For Kristin McNeese, mental health care is not just a job. It is a calling rooted in justice, connection, and respect for every person’s story. Over the past eight years at The Guidance Center, Kristin has supported children, families, and clinicians through both meaningful and challenging moments. From her early work as a therapist in San Pedro to her current role as a Clinical Supervisor in Long Beach Intensive Services, she continues to shape care and advance the agency’s mission to provide help and hope.
In addition, Kristin prioritizes Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) for both staff and the clients she serves. She does this by revising agency policies, amplifying community voices, and leading regular discussions behind the scenes. As a result, she helps ensure equity is woven into every part of the organization.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Kristin brings a trauma-informed and relationship-centered approach to her work. She is trained in Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Therapy, Crisis Oriented Response, Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS), and Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk. In her clinical work, she supports children, teens, and adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma exposure, relationship challenges, grief, and identity exploration. She also offers parenting skills and family sessions to strengthen communication and support healthy relationships.
Above all, Kristin is passionate about decolonizing mental health care. She works to create spaces where people feel respected, empowered, and affirmed in their healing. Whether she is working directly with families or mentoring clinicians, her approach centers dignity, curiosity, and each person’s ability to grow.
🎥 Hear Kristin share more in her own words
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