Dr. Melanie McConnell
Director, Licensed Psychologist
After earning her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (University of Vermont), Dr. McConnell served for 20 years as a staff psychologist at BC Children’s Hospital, where she most recently served as head of the Neuropsychiatry Clinic. During this time, she developed extensive experience assessing and treating tics and body-focussed repetitive behaviours as well as advanced skills in adapting psychological intervention for neurodivergent individuals and their families.
Dr. McConnell provides assessment, consultation and treatment for tics/ Tourette’s Disorder in all ages. She provides intervention for children and youth experiencing body-focussed repetitive behaviours (e.g., skin picking, hair pulling), anxiety-related concerns (e.g., perfectionism, separation concerns, specific fears, panic, difficulty tolerating uncertainty, obsessions/ compulsions), and misophonia (i.e., extreme sensitivity to specific sounds). She is experienced working with neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals.
Her approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, primarily behavioural and cognitive-behavioural therapies. Known for her warm and down-to-earth style, she is committed to helping clients feel at ease, set achievable goals, and learn practical strategies for leading healthier, more fulfilling lives.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. McConnell teaches for the UBC Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Residency Training Program, mentors and supervises early-career clinicians in the practice of psychology, and provides workshops for community agencies, schools, and other organizations.
She is a member of the BC Psychological Association and the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (CACBT). She is a Clinical Instructor in the UBC Psychiatry Department, is certified in cognitive-behavioural therapy through CACBT, and is licensed with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (#01762).