Mark Purcell, PsyD
Psychologist · Professor · Advocate · Author
Over 25 years at the intersection of clinical practice, education, and mental health advocacy.
About
The paths we take in life often make sense in hindsight. As the son of a social worker/writer and an art-teacher/activist, I realize how these values influenced my professional choices and creative passions. From creating community murals in San Francisco to working with mental health programs for high-risk youth. Now, these values guide me as a professor, psychotherapist, author, and community activist.
About My Work and Passion
As a clinical psychologist, I am dedicated to empowering youth through my work in adolescent mental health. I focus on mindfulness and social emotional learning, aiming to reduce mental health stigma. My experience as a professor allows me to teach graduate students and professionals in mental health, while my writing includes self-help books and fiction addressing these important issues. I provide psychotherapy to teens and adults, specializing in depression, anxiety, and trauma, utilizing various therapeutic approaches such as DBT and CBT.
Positive Aspects
+ Expertise in adolescent mental health, social-emotional learning, and mindfulness practices.
+ Clinical psychologist specializing in depression, anxiety, and challenges of neurodivergent youth.
+ Author of empowering YA fiction and self-help books for teens.
Challenges Faced
– Addressing the stigma surrounding mental health can be difficult.
– Developing healthy habits in our technology-dependent society can be challenging for teens and parents.
– Today’s teens face many challenges. It is essential to develop healthy coping strategies for regulating emotions, managing stress, and forming connections.
Experience
Education
- CIIS–PsyD, Clinical Psychology
- Dissertation–Trauma & Resiliency of Youth Exposed to Community Violence
- Harvard University–MEd, Risk & Prevention
- Fordham University–BS, Psychology
Training
- Kaiser Permanente, Substance Abuse Treatment
- Oakland Children’s Hospital
- Community Health Awareness Council (CHAC)
- Judge Baker’s Children’s Center-Harvard Med School
Professional Experience
- Private Practice—Pleasanton & San Carlos, CA
- National University, JFKU–Professor
- Cal State East Bay–Adjunct Faculty
- CIIS–Adjunct Faculty
- Wright Institute–Adjunct Faculty
- GDIT–Congressionally Directed Medical Research
- Parent’s Place–Psychologist
- Edgewood Center for Children–Clinical Coordinator
- UC Berkeley, Social Work Education Center–Training Specialist