Melissa M. Kunimatsu, PhD, LP
CV (.pdf download)
I am a licensed developmental psychologist in private practice in New Orleans, LA. I hold master’s and doctoral degrees in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of New Orleans (PCSAS accreditation) where I also served as an instructor for multiple undergraduate classes including General Psychology and Human Sexual Behavior. I completed my postdoctoral training at Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority and UNO’s Counseling Services in addition to being employed as a psychometrist at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans.
I’ve worked with clients experiencing a wide array of psychological concerns including anxiety, depression, anger management, low self-esteem, problems in communication, and interpersonal or family conflict. My clinical experience includes individual therapy, family therapy, community mental health, juvenile justice, psychoeducation, and psychometric assessment. I utilize primarily cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), functional family therapy (FFT), and existential psychology techniques in providing services for a range of clients.
In addition to my work as a licensed mental health provider, I am also an avid independent educator. I have participated in a variety of outreach activities, including parent and teacher education talks at local schools, stress management seminars for college students and staff, and informational didactics and role-plays for mental health clinicians in training. My most recent creation is Kunimatsu Courses, a series of recorded educational self-help workshops designed for a general, nonclinical audience.
I’m a proud member of the Louisiana Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association, and I have presented research findings at conferences for both the Society for Research on Child Development and the Society for Research on Adolescence. I have published articles in various academic journals, including Child and Youth Care Forum, the International Journal of Forensic and Mental Health, and Psychological Assessment, and I have reviewed publication submissions for the Journal of Child and Family Studies, Child and Youth Care Forum, and the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology. I’ve also been known to blog on occasion.
When I’m not working with my clients or creating personal development content, I enjoy spending time with friends & family, playing video games, reading fiction, and listening to podcasts.
