Professional Summary

• More than two decades with Davis Behavioral Health serving adults across outpatient, crisis, residential and correctional settings
• Areas of focus: Adult mental health, crisis intervention, behavioral health assessment and evidence-based treatment planning
• Leadership experience: Program Director with prior leadership of DBH’s residential Crisis Recovery Unit
• Specialized experience: Utah Designated Examiner for more than 10 years with extensive experience in acute and complex behavioral health needs

About the Author

Program Director | Licensed Clinical Social Worker | Davis Behavioral Health

David McKay, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and Program Director at Davis Behavioral Health. He has worked full time with DBH since 2002, building more than two decades of experience in community behavioral health while serving adults across outpatient, crisis, residential and correctional settings.

Throughout his career at Davis Behavioral Health, David has held a variety of clinical and leadership roles. His experience includes providing mental health services in the Davis County Jail, delivering outpatient therapy and directing DBH’s residential Crisis Recovery Unit.

He has also served in program leadership roles focused on expanding access to behavioral health services for individuals with a range of treatment and coverage needs.

David has extensive experience in crisis intervention and behavioral health assessment. He has served for more than 10 years as a Utah Designated Examiner, a role that complements his broader experience working with individuals experiencing acute or complex mental health needs.

His clinical approach emphasizes careful evaluation, collaborative goal setting and the use of evidence-based treatment models selected according to each individual’s needs.

David believes the first steps in treatment should include an open discussion about why a person is seeking care, a thorough mental health evaluation and the identification of meaningful areas of focus and treatment goals.

Through his clinical work, program leadership and educational writing, David is committed to helping individuals better understand behavioral health, access appropriate services and connect with practical, evidence-based support.

Areas of Expertise

• Adult mental health
• Community behavioral health
• Evidence-based treatment planning
• Correctional mental health services
• Access to behavioral health services
• Behavioral health program leadership
• Outpatient mental health treatment
• Behavioral health assessment
• Residential crisis services
• Crisis intervention

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW)
University of Utah
Graduated with honors

Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Human Development and Family Studies
University of Utah

Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Sociology
University of Utah

Professional Credentials and Experience

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Utah Designated Examiner for more than 10 years
• More than two decades with Davis Behavioral Health
• Experience in outpatient, residential crisis and correctional behavioral health settings

Professional Interests

David’s professional interests include adult mental health, crisis intervention, behavioral health assessment, evidence-based treatment planning, community behavioral health services and improving access to appropriate care for individuals with diverse treatment needs.