Dr. KC Chiappa is a psychologist in Lexington, Massachusetts specializing in adolescent challenges, parenting, anxiety, depression, life transitions, drug and alcohol abuse, anger management, and family issues. Having completed his post-doctoral training and worked at McLean’s Hospital’s Adolescent Resident Treatment Program, he is especially passionate about working with adolescents. He also has experience in seeing young adults in their 20s who are living at home, and struggling to gain independence from their families.

Dr. Chiappa draws from a number of different treatment modalities. For adolescents struggling with substance use, he uses motivational interviewing and works collaboratively with clients, their families, and psychiatrists to gently guide them toward recovery. Other treatment approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), existential therapy, and psychoanalytic therapy.

Dr. Chiappa received his Doctorate of Psychology from the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology and completed doctoral training at McLean Hospital’s Adolescent Resident Treatment Program, where he remained as a staff psychologist for an additional 4 years. In addition to his work with adolescents, he also sees young adults, college and grad students, adults, and parents. He creates a non-judgmental, open environment and is committed to ensuring his clients feel heard and validated.

Message to clients

My 15 years of working with adolescents and their families has taught me to approach clients with a non-judgmental, non-authoritative attitude. This helps clients take an honest look at their lives and identify what things need to change or be accepted. Meeting a client without preconceived expectations is critical because it gives me a chance to see the client from her/his own point of view. Also, I work very hard to not act too 'therapisty,' which is something that often hinders therapy with adolescent clients in particular (e.g., 'How does that make you feel?').
Working at McLean Hospital's Residential Treatment program taught me how to meet the clients on their level, with the utmost respect, kindness, and humility. McLean's intensity, taught me to be human with clients and use my naturally curiosity, playfulness, and positive energy to connect with and help others.
I combine Motivational Interviewing (allows clients to identify THEIR OWN need for change), Humanistic Therapy (approaching clients with acceptance to allow them to feel safe enough to share their deepest most painful struggles), and CBT (identifying thoughts and behaviors that perpetuate the client's problem.

Work and Education

Private Practice

McLean Hospital

WIlliam James College, PsyD, 2003

Connecticut College, BA, 1997

Licensure

Massachusetts: 8454

Languages

English

Specialties

Adolescents' issues - Academic stress, family and peer conflicts, struggles with identity

Anxiety - Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks

Depression - Sleep and energy disruption, overall mood disturbance, inability to enjoy yourself, and difficulty being motivated, amongst many other symptoms

Life transitions - Adjusting to college, new relationships, career transitions and direction; mid-life existential, relationship, and career challenges; losing one’s drive or burn out; learning self-care

Substance use - Prevent and reduce challenges related to tobacco, marijuana, and/or alcohol, such as anxiety, depression, and challenges in relationships

Family issues - Includes helping parents with their own issues within the context of supporting children; helping young adults navigate family issues