About Dr. McGarr

I completed my undergraduate work in psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2000 and received my Masters in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2003. In 2007, I received my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute.

I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating), addiction (substance abuse, gambling), and self-injurious behaviors (cutting, burning). The above often reflect an individual’s unconscious attempt at avoiding/distracting themselves from painful and intolerable affect. I believe that as an individual becomes more invested in his/her eating disorder, as a conscious or more often unconscious coping mechanism, the disorder becomes a severe problem in its own right. What was once used to regulate the self, gain a sense of control, and/or improve feelings of self-worth becomes a significant source of distress and actually impairs emotional, psychological, physical, and social functioning.

In an effort to better understand how neurophysiology influences mental health, I became trained and certified in the application of the Robertson Brain Chemistry Optimization Program. In brief, this program identifies brain chemical imbalances, which may be contributing to unwanted, negative behaviors and feelings. To learn more about this program and its utility, please visit my FAQ page.

Membership and Affilations:

I am a member of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP)

I am affiliated with the Ventana Center for Psychotherapy, which comprises a small group of psychologists in Ventura, CA.

Information on the Santa Barbara County Psychological Association

Information on psychologists in an area near you can be found at Psychology Today.

Information regarding the practice and professional regulations of psychology is located at the Board of Psychology.