Dr. Sara Boilen is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Whitefish, MT.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) from the University of Denver, and am a licensed psychologist in the state of Montana and am a PsyPACT provider, eligible for telepsychology practice in all
eligible states. I have spent my career at the intersection of psychological assessment, trauma, and the law. My training spans trauma and its aftermath, grief, intimate partner violence, and forensic evaluation — areas that share a common thread: people navigating some of the hardest chapters of their lives, often within systems that weren't designed with them in mind.
What draws me across all of these domains is a common question: why do people do what they're not supposed to do — and what does it cost them and others when they do? That question runs through my forensic evaluations, my research into human decision-making in high-stakes environments, and my therapeutic work with individuals, couples, and families. It keeps me genuinely curious, and I think that curiosity shows.
I am drawn to depth. Whether I'm conducting a forensic evaluation, leading a multi-day therapeutic intensive, or researching decision-making in avalanche terrain, I do my best work when I have the time and space to go below the surface. Comprehensive, intensive engagement — not quick answers — is where I find the most meaning and, I believe, where clients and legal teams get the most value.
My forensic work is rigorous by necessity and human by conviction. I take seriously the responsibility that comes with producing findings that carry weight in legal proceedings, and I bring the same care to the individuals I evaluate that I would want extended to anyone in a vulnerable position.
Outside of forensic practice, I offer Therapeutic Intensives rooted in the principles of Therapeutic Assessment, provide mediation services for families and business partners, and consult and train on Ethics in Rural Psychology — I am the author of Ethics in Rural Psychology: Case Studies and Guidance for Practice.
For Dr. Boilen’s CV, please click here.
For Dr. Boilen’s Fee Schedule, please click here.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Montana #1196
Psy.D., Clinical Psychology, University of Denver 2011
CONTINUING EDUCATION
2023 Advanced Training in Parenting Plan Evaluation, Association of Family and Conciliatory Courts
2021 The Fundamentals of Conducting Child Custody Evaluations, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
2020 Assessing Allegations of Trauma in Forensic Contexts, Palo Alto University
2020 Child Murder by Parents, Palo Alto University
2020 Assessment of Underreporting and Defensiveness in Psychological Evaluations using the MMPI-2-RF, Palo Alto University
2020 Evaluating Malingering in Forensic Contexts, Palo Alto University
2020 Critical Thinking in Forensic Evaluation, Palo Alto University
2020 Intimate Partner Violence, William James College
2020 Child Custody Evaluation, William James College
2019 Working with Shame in Psychotherapy and Psychological Assessment, Center for Therapeutic Assessment
2018 Adult Attachment Projective Training, Julie Wargo-Aikins
2015 Rorschach Performance Assessment System (RPAS) Introduction and Case Examples, R-PAS Institute
EXPERT TESTIMONY
July 2023 District Court, Judge Marks, DR-2022-635
March 2023 District Court, Judge Eddy, DR-2021-686(A)
July 2022 District Court, Judge Rubin, DR-2019-399
January 2022 District Court, Judge Eddy, DR-2019-0000738-PP
January 2021 District Court, Judge Eddy, DR-20-513 (A)
November 2020 District Court, Judge Eddy, DR-20-513(D)
August 2019 District Court, Judge Ulbricht, DR-18-436 (c)
PUBLICATIONS
Boilen, S. (2020). Ethics in Rural Psychology: Case studies and guidance for practice. Routledge Publishing, NY.
Boilen, S. (2018). The backcountry of the female mind: Young women’s voices from the wilderness. In The Palgrave International Handbook of Women and Outdoor Learning (pp. 449-460). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
Boilen, S. (2017) Therapeutic Assessment in rural America: Our ethical responsibility? TA Connection, 5,2.
Boilen, S. (2017). Treating depression and somatic symptoms: An experiential journey from Eeyore to Piglet. Journal of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, 7(1).
Boilen, S. & Meyer, L.J. (2009). Positive psychology and rock climbing: Hope and courage in women. (Unpublished Dissertation). University of Denver, Colorado.
PRESENTATIONS
Kaser-Boyd, N., Boilen, S. (June 2023) Intimate Partner homicide and Other Risks: Prediction and Prevention, Association of Family and Conciliatory Courts. Los Angeles, CA
Boilen, S. (November, 2020) Ethics in Rural Psychology. Presented at the Washington State Psychological Association annual training. Spokane, WA.
Boilen, S. (October 2020) Ethics in Rural Psychology. Presented at the North Dakota Psychological Association Annual Convention, Fargo, ND.
Boilen, S. (April, 2020) The importance of Attachment. Presented at the University of Montana Clinical Psychology Center, Missoula, MT.
Boilen, S. (October, 2019) Ethics in rural psychology. Presented at the University of Montana annual conference, Missoula, MT.
Boilen, S. (October, 2019) Shame. Presented at the University of Montana annual conference, Missoula, MT.
Boilen, S., Engleman, D., Finn, S., O’Neal, C., & Zemansky, T. (March, 2019). Therapeutic story: Integrating clinical data with the craft and creativity of storytelling. Presented at the Annual Conference for the Society for Personality Assessment. New Orleans, LA.
Boilen, S. (November, 2018) Predictably Irrational. Presented at the NRSAW. Whitefish MT.
Allyn, J.B., Boilen, S., Chudzik, L., David, R., & Engelman, D. (September, 2017). Collaborative & Therapeutic Assessment: Ethical Considerations. Presented at the Annual Conference of the Collaborative / Therapeutic Assessment Institute. Austin, TX
Boilen, S., Gart, Nathalie, Jacklin, E., Martin, H., & Tekeste, M. (January, 2016). Obstacles and Opportunities for Therapeutic Assessment. Presented at the Annual Convention of the Society for Personality Assessment. San Fransisco, CA
