McKenna Walsh

McKenna is a dedicated therapist, researcher, and community advocate committed to advancing the intersection of behavioral health, media, and public well-being. She is currently in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Saint Louis University, completing her Ph.D. in Medical Family Therapy. Her research explores the epidemiological impact of media on behavioral health, with a particular focus on trauma, systemic health disparities, and the ways digital narratives shape mental health outcomes. McKenna earned her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Syracuse University, where she specialized in Trauma Studies, deepening her expertise in clinical intervention and systemic approaches to healing.

Beyond academia, McKenna has been actively engaged in community-driven initiatives aimed at fostering resilience and equity. She has served as an advisory board member for Music for Relief and has been an invited advisor for both the United Nations Brain Trust and the Center for Policing Equity, advocating for policies that integrate mental health support into broader social systems.

Before transitioning to therapy and research, McKenna had a successful career at the intersection of innovation, technology, and media. She was a prominent writer on Quora and contributed to publications such as Forbes, Adweek, and I.N.C., offering insights into venture capital, media, and emerging technologies. Her early interest in behavioral health and media led her to executive produce and host The Failure Project for Refinery29, a series exploring resilience and growth. As a sought-after speaker, she has been invited to share her expertise at global events, including CES, SXSW, and Cannes Lions.

Now, McKenna brings her diverse background together in her work as a clinician, researcher, and advocate, striving to bridge the gap between media narratives and mental health, ultimately shaping a more informed and resilient society.