Diversity Neuropsychology Network.

Across her clinical, research, and supervisory roles, Dr. Terlau is committed to integrating thoughtful assessment, evidence-based care, and interdisciplinary collaboration to help patients and families better understand cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning.