Malin Mckinley

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with over 10 years of experience working in private practice as well as in community mental health. I have worked with individuals, families, adolescents and children. I graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Social Welfare.

I am a Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) expert with over 10 years of treating BDD. I was trained at the OCD intensive treatment program at UCLA and the Los Angeles Body Dysmorphic & Body Image Clinic in Westwood, CA, which is renown for being one of the best clinics in the country for BDD. I have also worked with Dr. Jamie Feusner at the UCLA Body Dysmorphic Research Program where I co -authored 2 research articles on BDD.

Over the years I have gained deep knowledge in how to treat co-occuring disorder such as general anxiety disorder, phobias, PTSD, social anxiety, panic disorder and of course depression.

I am also passionate about supporting new mothers. As a mother myself I know first hand how difficult those first few years can be. I am trained in addressing perinatal mental health issues such as post-partum anxiety and depression.

I utilize a variety of therapy modalities depending on the issue and the person. I have extensive training in modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) , schema therapy, behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and exposure response prevention (ERP).

I was born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden which led me to grow up with a very strong sense of community. It is my personal and professional belief that we all want to feel like we belong. However, mental health issues such as negative thoughts, anxiety, and depression make it almost impossible for us to feel like we are a part of a community. Instead, we feel overwhelmed, anxious, and sad.

My treatment philosophy is deeply grounded in attachment theory which guides treatment and my interactions with my clients. I am here to make sure you know you are not alone and to provide a space where you can do the work and know you have what it takes within you to heal.

As a therapist, I see myself as a change agent, and I will work hard together with you to bring about the change you want to see and the relief you want to feel. I would be happy to set up a free phone consultation to see how we can get you going and experience symptomatic relief as soon as possible.