Molly Ackerly, LCSW

Molly Ackerly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and the Program Director at SoCal DBT, where she has been in this role since February 2022. She has extensive experience in providing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to both adults and adolescents, focusing on various mental health issues such as mood disorders, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and trauma.124

Education and Certifications

Molly holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University, specializing in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from George Washington University. She is certified as a DBT clinician by the DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, which signifies her adherence to high standards in the practice of DBT.24

Professional Experience

Before becoming the Program Director, Molly worked as a DBT therapist at SoCal DBT since October 2020 and has over ten years of experience in various therapeutic settings, including residential treatment centers and private practice. Her previous roles include working at Clearview Treatment Programs and Silver Hill Hospital, where she provided individual therapy and led DBT skills groups.134

Therapeutic Approach

Molly employs a warm and collaborative approach in her therapy sessions, integrating various evidence-based treatments such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She emphasizes enhancing individual strengths to help clients achieve their goals, and she has a particular interest in life transitions and fostering emotional expression through creativity.24