Dr. Corrine McIntosh, PsyD, LMFT

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Dr. Corrine McIntosh, PsyD, LMFT

After establishing an authentic & compassionate connection, Dr. Corrine works with each client to decrease distress, achieve goals, & increase well-being.

11/19/2025

🏛️ Sometimes advocacy looks like court watching…

More than just a type of field observation to better understand the complexity and inner workings of the criminal legal system, court watching is a powerful tool in participatory defense.

It’s a way to uncover inequities and injustices, and challenge mass incarceration by standing with community. Simply being present in the courtroom as a collective, court watchers “push back against the established power dynamics.” They aim to hold courtroom actors accountable, bringing a measure of transparency to a system that is often opaque (Dholakia, 2025).

As I entered the courtroom’s gallery on the 15th floor, I was immediately struck by how just about every single person on the other side of the divider was white - all of the prosecuting attorneys, some of the defending attorneys, the stenographer, the bailiff, the judge.

As I heard the ratcheting of handcuffs being tightened and the metallic clanking of chains swaying around bodies as the people facing the judge were escorted from a very dark, tiny room to the large bright courtroom, I was also struck by how every individual that morning being led before the judge was a person of Color facing a drug-related offense.

One entered a plea. Two had their cases extended - one extension was due to the long wait time for the individual to receive interpreter services to help with his defense. One was facing a life sentence that was significantly reduced.

11/17/2025

🥳Exciting News! I took Silver in the 2025 Sacramento Favorites for Best Mental Health Services!🥳

🥈 I am honored and truly humbled by this recognition. I was the only solo practitioner among a dozen or so groups and organizations nominated. As I stated previously, a vote for me is a vote for all of us independent practitioners doing amazing work day in and day out, helping to improve the quality of people’s lives while also managing a small business that is private practice. Making our own schedule. Funding our own health insurance, vacation, sick days, retirement. Doing our own taxes. Negotiating our own office leases. Doing our own public relations and marketing. Without public recognition, and while also trying to have some quality in our own lives.

🥈And for me to earn this recognition means that folks believed in me so much that they took time out of their days to vote for me not just once, not just twice, but every single day until the voting period closed.

🥈Thank you for making me one of Sacramento’s 2025 Favorite Mental Health Service Providers!

You can check out all of the Sacramento Favorites 2025 winners here: https://www.sacramentofavorites.com/categories/2025

11/11/2025

My birthday was last week.

The weeks leading up to - and the day of - my birthday alway find me very reflective. I think back on how stressful my birthday was for me during my childhood and adolescence - wanting things which, at the time, felt like I didn’t deserve but really it was that my family couldn’t afford, then feeling guilty for having wants. As a teenager, it was wondering if my absent father would remember it was my birthday and call me or visit me - then feeling guilty for feeling angry when he would eventually call or visit.

It was the time shortly after my birthday, as a teenager, using the payphone on my high school campus to call the National Su***de Prevention Hotline - struggling to remember the 10-digit number then hanging up when someone answered because somehow hearing another person’s voice on the end of the phone suddenly felt like my problems weren’t that important to bother someone with.

It was the time shortly after my birthday that same year when I was admitted to the adolescent unit at a local psychiatric hospital for not wanting to be alive..

There was a time when I didn’t think I would live to see my 21st birthday.

This year, I turned 49.

So last week, on my birthday, when I saw the 988 and Sacramento County Community Wellness Response Team banner on the back of the bus driving through my neighborhood, I pulled my car over and cried.

Tears of relief for seeing something I worked so hard for the past five years to make happen. Tears of sadness for the child and teenager that didn’t want to live. Tears of pride for the adult woman that transformed pain into purpose. Tears of hope for all those who will know about these resources and won’t be alone in their pain.

988 Su***de and Crisis Linelife:https://988lifeline.org/
Sacramento County Community Wellness Response Team: https://dhs.saccounty.gov/BHS/Pages/CWRT/Community-Wellness-Response-Team.aspx

#988

11/05/2025

“Dr. Sako, don’t forget to wear your J’s tomorrow for class.” Bet.

