Dr. Atencio-MacLean is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY 28555) with experience providing therapeutic services to children, adults, older-adults, families, couples, and groups in a variety of clinical settings. She has expertise in treating a broad spectrum of problems including obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD (using exposure and response prevention, or ERP), other anxiety disorders (e.g., social anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, generalized anxiety), trauma and PTSD, depression, disruptive behaviors in children, grief, and mental health concerns in adults 65+.
Dr. Atencio-MacLean utilizes a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach to treatment. CBT has been extensively researched and is considered the “gold standard” in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders. As a therapist and a scholar, Dr. Atencio-MacLean believes strongly in providing treatment that not only has strong research support but that is also practical, active, and goal-directed. Through her warm, compassionate and collaborative treatment style, she hopes to create a safe place where clients are able to make lasting, meaningful change in their lives. Dr. Atencio-MacLean believes in focusing on client strengths and building upon those in treatment.
Dr. Atencio-MacLean earned her doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Azusa Pacific University and completed her pre-doctoral internship at Pacific Clinics, both of which are accredited by the American Psychological Association. She completed clinical training in the outpatient, intensive inpatient, school-based, and forensic settings while working with clients from ages 4 to 82 with diagnoses ranging from anxiety and depression to psychotic spectrum disorders. Her research interests include child trauma and the impact of traumatic experiences across the lifespan. In addition to her work as a Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Atencio-MacLean has also worked as an adjunct professor at Azusa Pacific University, teaching at the doctorate level, and has authored a book on disruptive behaviors in youth, entitled Overcoming Oppositional Defiant Disorder.