Specializing in the psychological care of individuals living with cancer and serious illness — with a focus on psycho-oncology, palliative care, and the science of coping at life's most profound crossroads.
Dr. Mairead McConnell is a licensed clinical psychologist and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona, currently focusing her clinical and research energies on cancer care. She sees patients at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, where she works alongside oncology teams to address the psychological dimensions of a cancer diagnosis — from first shock to long-term survivorship.
Her expertise as a clinical health psychologist means she approaches each patient holistically, recognizing that physical illness and emotional wellbeing are inseparable. She is trained to help patients and families navigate fear, grief, uncertainty, and the complex emotional terrain of serious illness.
Dr. McConnell's clinical work is grounded in evidence-based psychological approaches, adapted thoughtfully for patients facing cancer and life-limiting illness.
Comprehensive psychological support throughout the cancer journey — diagnosis, active treatment, survivorship, and end of life. Addressing anxiety, depression, fear of recurrence, and meaning-making.
Specialized support for patients with advanced and life-limiting illness, focused on quality of life, existential concerns, and preserving what matters most.
Evidence-informed support for anticipatory grief, loss after diagnosis, and bereavement — for patients and for the families who love them.
Psychological care for individuals managing chronic pain, chronic illness, and the cumulative emotional burden of long-term health challenges.
McConnell, M., Miljanovski, M., Rodin, G., & O'Connor, M. F.
View on PubMed →Kaplan, D. M., Hamann, H. A., Price, S. N., Williamson, T. J., Ver Hoeve, E. S., McConnell, M. H., Duchschere, J. E., Garland, L. L., & Ostroff, J. S.
Weihs, K., McConnell, M., Wiley, J., Crespi, C., Sauer-Zavala, S., & Stanton, A.
McConnell, M. H., Killgore, W. D., & O'Connor, M. F.
O'Connor, M. F. & McConnell, M. H.
Kable, J. W., Caulfield, K., Falcone, M., Bernardo, L., Parthasarathi, T., Cooper, N., … McConnell, M. H., et al.
Parthasarathi, T., McConnell, M. H., Luery, J., & Kable, J. W.
Dr. McConnell's research sits at the intersection of psycho-oncology and palliative care, with a particular interest in understanding and measuring the complex psychological states of individuals living with advanced cancer — including the nuanced capacity to hold awareness of illness alongside continued engagement with life.
Dr. McConnell sees patients at the University of Arizona Cancer Center in Tucson and is affiliated with Banner University Medical Center South. For appointments or inquiries, please reach out through the channels below.
Find Dr. McConnell's full academic and clinical profiles at these affiliated institutions.