Chelsea Kelligher, Ph.D.

Chelsea Kelligher

Position Title
Eating Disorder Coordinator
Licensed Psychologist

  • Counseling Services
she/her/hers
Bio

Education

Ph.D. in Urban Education: Counseling Psychology Specialization, Cleveland State University 

M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, John Carroll University 

Professional Interests

Eating disorders, body image concerns, LGBTQIA+ populations, accessibility of mental health treatment, multicultural counseling, feminist perspectives, clinical supervision, and adolescent and young adult populations.

About Me

I am currently the Eating Disorder Coordinator at Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS). Prior to coming to UC Davis, I provided counseling services within the university counseling, community mental health, and private practice settings. I completed my postdoctoral residency and APA-accredited doctoral internship in the eating disorder emphasis area at UCD’s SHCS. I am particularly interested in working with college students, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and individuals presenting with eating disorders and body image concerns. My dissertation focused on the access to eating disorder treatment for transgender and gender diverse individuals, and I am passionate about increasing access to effective eating disorder care. In my spare time, I enjoy all things music-related (listening to music, attending live shows, and playing guitar) and am currently learning to play the piano. I also enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and orange tabby cat, Sigmund (“Siggy”).

How I Work With Students

I believe that the therapeutic alliance is the most important aspect of therapy, and I strive to develop warm, genuine, and collaborative relationships with my clients. I also believe that human beings possess the knowledge and skills necessary for change, and I support my clients with working toward self-awareness, behavior change, and personal growth. My way of being as a therapist is rooted in humanistic therapy, and I incorporate mindfulness-based, cognitive behavioral, and dialectical behavior-informed therapies into my work with clients. I utilize a blend of acceptance- and change-based strategies to validate clients’ concerns and gently challenge them to meet their therapy goals. I am looking forward to assisting students in achieving meaningful change and personal growth throughout our therapeutic work together.

Which Communities Represent Me

LGBTQIA+