Heidi L. McKinney, PhD, LMFT, has built a career that reflects both a dedication to clinical excellence and a passion for academic leadership in the field of marriage and family therapy. With more than two decades of service in professional practice and higher education, she has earned recognition for her ability to blend scholarly knowledge with compassionate care. At National University in San Diego, California, she is a part-time professor in marriage and family therapy, teaching and mentoring students preparing to enter the profession.
Dr. McKinney’s academic background has provided the strong foundation that underpins her professional success. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy in marriage and family therapy sciences with a specialization in medical family therapy from Northcentral University. Prior to that achievement, she completed a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy at Trevecca Nazarene University and a Bachelor of Arts in social science with an emphasis in psychology at the same institution.
In addition to her academic responsibilities, Dr. McKinney is a behavioral health director at an integrated behavioral health clinic, where she supervises interns and licensed therapists while providing direct patient care. She employs the biopsychosocial model, a holistic approach that considers the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of health, while also supporting the spiritual well-being of her patients. Her clinical expertise lies in guiding individuals through therapeutic processes that promote neurological change, offering tools for lasting improvement in mental and emotional health.
Dr. McKinney’s work at PeaceHealth in Vancouver, Washington, further highlights her commitment to advancing behavioral health care. As a behavioral health specialist and clinical instructor, she provides hands-on training for emerging clinicians and ensures the highest standards of patient care. Her tenure at PeaceHealth began with clinical practice as a psychotherapist, where she developed a reputation for her thoughtful approach and compassionate service.
Earlier in her career, Dr. McKinney operated a private practice that allowed her to deliver personalized therapy services to a wide range of clients. She also completed her internship at PeaceHealth, gaining valuable experience in the integrated behavioral health care model. These opportunities prepared her to lead both in clinical environments and academic settings, demonstrating her versatility as a therapist and educator.
Dr. McKinney’s professional influence extends through active participation in respected organizations such as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association and the American Psychological Association. She also contributes to the Student Advisory Board at National University, supporting student development and academic advancement.
Dr. McKinney’s civic engagement reflects her broader dedication to community enrichment. She supports the Vancouver Symphony in Vancouver, Washington, and remains active in cultural and artistic pursuits. In her personal life, she finds joy in hiking, kayaking, attending live plays such as Broadway productions and reading historical fiction.
Looking toward the future, Dr. McKinney plans to continue refining her knowledge of psychotherapy by studying new theories and models that can enhance the care she provides to patients and the guidance she offers student interns. She aspires to expand her teaching role in marriage and family therapy, encouraging new professionals to pursue excellence in their practice while remaining mindful of the profound impact they can make in the lives of others.