About Dr. J.J. Kelly
Helping "Misfits" Unlock Their Superpowers.
Dr. JJ Kelly is a licensed clinical psychologist (20+ years), emotional intelligence (EQ) skills training expert, and bestselling author dedicated to making mental health accessible, fun, and stigma-free. Known as "The Punk Rock Doc," she brings a refreshingly unconventional approach to mental wellness and personal growth, blending humor, authenticity, and evidence-based techniques to help people build emotional resilience and take charge of their lives.
As the founder of UnorthoDocs, Inc., Dr. Kelly has created a vibrant community where young adults learn to manage emotions, build confidence, and cultivate healthier relationships—all without the stuffy, outdated methods of traditional therapy. Her expertise in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) empowers individuals to break free from self-doubt, master their emotions, and achieve lasting happiness.
A sought-after speaker, educator, and C-suite / executive leadership coach, Dr. Kelly has authored multiple books, including 'The Holy Shit Series', which provides practical, no-BS strategies for parents, teens, and young adults navigating emotional struggles. Through online courses, group coaching, and her signature hands-on mentorship, she has helped thousands of people transform their lives with humor, compassion, and radical honesty.
Dr. Kelly’s mission is simple: to disrupt outdated mental health systems and teach people how to become their own therapists- one laugh and life lesson at a time.
"I decided to redirect my outrage into building something new based on love, laughter, and teaching emotional intelligence – because I believe that global healing is achieved by teaching people the skills to like themselves, or as I always say…
"Happy People Act Right. "
TM
— Dr. J.J. Kelly
What Is UnorthoDocs, Inc.?
A Punk Alternative to Traditional Therapy.
Therapy has a power dynamic baked right into it—one expert, one patient, and only one of them gets talked about. We don't run that way. There are "isms" inherent in therapy, so we choose, instead, a strength-based, collaborative approach of inclusivity and joy.
UnorthoDocs is emotional intelligence skills training, peer coaching, mentorship and community outreach, taught by Dr. J.J. Kelly and includes the advanced students of The Get Real Program, who we call Docs.
The goal isn't for you to need therapy or some program to help you forever. The goal is for you to stop needing it. I'd rather teach you to fish.
A progressive knowledge base
+
Solid Midwestern values
+
Moxie
=
No B.S.
Education
-
B.A., University of Wisconsin–Madison
-
M.A., Clinical Psychology, Argosy University, SF Bay Area
-
Psy.D., Clinical Psychology, Argosy University, SF Bay Area
-
NIMH training with Dr. Marsha Linehan, creator of DBT
The REceipts
Practice
-
Clinical work in Berkeley and Oakland since 2003; global since 2020
-
Staff member, board member and creator of the DBT program at Berkeley Therapy Institute (est. 1972)
-
Teaching DBT skills courses since 2004 — individuals, groups, and one-day intensives for professionals
-
Multi-year grant to teach DBT to folks with severe cerebral palsy
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Emotional Intelligence Skills Training Expert
Pronouns: she/they
License #PSY23618
Joy As Resistance
Thank you to the BIPOC leaders who built the movements based on joy as resistance. I hope to contribute, to use my white privilege productively and inclusively, and to make you proud.
“No one is free until we are all free.”
— Martin Luther King, Jr.