Dr. Meginnis-Payne is a North Carolina native.  She received her undergraduate degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.  She has been at GMH since 2001 and specializes in the treatment of anxiety and depression as well as issues related to self-esteem, body image, stress, and interpersonal relationships.  In addition to her part-time clinical work at GMH, Dr. Meginnis-Payne is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Peace College.

Dr. Meginnis-Payne’s approach to therapy is characterized by treating the "whole person” where the influences of biology, family of origin, current relationships, thoughts, behaviors, patterns of coping, and the influence of culture are assessed.  Dr. Meginnis-Payne draws upon the best techniques from a wide range of theoretical approaches in order to formulate a plan of treatment that is best suited to the client’s individual needs and goals.  

Dr. Meginnis-Payne has a special interest in mindfulness and its relation to healing and health.  She has completed courses in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and reads extensively about the role of mindfulness in psychotherapy.