Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Dr. Brett P. Kennedy PsyD, LCP, Co-Director
Bio
Dr. Brett P. Kennedy is a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, and couples with substance abuse, behavior disorders, and mental health issues. In his work, he engages a psychodynamic and dialectical behavioral (DBT) treatment approach. He is co-director of Digital Media Treatment & Education Center (dTEC®) in Boulder, Colorado, and a foremost expert in the treatment of compulsivity and “addiction” to the internet, gaming, pornography, and social media.
Through dTEC®, Dr. Brett Kennedy provides professional training and supervision to those seeking to advance their knowledge and clinical skills to treat digital media overuse and addiction.
He participated in dTEC® research projects to learn the effects of digital media use on academic performance in the collegiate environment. This resulted in the development of the Digital Media Overuse Scale (dMOS™), a valid and reliable instrument for assessing digital media overuse and addictions.
As a “digital immigrant”, Dr. Kennedy has seen both the pros and the perils that digital media brings to the lives of his clients. His work explores the complications and conveniences technology presents in personal and professional relationships for digital immigrants and for those who grew up with technology as a part of their development.
He advocates a philosophy of mindfulness and balance in relationship with technology. He believes that technology is a part of our lives and developing the skills to navigate it effectively is critical to our relationship with ourselves and others on and offline.
Dr. Kennedy is a strong advocate of work/life balance and nurturing offline pursuits. He enjoys spending time connecting to the outdoors through running, hiking, cycling, and skiing, and connecting to the global community through travel.
Dr. Brett P. Kennedy is a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, and couples with substance abuse, behavior disorders, and mental health issues. In his work, he engages a psychodynamic and dialectical behavioral (DBT) treatment approach. He is co-director of Digital Media Treatment & Education Center (dTEC®) in Boulder, Colorado, and a foremost expert in the treatment of compulsivity and “addiction” to the internet, gaming, pornography, and social media.
Through dTEC®, Dr. Brett Kennedy provides professional training and supervision to those seeking to advance their knowledge and clinical skills to treat digital media overuse and addiction.
He participated in dTEC® research projects to learn the effects of digital media use on academic performance in the collegiate environment. This resulted in the development of the Digital Media Overuse Scale (dMOS™), a valid and reliable instrument for assessing digital media overuse and addictions.
As a “digital immigrant”, Dr. Kennedy has seen both the pros and the perils that digital media brings to the lives of his clients. His work explores the complications and conveniences technology presents in personal and professional relationships for digital immigrants and for those who grew up with technology as a part of their development.
He advocates a philosophy of mindfulness and balance in relationship with technology. He believes that technology is a part of our lives and developing the skills to navigate it effectively is critical to our relationship with ourselves and others on and offline.
Dr. Kennedy is a strong advocate of work/life balance and nurturing offline pursuits. He enjoys spending time connecting to the outdoors through running, hiking, cycling, and skiing, and connecting to the global community through travel.