For me, teaching Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training to students in a clinical psychology doctoral program isn’t just about lecturing on the subject.

It’s about being about it - challenging traditional dress codes, representing individual expression, creating common ground across different backgrounds, and fostering a more inclusive environment that invites all to show up authentically.

Besides, this heat gots to be let out the box every now and then!

10/29/2025

ONE WEEK!

Come join us on November 5th from 12:00-1:30pm PST for a talk on Liberation Psychology Principles in Clinical Practice with Satveer S. Kier, PhD.

Sign up today!

https://www.cpapsych.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?alias=Nov5-2025

10/28/2025

I drive past this digital billboard 2 times a day, 3-4 times per week. Today, I had to stop and take a photo 🥰

"If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here. At the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone."

If you are in Sacramento County and need an in-person response to help de-escalate a behavioral health crisis, 988 is the number that connects you with the Sacramento County Community Wellness Response Team - where a behavioral health clinician and a peer support specialist can provide in-person support for whatever you're going through.

And now folks traveling along Exposition Blvd. - as well as the Capital City Freeway - will know about 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline!

#988

10/23/2025

Sometimes engaging in advocacy looks like helping to make opportunities for others to engage in advocacy accessible...

I am grateful to Kristy Lunardelli for the invitation to speak last week at the quarterly meeting of the Sacramento County Behavioral Health Collaboration. This amazing group of local community providers consists of CEO's, social workers, advocates from the state office of patient's rights, physicians working in acute psychiatric facilities and emergency departments, public defenders, and other local community providers that come together for a stronger behavioral health system.

Not many people know that what was formerly the Mental Health Board and the Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board is now the Sacramento County Behavioral Health Commission. Many people don't know about the Behavioral Health Commission, what its mandates are, who serves on it, and what it is supposed to accomplish. Many people don't know how to attend and participate in these advisory board meetings, how to provide their feedback on the county behavioral health care system, and what happens to their feedback once it is provided.

I was able to bring my knowledge and insight, as well as instill energy and strengthen community partnerships, by sharing about how people can engage with the Behavioral Health Commission to help support individuals in Sacramento County that experience behavioral health challenges.

And most importantly - by attending this meeting, I was able to learn about the current climate for our community providers.

10/16/2025

When I tell people what I "do" for a living, I am usually met with some version of one of these three responses:

"Uh-oh, you're gonna analyze me now, I better watch what I say,"
or,
"Oh! I need to talk to you! I have this (insert presenting problem here),"
or,
"That must be so hard! What do you do to unwind from listening to people all day long?"

My new reply to that last one...

"I break boards of wood with running jump sidekicks and I catch nunchucks in my armpit while doing the running man!"

May we all develop and maintain an intentional practice of radical joy to enhance our mental health, connect us with others, and feed our indomitable spirit.

10/07/2025

Sometimes you gotta close a door to open a window...

After many fulfilling years serving on the SVPA Board of Directors, I will be stepping off the SVPA Board at the end of this year. It has been a true honor to dedicate myself to SVPA, working alongside and leading an incredible community of mental health professionals. I leave behind a legacy that is both impactful for the organization and deeply meaningful personally - from producing sold-out conferences to championing legislation that advances diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging in our profession as well as others whose license falls under the State of California’s Department of Consumer Affairs.

I invite you to come help me close this door so I can open a window - Join me at SVPA's 2025 End of the Year party on Saturday December 6 for an afternoon of connection, community, and celebration!

Save the Date & Reserve Your Spot NOW!

Urban Roots Craft Brewery & BBQ Smokehouse (Food will be served at 1:30pm)
1322 V Street Sacramento, CA 95818

The event is FREE for SVPA Members plus one guest,
Suggested Donation $25 - can be made at
https://www.sacramentovalleypsychologist.com/Donate-to-SVPA

Register at:
https://www.sacramentovalleypsychologist.com/event-6375851

10/02/2025

Last month marked my 19th year being in private practice!

