Dr. Shannon V. McHugh, PsyD.

Dr. Shannon V. McHugh is a licensed psychologist in California (PSY29576), New Jersey (35SI00754300), and Florida (Telehealth – TPPY648). She earned her BA in Psychology with a minor in Social Work from the University of Southern California and her MA and doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, Los Angeles. Her areas of expertise include family psychology, child development, emotional regulation, and forensic psychology with a focus on trauma, abuse, and high-conflict family dynamics.

Dr. McHugh currently serves as the Director of Professional Clinical and Forensic Services at the Los Angeles Branch of the Institute on Violence, Abuse & Trauma (IVAT). In this role, she leads clinical and forensic service delivery, supervises doctoral-level trainees, and conducts psychological evaluations and expert witness testimony in criminal, civil, and family law cases. She also oversees forensic training programs and collaborates on national research and education initiatives related to trauma and forensic practice.

She is an independent psychological consultant working with various organizations to provide evaluations and mental health consultation, including services for schools, Social Security disability determinations, autism assessments, and forensic evaluations involving child custody, family violence, and sexual abuse allegations.

Dr. McHugh is a certified Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) therapist and Level 1 Trainer. She also maintains a small private practice supporting families of children struggling with disruptive behavior, anxiety, trauma, and emotional dysregulation.

In addition to her clinical and forensic work, Dr. McHugh is the co-creator of The Learn & Burn Explorers Program, an innovative gamified mental health education program for elementary-aged children. The program blends educational videos, escape-room-style physical activities, and growth mindset challenges to promote emotional literacy and resilience. She and her co-founder, Dr. Jesi Sasaki, bring the program to Los Angeles-area schools and offer it as a digital curriculum for educators and caregivers nationwide.

As a former athlete, Dr. McHugh also holds certifications in fitness training and youth fitness (ISSA). She brings her passion for the mind-body connection into all of her work, promoting the link between physical fitness, nutrition, and emotional well-being.

Her research interests focus on forensic issues related to violence and abuse, as well as whole-person approaches to improving children’s mental health.