About Me

Growing up in Georgia, I developed a deep appreciation for nature and a lifelong curiosity for learning. These values drive both my personal and professional life. After earning my undergraduate and graduate degrees from The University of Georgia, I moved to Texas in 2008 to complete a postgraduate fellowship at The Menninger Clinic. I later earned my PhD from Smith College School for Social Work, where I received comprehensive training in psychodynamic psychotherapy and clinical research.

Professionally, I have clinical, program development and teaching experiences. Before founding Riley Psychological Services in 2017, I spent ten years at The Menninger Clinic, where I co-developed the Eating Disorders Track, which continues to offer evidence-based programming and support. I also serve as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Smith College School for Social Work, where I teach doctoral students.

I have sought training and education in various treatment methods and modalities. These include, but are not limited to: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT); Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR); Mentalization-based Treatment (MBT); psychodynamic psychotherapy; Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) and The Daring Way ™.

Below is a list of selected publications:

MacCaughelty, C. R. (2025). Community based research. In J. C. Báez (Ed.), Issues of equity: Key concepts in qualitative research. Routledge.

MacCaughelty, C. R. (2023). Eating disorder mental health literacy: A national survey of clinical social workers in the United States. Journal of Social Work, 23(2), 300-316. https://doi.org/10.1177/14680173221144217

Dissertation - MacCaughelty, C. R. (2017). The eating disorder mental health literacy of clinical social workers: An examination of assessment practices and knowledge. Smith College School for Social Work.

MacCaughelty, C., Wagner, R., & Rufino, K. (2016). Does being overweight or male increase a patient's risk of not being referred for an eating disorder consult? International Journal of Eating Disorders, 49(10), 963-966. Here

Wagner, R., MacCaughelty, C., Rufino, K., Pack, T., Poplack, J., George, K., & Ruscitti, C. (2016). Effectiveness of a track-based model for treating eating disorders in a general psychiatric hospital. Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic, 80(1), 49. Here

Wagner, R. A., & MacCaughelty, C. R. (2013). A track-based approach for treating eating disorders. Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic, 77(3), 222. Here

Holosko, M., Skinner, J., MacCaughelty, C., & Stahl, K. M. (2010). Building the implicit BSW curriculum at a large southern state university. Journal of Social Work Education, 46(3), 411-423. Here

Holosko, M. J., & Maccaughelty, C. R. (2009). Planning evaluations of employee assistance programs using information technology. Employee Assistance Programs: Wellness/Enhancement Programming, 183.