About Dr. Downey-McCarthy

I earned my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from University of Oregon (2013), my master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Boston College (2003), and my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Gonzaga University (2000). I completed an APA-accredited clinical internship at Primary Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake City, UT, after which I completed child, adolescent and adult clinical training in Portland, OR through Western Psychological and Counseling Services. Since 2003, I have been devoted to clinical practice with children, adolescents, and young adults in various settings, including outpatient, day treatment, residential, community college, inpatient programs, and court-mandated recovery programs. My work is guided by empirically-supported, strengths-based, ecologically-grounded, family-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and motivational perspectives.

I believe in an ecological view of human functioning, and I routinely incorporate psychological assessment into my clinical practice, looking broadly at child, adolescent, and young adult functioning to support positive changes. I directly incorporate caregivers into my work with youth, providing evidence-based parent management training and supportive interventions aimed at cultivating long-term systemic changes.

Throughout my training and practice, I have enjoyed close collaboration with school colleagues, as well as various medical and allied health professionals. I worked for two years providing school-based Positive Family Supports (University of Oregon Child & Family Center) consultation services to middle school administrators, counselors, behavior specialists, and educators throughout Oregon, and I particularly enjoy working with school colleagues to enhance student behavior and performance through collaborative school-based interventions and parent/family outreach and support. Having trained in a children’s hospital and interdisciplinary medical settings, I also have experience and interest in collaborating with medical colleagues to support youth and families with the challenges of medical treatment adherence, coping with illness, and living with various chronic medical diagnoses. I am particularly interested in and have experience working with youth with parents who are coping with chronic illnesses.

I also have a particular interest in helping young people navigate post-HS education and work transitions. My dissertation study involved collaboration with school district and community college colleagues to develop a College Transition Support Program for alternative high school students who were at risk of school failure and underemployment and unemployment. I have five years experience working as a career and education counselor within a community college counseling center and domestic violence shelter, and I particularly enjoy helping young people engage positively and actively with choices about their futures. Especially in this complex and evolving economy, young people can benefit from guidance and support to design a positive course that fits their strengths and interests.

I grew up in Centralia (CHS, Class of 1996) and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve this community by providing quality, research-informed behavioral and mental health services to children, youth, and young adults. I primarily see clients Mondays-Fridays with limited after school and early evening availability. I am contracted with most major health insurance plans including Amerigroup, Community Health Plan of Washington, First Choice Health, LifeWise, Molina, Premera, ProviderOne, Regence, and United Healthcare/UBH (including UHC Community Plans). I am an out-of-network provider for insurance companies not listed above, and I’m happy to offer low fee sessions and assist people seeking reimbursement from insurance providers.

When I’m not meeting with clients, I love watching my young children explore the world, spending time with my family/partner, coaching youth soccer, connecting with friends near and far, running and playing soccer, and relaxing outdoors.