Carly McCord

Dr. McCord is a licensed psychologist and founding executive director of the Texas A&M Health Telehealth Institute. She has dedicated her career to ensuring that mental health services reach those who need them most. While she is recognized for pioneering telehealth solutions, she attributes her success to the unwavering support, belief, and sacrifices of her family.

McCord's path to telehealth leadership began with an interest in positive psychology and a commitment to expanding access to care. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin before continuing her education at Texas A&M University, where she obtained a Master of Science in Educational Psychology and a Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology. 

These experiences shaped her understanding of mental health disparities and the need for innovative solutions, ultimately leading her to become a licensed psychologist and an advocate for telehealth as a means of bridging critical gaps in care.

She has led telehealth expansion across more than 40 Texas counties, providing care to over 7,000 individuals. Her efforts have saved millions in travel, time, and resources, ensuring that people can access health care when and where they need it. Beyond service delivery, she is a dedicated advocate for academic­ community partnerships, ensuring that telehealth solutions are shaped by the voices of the communities they serve.

Her commitment to training the next generation of health professionals is significant. More than 150 psychology doctoral students have been trained under her leadership, with millions secured in financial support to help them serve rural and underserved communities. Her telehealth training model is now a best practice, earning her invitations to train at state, national, and international levels, including the Department of Defense's Aviano Air Force Base. Her work has been cited in the latest American Psychological Association Telepsychology Guidelines, solidifying her influence on the field.

McCord has secured more than $20 million in funding as principal investigator and project director, fueling telehealth expansion, workforce training, and research initiatives. Among her most impactful projects is the Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) program, which she authored and led from inception through December 2024. Under her leadership, TCHATT grew from a concept to a statewide program, now serving 19 counties, 86 districts, 414 campuses, and over 213,000 children-ensuring that students have consistent access to mental health care in schools.

Her vision, persistence, and community-driven approach have transformed telehealth in Texas. Yet, at the core of it all, she remains deeply rooted in faith, family, and service. As the Telehealth Institute continues to grow, this namesake dedication stands as a testament to the belief that no one serves alone­ because the greatest achievements are never accomplished alone, but together.