Dr. Kunimatsu’s waitlist will open in Summer 2023

April 2023 Update: I will be accepting new waitlist inquiries via scheduled phone consultations in Summer 2023. Potential clients interested in working with me can schedule a free phone consultation from the times available in May and June via the Client Portal. The number of new client consultations available is limited, so I encourage scheduling in advance if possible. Please note that an initial phone consultation does not guarantee continued therapy services.

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 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. I have also 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.

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.

When I’m not working with my clients or conducting outreach, I enjoy spending time with friends & family, playing video games, reading fiction, and listening to podcasts.