Meet The Team

Co-Founder | Owner - Synapse Mental Health PLLC

AMANDA MCKINNEY, PSYD | LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr. Amanda McKinney is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Illinois and Indiana, specializing in psychological assessment, LGBTQ-affirming therapy, and WPATH letter-writing. She serves in an administrative leadership role at Synapse Collaborative, supporting ethical, affirming, and accessible care.

Co-Founder

ALYSH OETZEL, MS, CCC-SLP | SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Alysh Oetzel is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in functional communication, language processing, speech sound disorders, and AAC. She uses evidence-based approaches and a connection-focused style to empower clients of all ages to express their unique voices.

Co-Founder

MEGAN JOY BATES, PSYD | Specialization: School Psychology

Dr. Megan Joy Bates is a School Psychologist with over 30 years of experience specializing in therapy for children and adolescents, diagnostic evaluations, and autism assessments. She also supports families navigating school challenges, IEPs, and 504 plans with compassion and expertise.

Psychotherapist

BREANNA TURNER, MSW, LCSW

Breanna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who offers trauma-informed, client-centered therapy for individuals of all ages. She specializes in supporting clients with PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions. She integrates CBT, DBT, and mindfulness. Her compassionate, affirming presence creates a safe space for healing.

Psychotherapist

ALEX FOSTER, MSW

Alex is an MSW graduate working toward LCSW licensure, offering trauma-informed, client-centered therapy for children, young adults, and adults. She integrates CBT, DBT, mindfulness, art, and play therapy to support clients facing anxiety, PTSD, depression, and life transitions in a warm and supportive environment.

Practice Manager & Psychometrist

ADAM MCKINNEY, BS, MAT

Adam oversees daily operations, coordinates scheduling, manages client communications, assists with billing and insurance processes, and ensures the office runs smoothly. He is also trained in administration and scoring for psychological testing and serves as a Psychometrist for Dr. McKinney.

Join the Synapse Team!

EMPLOYMENT

Synapse Mental Health PLLC is dedicated to providing exceptional behavioral health services through a collaborative and client-centered approach. We are seeking licensed psychologists, social workers, or professional counselors who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families. Positions would likely start as part-time but would have the ability to build to full-time status over time.

Qualifications:

Required: Masters or Doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or related field
Preferred: An active Illinois license for independent practice as a counselor, clinical social worker, or clinical psychologist. LSW will be considered and can be supervised by our LCSW counselor.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Commitment to ethical and client-centered care
Open to late afternoon, evening, or weekend appointments

How to Apply: Send your CV and cover letter to Dr. Amanda McKinney at amanda@synapsecollaborative.com

*If you are a licensed SLP and are interested in working for Synapse Collaborative, please send your CV and cover letter to info@synapsecollaborative.com, attention Alysh Oetzel.