Business Details
John D. McKellar, PhD in Los Altos, CA
I am a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in Los Altos, CA, with nearly two decades of experience serving individuals, couples, and groups. My doctoral training at the University of South Florida, combined with internships at the Palo Alto VA and Stanford University, established a foundation for specialized care in depression, anxiety, addiction, chronic pain, insomnia, and trauma. My postdoctoral work at Kaiser Permanente expanded my expertise in behavioral medicine, integrating psychological and medical approaches informed by neuroscience. Since 2000, I have contributed to clinical practice, research, and training at the Palo Alto VA while maintaining a private practice focused on evidence-based interventions. My work at the Bay Area Pain and Wellness Center and as a clinical instructor at Stanford University underscores my commitment to addressing complex mental health challenges.I prioritize personalized treatment plans, emphasizing collaboration to ensure therapeutic approaches align with client needs. Initial sessions focus on comprehensive assessment and mutual fit evaluation, ensuring clients receive tailored care. My research and publications reflect a dedication to advancing treatment methodologies for substance use disorders, chronic pain, and co-occurring conditions. Professional affiliations with institutions like the American Chronic Pain Association and National Institutes of Health inform my practice, which balances clinical rigor with compassionate care. Every intervention is designed to empower clients toward sustainable mental wellness through a blend of individual and group therapy modalities.
Services
Stress Management
Depression Therapy
Anxiety Treatment
Addiction Counseling
Chronic Pain Management
Insomnia Solutions
Trauma Recovery
Couples Counseling
Highlights and features
- We offer 20 years of clinical experience in evidence-based psychological treatments.
- Our practice integrates behavioral medicine and neuroscience for comprehensive care.
- Specialized expertise in treating depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and addiction.
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to individual and couples' unique needs.
- Collaborative approach ensuring client-therapist alignment during initial sessions.
Services
Couples Counseling
Specialized therapy for couples addressing relationship dynamics, communication challenges, and shared goals. Combines individual and joint sessions to assess compatibility and develop strategies for long-term improvement. Focuses on rebuilding trust, resolving conflicts, and enhancing emotional connection through evidence-based techniques.
Chronic Pain Management
Integrates psychological and medical approaches to address chronic pain conditions. Utilizes behavioral interventions, relaxation techniques, and cognitive strategies to reduce pain perception and improve quality of life. Tailored to individual needs with a focus on functional restoration and coping mechanisms.
Anxiety Treatment
Evidence-based interventions for anxiety disorders including cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques. Targets symptoms through personalized treatment plans addressing triggers, thought patterns, and stress management. Emphasizes skill-building for long-term anxiety reduction and emotional regulation.
Depression Therapy
Comprehensive treatment for depression using empirically supported methods. Focuses on identifying contributing factors, challenging negative thought cycles, and implementing behavioral activation strategies. Combines individual sessions with structured goal-setting to promote recovery and emotional resilience.
Trauma Recovery
Specialized care for trauma survivors utilizing trauma-informed approaches. Addresses symptoms through gradual exposure, cognitive restructuring, and emotional processing techniques. Designed to restore safety, reduce hypervigilance, and facilitate healing from traumatic experiences in a supportive environment.
People
John D. McKellar
Clinical Psychologist
Licensed psychologist with 20 years of experience in behavioral medicine, chronic pain management, and addiction treatment. Completed doctoral training at the University of South Florida and postdoctoral work at Kaiser Permanente. Currently serves as a clinical instructor at Stanford University and consultant at Bay Area Pain and Wellness Center.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer?
We specialize in depression, anxiety, addiction, chronic pain, insomnia, trauma, and couples counseling using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Do you accept insurance?
We provide documentation for out-of-network insurance reimbursement but do not directly bill insurance providers.
What happens during the first session?
Initial sessions focus on comprehensive assessment, discussing treatment goals, and determining therapeutic fit to create personalized care plans.
Are telehealth options available?
We offer web-based clinical presentations and may provide telehealth sessions upon request for select services.
