Michael McClay, PhD - Licensed Psychologist

What I do:

I’m an individual therapist at Brightspire Health, and I currently work with adults and adolescents (14+). I help clients who are experiencing a variety of life challenges and unwanted behaviors, including life transitions, stress, grief, addiction, substance use, social difficulties, caregiver burnout, and health anxiety. I also treat a number of mental health diagnoses, including depression, anxiety disorders, panic disorder, phobias, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and ADHD. I am particularly passionate about helping people manage suicidal thoughts and self-harm, and I have specialized training and experience in these areas.

How I practice:

I strive to provide a warm, understanding, trauma-informed, and deeply real therapeutic relationship and experience. To do so, I work to cultivate a collaborative approach to dealing with the concerns my clients bring to the therapy room. Healing requires trust and teamwork, so I want my clients to know their input matters. Together we use evidence-based practices to figure out strategies for feeling better and managing the problems that are causing life difficulties and suffering. The foundation of my practice is cognitive-behavioral therapy, and I incorporate other evidence-based treatments according to client need and preference. I have training and experience in mindfulness-based practices, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing, which all have a major influence on my practice. This means that I work alongside my clients to help understand the current and historical causes of emotions and patterns of behavior, so we can find ways to feel better and live that match their values and goals for life.

A little about me:

I completed my MS in psychology at Western Kentucky University and my PhD in clinical psychology at Texas Tech University. I have worked as a therapist in a variety of treatment settings, including community mental health clinics, medical centers, and inpatient psychiatric facilities. I have experience working with adolescents and adults of all ages as well as providing therapy and consultation for caregivers of dependent adults. During my graduate education, I conducted research on mental health stigma and stigma related to suicide and self-harm, which has contributed to my passion for assisting in the cultivation of hope. I believe deeply in the importance of not just surviving but thriving in a life that is worth living. When I’m not working, you can find me running, skating, skiing, playing the newest horror game, and walking the two best cats in the whole world