Dr. William J. Picon

Dr. William J. Picon, Associate Clinical Director for Psychology at The National Center for Weight and Wellness, began his career in psychotherapy following his extensive post-secondary education. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Social Studies Education from the University of Maryland in 1970, Dr. William J. Picon remained at the institution for six additional years to complete his education with a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in the Social Foundations of Education, in both cases minoring in Clinical Psychology and Child Development.

While pursuing his Ph.D., Dr. Picon fulfilled a residency in clinical psychodrama at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, D.C. Soon thereafter, he completed an internship in clinical psychology with Spring Grove Hospital Center in Catonsville, Maryland. Upon completing his education at the University of Maryland, he served as a Training Psychodramatist with St. Elizabeth's Hospital, ultimately becoming Director of Psychodrama Training.

For the next three decades, William J. Picon, Ph.D., then worked at The George Washington University Obesity Management Program, providing psycho-educational and psychotherapeutic treatments and workshops on the psychological dimensions of obesity. He earned the title of Senior Psychological Consultant and played an integral role in overseeing and expanding the renowned program.

In 2005, Dr. William J. Picon worked with the global nonprofit organization UNICEF as a Psychological Consultant in Mongolia, where he helped design and participated in a three-year initiative with the National Authority for Children that focused on providing nationwide psychosocial support to children traumatized by Dzud (winter natural disasters). Dr. Picon's role was training professionals on the identification and treatment of PTSD in these children. While in Mongolia, he worked with the Health Sciences University of Mongolia as a visiting professor to the Department of Psychiatry. In this role, he delivered lectures and seminars regarding psychological trauma and contemporary psychotherapy techniques.

Dr. Picon continues his private practice of psychotherapy in Bethesda, Maryland, along with his role at The National Center for Weight and Wellness.