Dr. Kibby McMahon: Supporting a Loved One with a Mental Illness

Dr. Kibby McMahon is a licensed clinical psychologist, researcher, and co-founder and CEO of KulaMind, a digital mental health company that provides AI-powered support to people caring for loved ones struggling with mental illness or addiction. Raised in New York by a single mother who faced her own mental health and addiction challenges, Dr. Kibby was inspired by her personal experiences to empower caregivers and family members through evidence-based tools and compassionate guidance. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Columbia University and earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Duke University, where she trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions. Her doctoral research focused on how emotion regulation strategies like mindful breathing, delivered through mobile technology, can enhance empathy and emotional balance. Dr. McMahon has held research and clinical positions at institutions including Columbia University, the Max Planck Institute, New York Psychiatric Institute, and Weill Cornell Medical Center. She also served as a clinical reviewer at Noom and completed postdoctoral research at Duke’s Center for Misophonia and Emotion Regulation. KulaMind was born from her realization that caregivers often feel lost when trying to help their loved ones and themselves. The platform offers practical, real-time support through AI-guided coaching, community connection, and psychoeducation. Dr. Kibby is also the co-host of the podcast “A Little Help For Our Friends”, where she and Jacqueline Trumbull share insights and expert advice for people supporting others through mental health challenges. https://kulamind.com/ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the guest speaker on this episode are solely those of the guest. The content shared is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice or endorsement.