J. Chris McGinnis

• Ph.D. — University of Southern Mississippi, 1997.

• Master of Arts (M.A.) — University of Southern Mississippi, 1996.

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) — Salisbury University, 1992.

• Licensed Psychologist in the State of Florida (PY6149).

• Certifications and credentials: BCBA-D, IBA, Health Service Psychologist, Nationally Certified School Psychologist.

• Founder and Director of the Institute for Behavioral Pediatrics (USA).

• Director of McGinnis Behavioral, a private psychology practice in Florida.

• Ethics consultant for the ABA Ethics Hotline.

• Former Director of the Boys Town Behavioral Health Clinic in West Palm Beach.

• Former faculty member at the College of Education, Florida Gulf Coast University.

• Co-founder of the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine.

• Clinical behavior analysis and behavioral pediatrics.

• Behavioral interventions for sleep difficulties in children.

• Addressing childhood anxiety, ADHD, and behavioral challenges.

• Parent and educator training and consultation.

• Professional ethics in behavior analysis.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration in pediatric healthcare.

Dr. McGinnis has over 25 years of professional experience. He has worked in schools, hospitals, universities, outpatient clinics, and primary care pediatric settings.

Throughout his career, he has provided consultation to families, trained professionals, and conducted applied research in behavioral pediatrics.

In his practice, Dr. McGinnis applies evidence-based behavioral interventions, emphasizing collaboration with parents, educators, and healthcare professionals.

The Institute for Behavioral Pediatrics, which he founded, works to expand access to high-quality behavioral healthcare for children and families in the United States and internationally through professional training and support.

• 2024 — Author of Introduction to Primary Care Behavioral Pediatrics: A Guide for Behavior Analysts (Routledge).

• 2026 — Co-author, with Cara L. Shapiro, of the chapter Primary Care Behavioral Pediatrics, published separately ahead of the second edition of Encyclopedia of Psychotherapy (Elsevier).

• 2019 — Co-author of a study examining the effectiveness of a brief behavioral intervention to improve children's sleep and emotional and behavioral functioning, published in Children's Health Care.

• Developer of professional training programs for behavior analysts in behavioral pediatrics, pediatric sleep, and professional ethics.

Dr. McGinnis delivers lectures, seminars, and professional training programs for behavior analysts, educators, and healthcare professionals.