GSEP Spotlight: Taylor Stophlet (MA '22), LMFT, on Expanding Access Through the Telehealth Community Counseling Clinic

The GSEP Spotlight Series highlights students and alumni whose journeys reflect Purpose, Service, and Leadership in action. In this spotlight, we feature Taylor Stophlet, MA, LMFT, a proud alumna of Pepperdine's MA in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) - Evening program and the current coordinator of the Pepperdine Telehealth Community Counseling Clinic.

Taylor's connection to the clinic began at a pivotal time—March 2020—as the COVID-19 pandemic ushered in widespread uncertainty and an urgent need for mental health support. Then a graduate student in the MFT program, Taylor stepped in as a graduate assistant at the Pepperdine Encino Community Counseling Center, eager to serve those grappling with pain, fear, and loss.

That experience deepened her commitment to the field and ultimately led to her practicum and clinical work at the same site. Under the mentorship of Dr. Anat Cohen, director of the Pepperdine Telehealth Community Counseling Clinic, Taylor found not only a strong clinical foundation but also inspiration to shape the kind of supportive, connected environment she hoped to foster in her career. She credits Dr. Cohen's patient, skilled leadership for helping her grow into a confident clinician and leader.

Following graduation, Taylor stepped into the role of Clinic Administrator in 2022, and she now oversees clinic operations, supports new graduate assistants, and coordinates between clinicians and supervisors to ensure the highest standard of care. A key part of her mission has been expanding access to services for children and adolescents and strengthening the internal culture of the clinic team, even in a fully remote format.

The clinic itself has evolved, too. Once rooted in Encino, the newly named Pepperdine Telehealth Community Counseling Clinic now serves clients throughout the state of California. By offering low-cost, sliding scale services, the clinic remains a vital mental health resource for individuals and families, particularly those who might otherwise lack access.

Taylor's leadership helps ensure that the clinic not only continues its legacy but broadens its reach—connecting more people to the support they need, and empowering the next generation of Pepperdine clinicians along the way.