Dr. Kathleen McKinney, LCSW
About me
I have an undergraduate degree in psychology from Eckerd College (an undergraduate liberal arts college), a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from Michigan State University, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Colorado State University. I am a licensed clinical social worker who came to the practice of psychotherapy in a perhaps unusual way. I taught undergraduate and graduate courses in child development, family studies, human behavior and the environment, reducing mental illness stigma, and research methods. After 13 years of teaching and research, my strong desire to apply my passion for assisting others through their personal issues and crises in mental health overcame me and I dove into working as a psychotherapist.
There are two important aspects I consider in working with clients: the reason for your seeking help, and your personal/social environment. We spend time learning about your issues and goals, as well as the context (physical, social, and personal) that may hinder or help in accomplishing those goals. My background in family and child studies gives us a way to see problems and solutions from multiple angles. I have training in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and couples counseling. We work together to build up your tools and resources to navigate more easily through issues you are experiencing.
I have worked successfully with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse, relationship issues, chronic illness, bereavement and grief as well as with individuals diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illnesses (such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder).
Hobbies: I enjoy playing softball, hiking, fishing, cooking, and especially walking with my three dogs exploring the beautiful Rocky Mountains.
Professional experience
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Blended Family Issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Coping with Natural or Human-Caused Disaster, Divorce and separation, Emptiness, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, Guilt and shame, Hospice and End of Life Counseling, Isolation / loneliness, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders , Panic disorder and panic attacks, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Therapy
License information
CO LCSW CSW.09923084
Reviews
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Dr. Kathleen McKinney. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Kathy does a great job listening to my needs! Usually I just need to vent, and she’s great at keeping a good listening/chatting balance. I also appreciate how well she communicates concerning any questions I have about bipolar disorder.
10/10 would recommend!
Written on Mar 25, 2021 after therapy with Kathleen for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and bipolar disorder
I've only been speaking with Dr. McKinney for about a month, and I do need to end my therapy with her due to reasons not connected with this site, Dr. McKinney, or the cost to use this site. This site is affordable, and amazing. Paying up front even made my friends skeptical for me, but honestly this was the best decision to start my ball rolling.
Dr. McKinney listens to me, hears me, and understands me. She felt she would best match me after I filled out a questionnaire and posted a message about what I needed help with in my world, mind, and soul - and after reading about me she connected with me and instantly reached out! From there I have sent Dr. McKinney messages through the site/app(as emails) whenever I need someone to talk to and don't feel like I have anyone, and she responds within hours! Not days, hours. Its amazing! Just like a best friend! When we talk on video calls I don't feel shy or embarrassed and I also don't feel like I have to overly explain anything! She gives me wonderful advice for myself and how to better understand my mind and my reactions to life. Her advice in the last month and her presence has already helped me grow in a positive way, and I am devastated to leave her and the site. If I ever need to come back here, I Will be back and praying I get Dr. McKinney again!!
Written on Feb 24, 2021 after therapy with Kathleen for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, anger management, and bipolar disorder