Hi, I’m Kyle McCall!

Raised right here in Amarillo, I returned home during COVID to be closer to my family after spending over a decade in Virginia leading clinical mental health programs. My career in youth development began in early childhood classrooms teaching Kindergarten and HeadStart as I thought my calling was to continue my family's 5-generation run of being educators. Over the last 15+ years, this foundation evolved into high-intensity clinical work when I saw a more significant need in my classroom. I’ve served as both a primary clinician and as a Clinical Director overseeing Intensive In-Home (IIH) and Mental Health Support Services (MHSS) for children, teens, and families navigating complex emotional and behavioral challenges. I'm also a first responder (EMS) and bring my background as a paramedic educator and trauma-informed counselor to offer young people an integrative, real-world approach to mental wellness.

I believe therapy should be practical, collaborative, and grounded in real progress—not a lengthy “subscription” of endless sessions or overwhelming homework assignments that pull kids away from being present with their families. While I welcome caregivers to be a supportive part of the therapeutic journey, my primary focus in the room is always on the child or teen. Because youth process experiences differently than adults, I utilize Play Therapy techniques to help them safely unpack feelings, build regulation, and gain confidence. Though I have utilized Play Therapy techniques my entire career, I am currently pursuing full certification in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) to better my approach while incorporating trauma-focused care through my EMDR training (also pursuing specialized certification to combine with CCPT).

Joining me in sessions is Kauhlin, my service dog and fellow EMS veteran, who brings a steady, grounding presence to help kids feel comfortable and safe. (At home, we also have Cache, who deeply aspires to be a therapy dog, but needs to learn how to keep his wiggles in check first!). When I’m not at the Playroom, you can usually find me outdoors—backpacking, hiking, paddleboarding, snowboarding, taking my 4Runner off-road, or farming our back acre to grow food for my family. And, yes, Kauhin and Cache are always joining on those adventures.

Favorite Book Growing Up: The Secret of NIMH