While I definitely thrive in a self-directed setting and find deep purpose and meaning in the work I do, it has also been isolating and market changes have been burdensome. As a sole proprietor, anti-trust laws prevent me from discussing with my colleagues the rates insurance companies reimburse me; however, insurance companies get away with offering the same reimbursement schedule for decades without cost of living adjustments. They use concepts like “underutilization” and “zip code saturation” to deny payment increases and initial credentialing in the first place.

What it comes down to is that mental health care is not valued like medical care is. Mental health care is treated like a supplement rather than a necessity. We may have parity laws on the books, but they certainly aren’t being practiced or enforced.

I am still feeling the strength, hope, and optimism that was all around me this past weekend while attending the National Union of Healthcare Workers’ 2025 Leadership Conference in Los Angeles. As a Behavioral Health Associate Member of NUHW, I was able to share my experience as a dual licensed mental health professional in private practice and I got to participate in strategy sessions on how to advance behavioral health reform. I was able to be in the company of over 400 union siblings and behavioral health colleagues - psychologists, therapists, counselors, nurses, psychiatric technicians, case managers, environmental service technicians - sharing our values and commitment to improving access to quality care. In fact, NUHW is the only healthcare union that makes mental health parity a core mission.

I also got to witness Delores Huerta in the flesh an attend a governor candidate forum.

Who’s Got the Power? We Got The Power.
What Kind of Power? Union Power .

09/23/2025

The Elk Grove Unified School District Board of Education will be considering an item at its meeting tomorrow Tuesday Sept 23 to approve one Board member's request for a future agenda item to consider a resolution regarding girls' sports.

In today's sociopolitical climate, we know what this means - a school board member wants the Board to consider banning trans students from sports.

Just like Dr. Buzzini & I collaborated for the Sacramento Valley Psychological Association to take a firm stand in support of the City of Sacramento declaring Sacramento a sanctuary city for trans individuals, we did it again this time with SVPA Board of Directors' unanimous approval in taking a firm stand in shining light on the mental health effects for trans youth when such issues are considered and approved.

This is what Hope is a Discipline looks like in practice.

Action is the Antidote to Anxiety.

If you wish to take action, please draft your own letter regarding 'Agenda Item XII. Consideration of Future Agenda Items, 1. Consideration of Board Member's Request for a Board Agenda Item Regarding a Proposed Resolution regarding Girls' Sports' and send to:

EGUSD Superintendent suptoffice@egusd.net
Board President Vargas mjvargas@egusd.net
Board Vice President/Clerk Yang seyang@egusd.net
Board Member Albiani ealbiani@egusd.net
Board Member Baulwin dbaulwin@egusd.net
Board Member Davis smdavis@egusd.net
Board Member Ballerini jballeri@egusd.net
Board Member Moore hmoore@egusd.net
Student Board Member Zhong studentboard@egusd.net

Or you can attend tomorrow's meeting at 6pm and make in-person comment. Meeting agenda can be found at https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36030236&MID=43736

09/16/2025

“Counseling and advocacy interventions within the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies framework involve mental health professionals acting as advocates to address the societal and systemic factors impacting clients’ well-being.”

As I am preparing a lecture on Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies, it feels good to be able to say I actually practice what I preach 😊

Last month, the Sacramento County Mental Health Board held its final meeting. All members received a certificate from our County Behavioral Health Director, Dr. Ryan Quist, honoring their Board Service. A colleague presented me with a photo of the trophy he ordered for me, the G.O.A.T. for my service as Chairperson of the Sacramento County Mental Health Board from 2022-2025 🏆

And my appointment to the Sacramento County Behavioral Health Commission - the Mental Health Board’s modernization - was approved last week!

Address

1300 Ethan Way, Suite 170
Sacramento, CA
95825

Website

http://www.drcorrinemcintosh.com/

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About Dr. Corrine

Dr. Corrine McIntosh earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from California State University, Sacramento in 2003 and became licensed in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2006. Due to her passion for knowledge & desire to be the most equipped to help others, she went on to earn her Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University in 2014 and became licensed as a Psychologist in 2019.