Research & Publications
- Hipp, D., Blakley, E. C., Hipp, N., Gerhardstein, P., Kennedy, B., & Markle, T. (2023). The Digital Media Overuse Scale (dMOS): A Modular and Extendible Questionnaire for Indexing Digital Media Overuse. Technology, Mind, and Behavior, 4(3: Fall 2023). https://doi.org/10.1037/tmb0000117
- Blog, The Digital Self psychologytoday.com, 2010-2012
- Kennedy, Brett Patrick (2000). Masculinity, eating, and exercise: the relationship of men to their bodies [Doctoral dissertation, California School of Professional Psychology – Berkeley/Alameda]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses https://www.proquest.com/openview/bcf707b539380a934fc54bc3bf4369af/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y9958363
Clinical Trainings
- Comprehensive Youth Services, Clinicians and Directors, “FITS-IA; Introduction to Digital Media Overuse; Assessment, Intervention, Treatment,” 6-hour training, June 11, 2024
- Claudia Black Center, Clinical Leadership Team, “Digital Media Overuse; Assessment, Intervention, Treatment,” 10-hour training, May 24th, June 14th and June 21st, 2024
- Speak Up and Reach Out, Clinicians, “Introduction to Digital Media Overuse & Treatment Considerations,” Live, Virtual, CE training, April 7, 2023
- Digital Media Treatment & Education Center, Professionals, “Introduction to Digital Media Overuse; Assessment, Intervention and Treatment,” Live, Virtual, CE Training, Oct 7, 2022, Jul 16, 2021, and Apr 16, 2021
- Open Sky Wilderness Program, Durango, CO, Clinical Team, “FITS-IA Foundation Training; Introduction to Digital Media Overuse, Assessment, Intervention & Treatment,” October 10-11, 2019
Presentations
- “Digital Media and Mental Health—The Good, Bad, and Ugly,” Tara Performing Arts High School, Boulder Valley School District, Boulder, CO, March 2021
- “Social Media and Mental Health—The Good, Bad, and Ugly,” Fairview High School, Boulder Valley School District, Boulder, CO, March 2021 and Dawson Middle School, Lafayette, CO, April, July, & October 2021
- Children’s ScreenTime Action Network, Professionals and Parents, “Is it Video Game Addiction or Not?“, Webinar, June 22, 2020
- “Growing up Wired = Growing Up Anxious?” Parent Engagement Network (PEN), Stress and Anxiety Symposium, Boulder, CO, June 2020
- Co-Presenter, “An Introduction to Digital Media Overuse and Treatment,” Boulder Public Library, Boulder, CO, January 2020
- “Internet Issues and Parenting Plans: What CFIs, Attorneys and Mental Health Providers Need to Know about Digital Media Overuse,” Millennium Hotel, Boulder, CO, October 2019
- Panelist, “Digital Media Abuse & Addiction,” Monarch Elementary School, Boulder Valley School District, Louisville, CO
- Panelist, “The Internet & Technology & Our Children,” Centennial Peaks Middle School, Boulder Valley School District, Boulder, CO, May 2018
- Panelist, “Screenagers,” Nederland High School, Monarch High School, Platte Middle School, January & February 2017
- Co-Presenter, “Internet & Video Games on The College Campus,” University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, February 2016
Media Appearances
Podcasts & Radio
- ScreenStrong Families Podcast, Episode, “Video Game Addiction & Treatment with Dr. Brett Kennedy (#109),” July 6, 2022
- Recover Yourself Podcast, Episode, “Persuasive Design: The Trojan Horse in the Hands of Children,” Nov 10, 2020
- Which Way Podcast, “Living in a Digital World; Are We Connected or ADDICTED?” Episode, July 19, 2019
- Beyond Risk & Back Podcast, Episode, “Screen Addiction – Screenagers and Brain Chemistry,” May 7, 2019
- KGNU Radio, A Public Affair, Episode, “Screen Time in Schools,” April 20, 2017
Professional Experience
- January 2020 – Present: Strive Psychotherapy, Boulder, CO, Owner, Co-Director
- January 2017 – Present, Digital Media Treatment & Education Center (dTEC®), Boulder, CO, Owner, Co-Director
- February 2014 – May 2016, University of Colorado, Boulder, Counseling and Psychological Services, Clinical Services Provider
- September 2009 – April 2012, Insight Intensive at Gold Lake, Ward, CO, Clinical Consultant
- November 2002 – September 2003, Magellan Behavioral Health, New York, NY, Senior Clinical Care Manager
- May 2002 – November 2002, PsychTemps, New York, NY, Training Coordinator for New York City Health and Hospital Corporation [NYCHHC]
- April 2001 – December 2001, PsychTemps, New York, NY, Director of New York Office
- June 1999 – December 2000, Residential and Educational Services, Martinez, CA, Program Director
- May 1998 – June 1999, Residential and Educational Services, Martinez California, Clinical Consultant
- July 1997 – December 2000, Walt Odets, PhD, Berkeley, CA, Psychological Assistant
