Dr. Justin Puder
Dr. Justin Puder is a South Florida psychologist and the creator behind @amoderntherapist, sharing humor, personal stories and mental health conversations through videos and podcasts.
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Latest
Justin’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus his backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
Podcast
Podcast
PBS / KQEDOverview
- Also known as
- Dr. J · @amoderntherapist
- Based in
- South Florida; private practice in Boca Raton
- Work
- Psychologist, mental health creator and podcast host
- Education
- Psychology degrees from Kent State University, Florida Atlantic University and Auburn University
Mini bio
How it started.
Growing up in Ohio, Justin rarely heard people talk about mental health. In his 2025 Future of Personal Health interview, he described losing his father to cancer and his brother to an overdose as the main reasons he felt drawn to become a therapist.
Learning, then sharing.
He studied psychology for 11 years, earning a bachelor’s at Kent State, a master’s at Florida Atlantic and a Ph.D. at Auburn. His dissertation focused on mindfulness based stress reduction. He has worked in university counseling, community mental health and private practice.
Finding an audience.
A viral sketch about unexpectedly encountering your therapist helped his relatable mental health videos find a wider audience.
Longer conversations.
He launched Drop In with Dr. J in 2022, with early guests including Sophie Gray and Kristen Gingrich. The show now pairs him with psychologist Dr. Jackie Hrzich. He also co-hosted Welcome to Group Therapy with Jessica Rabon, Kristen Casey and Kristen Gingrich from 2022 to 2025.
Life behind the videos.
On his own website, Justin describes yoga and meditation as essentials and says he moved to South Florida to be closer to the ocean. He also writes about becoming a father to his son Finn.
Creditschronological, newest first
Podcasts
- 2022–presentDrop In with the Dr. J’sHost; co-host with Dr. Jackie Hrzich in its current format
- 2022–2025Welcome to Group TherapyCo-host with Dr. Jessica Rabon, Dr. Kristen Casey and Kristen Gingrich
Television and video
- 2021Above the Noise: Why Are We So Lonely, And What Can Be Done About It?Interview guest
Awards
Quotes
We have to make room for all our emotions and live more authentically.Dr. Justin Puder, Future of Personal Health
In his May 2025 interview, he was asked how ideas of strength and masculinity could better support mental well-being.
Trivia
- His doctoral dissertation focused on mindfulness based stress reduction.
- He says the ocean was his biggest reason for moving to South Florida.
- In a 2024 APA interview, he said he reserved about 20 hours a week for scripts, filming and researching TikTok trends.
Find Justin
Follow Justin for mental health humor, honest conversations and new podcast episodes.
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