Dr Katherine McKay
Clinical Psychologist
Kathy is a HCPC Registered Clinical Psychologist. Kathy has worked within the NHS since 1992 and also in private practice since 2007. Her area of particular expertise is learning disabilities.
Kathy has expertise in assessments of mental capacity, in terms of understanding of legal processes as well as wider decision making. She teaches students at doctorate level at Plymouth University in relation to both Sexual Vulnerability and also the Mental Capacity Act; she has been a co-author on this topic in a peer journal. She has a range of experience and expertise in the assessment and management of people with learning disabilities with offending behaviour. Kathy has worked in secure settings, both in adult learning disabilities services and children’s secure units and uses an attachment-based approach. She has Level 2 Dyadic Developmental Practice training.
Kathy has conducted parenting assessments, particularly when there is concern regarding how cognitive deficits may be impacting on functioning. From 2013 to May 2019 she had regular input into a Local Authority Family Assessment Centre in an independent capacity. This work included consultation and training to the Local Authority staff, as well as conducting cognitive assessments and advising on how any cognitive deficits may impact on the person’s ability to engage with the assessment process, and making recommendations to support with this as appropriate; this facilitated the development of more comprehensive and pro-active assessments, that identified and supported needs at an earlier stage.