JustGotDiagnosed.com: Founded by Gary McClain -- About Gary McClain, PhD

Gary McClain, PhD is a licensed counselor, research consultant, speaker, and author who specializes in the emotional impact of chronic and catastrophic illnesses.

As a counselor, Gary's clients come to him on their own, or are referred by physicians or treatment programs, for help in dealing with the emotional issues associated with a medical diagnosis. He works with them to understand and cope with their emotions, to learn about their lifestyle and treatment options, to communicate effectively with the medical establishment, and to listen to their own inner voice as they make decisions about the future.

Gary McClain works with caregivers on ways to help their loved ones as well as deal with their own helplessness. He consults with community organizations on the needs of newly diagnosed patients, and often addresses local and national groups, including the American Counseling Association, the Association of Adult Development and Aging, and the National Hemophilia Foundation.

Gary conducts training with community agencies volunteers and healthcare professionals on patient advocacy and communications. Additionally, he works with employee assistance companies to provide workshops and counseling in the workplace.

Gary McClain has written articles in local and national health-related publications, and has published books with a body-mind-spirit focus, including The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Zen Living and Empowering Your Life With Joy. Currently, he is a contributing writer for HIV Plus Magazine, and writes a column, "Mind/Manner".

As a research consultant, Gary has worked with hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies and non-profit organizations to better understand the needs of patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, and to help them to communicate more effectively with each other.

On behalf of corporate clients, Gary has conducted various marketing research studies over the past 20 years, primarily related to decision-making processes and marketing communications effectiveness.

As a consultant, Gary has been involved in projects that included creation of a behavior modification program to support a smoking cessation product. He has experience in medical conditions that include obesity, sexual dysfunction, arthritis, overactive bladder, glaucoma, anemia, depression, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, hepatitis C, cancer (adult and pediatric), and HIV.

Gary McClain serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors of Miracle House, a non-profit organization that offers temporary housing and support to patients and caregivers who come to New York City from throughout the world for medical treatment. He developed a Patient and Caregiver Advocacy Program for Miracle House.

Professional affiliations include the American Counseling Association, the New York Mental Health Counselor’s Association, the Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine, and the Employee Assistance Professionals Association. Gary is Secretary-Elect of the Association for Adult Development and Aging. He holds an Advanced Certificate in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) from the Albert Ellis Institute in New York City. He has also received training in grief counseling and critical incident stress management.

Gary completed graduate work in Clinical Psychology and Education, and was awarded a M.S. degree from Eastern Michigan University and a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan.