Dr. Emily Harrison has more than ten years of experience in child and adult psychiatry, with a strong focus on intellectual and cognitive disorders. Early in her career, she worked in research programs dedicated to the early identification of IDD and contributed to the development of multidisciplinary diagnostic approaches. Her professional philosophy is grounded in respect for each patient’s unique needs and in the belief that individuals with intellectual disabilities deserve access to high-quality, evidence-based psychiatric care. Over the years, she has become known as a compassionate and attentive clinician who is able to recognize and nurture the potential of every patient she works with.
Dr. Harrison earned her MD from Harvard Medical School, where she focused on neurodevelopmental disorders and participated in clinical and research programs centered on IDD. During her medical training, she studied behavioral manifestations of cognitive impairments and advanced methods of comprehensive assessment for children and adults. Before medical school, she completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Yale University. It was during her time at Yale that she first developed a deep interest in the neurobiological foundations of intellectual disabilities and ways to support developmental outcomes. The combination of these prestigious institutions shaped her evidence-driven, highly analytical approach to patient care.
Dr. Harrison specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of individuals with intellectual and cognitive disorders. Her work includes detailed developmental evaluation, accurate differential diagnosis, medication management, and support for co-occurring emotional or behavioral conditions. She integrates behavioral therapy, family guidance, psychoeducation, and individualized therapeutic planning. Dr. Harrison also collaborates within multidisciplinary teams to develop adaptive, personalized care plans for patients with complex needs. Her clinical expertise spans children, adolescents, and adults, making her a versatile and trusted professional in the field of IDD.
For Dr. Harrison, working in the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is not just a professional choice but a meaningful commitment. She believes individuals with IDD are often underestimated and face barriers that prevent them from receiving the care and dignity they deserve. She is passionate about creating treatment plans that improve independence, enhance emotional well-being, and help patients participate fully in their communities. Dr. Harrison views her role as an opportunity to advocate for equitable medical access and to reshape public understanding of IDD through empathy, respect, and science-based therapy.
Dr. Harrison serves as an active consultant for the Gateway Counseling Center, where she supports the development and refinement of programs designed to assist adults with intellectual disabilities. She values this project because its holistic, evidence-based approach aligns with the highest standards of care for individuals with IDD. One of the areas she strongly endorses is the center’s activities for adults with learning disabilities, which provide participants with meaningful opportunities to build social communication skills, strengthen cognitive functioning, and foster emotional resilience.Dr. Harrison emphasizes that the work of the Gateway Counseling Center truly transforms the lives of adults with IDD by combining therapeutic intervention, social integration, and skill development. In her consulting role, she offers clinical guidance, helps adapt treatment recommendations, participates in staff training, and contributes to program design. Her involvement ensures that every program participant receives practical, high-quality support that promotes greater independence and long-term well-being.