Dr. Melanie McConnell
Director, Registered 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 led the Neuropsychiatry Clinic. During this time, she developed extensive experience assessing and treating tics and body-focussed repetitive behaviours and advanced skills in adapting psychological intervention for neurodivergent individuals and their families.
At Cornerstone, Dr. McConnell provides assessment, consultation and treatment for tics and Tourette’s Disorder across the lifespan. She also works with children and youth experiencing body-focussed repetitive behaviours (e.g., skin picking, hair pulling) and a range of anxiety-related concerns, including worry, perfectionism, separation concerns, social anxiety, specific fears, panic, illness anxiety, and obsessions/compulsions. Her approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, primarily behavioural and cognitive-behavioural therapies. Known for her warm, 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 several professional organizations, including the BC Psychological Association and the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (CACBT). She is a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia, is certified in cognitive-behavioural therapy through CACBT, and is registered with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (#01762).