Business Details
Licensed Psychologist in New Orleans, LA
As a licensed developmental psychologist in private practice in New Orleans, LA, I bring extensive expertise in addressing psychological concerns through evidence-based approaches. My practice integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, functional family therapy, and existential psychology techniques, informed by over a decade of clinical experience and academic research. I hold a doctoral degree in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of New Orleans, where I also served as an instructor, and completed postdoctoral training at Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority and UNO's Counseling Services. My work spans individual therapy, family therapy, community mental health, and psychoeducation, with a focus on promoting client awareness and sustainable coping strategies.As an active member of the Louisiana Psychological Association and American Psychological Association, I contribute to professional discourse through research presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals. My recent initiative, Kunimatsu Courses, expands access to mental health education through self-help workshops designed for a general audience. I prioritize personalized care, offering free phone consultations to ensure appropriate service alignment and maintaining a client-centered approach throughout treatment. My practice philosophy emphasizes contextual factors influencing mental health, including biological, social, and cultural variables, to support meaningful, long-term change.
Services
Individual Therapy
Professional Consultation
Public Speaking
Online Courses
Phone Consultations
Psychoeducation
Emotion Regulation
Communication Training
Highlights and features
- We offer therapy informed by doctoral-level expertise in developmental psychology.
- Our treatment plans integrate evidence-based modalities like CBT and FFT.
- We provide specialized adolescent socioemotional development consultations.
- Our practice combines clinical work with academic research contributions.
- We offer accessible mental health education through Kunimatsu Courses.
Associations and certifications
- PCSAS
Services
Individual Therapy Sessions
Individual therapy addresses presenting problems through cognitive, behavioral, and relational interventions. Treatment requires client collaboration and skill practice between sessions. My approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with techniques from Positive Psychology, Mindfulness Training, and Existential Therapy. Adult clients typically engage in 24-48 months of treatment to achieve sustainable change.
Professional Case Consultation
Consultations provide expert guidance for mental health professionals on adolescent development, aggression management, and family systems impacts. Drawing from clinical experience in juvenile justice and community mental health, I offer confidential advice to support complex case management and treatment planning.
Public Speaking Engagements
Available for didactics, workshops, and lectures on adolescent brain development, stress management, and communication skills. Topics cater to parents, educators, and mental health professionals, informed by academic teaching experience and outreach programs for college students and clinicians in training.
Kunimatsu Courses
Self-help workshops deliver accessible mental health education to general audiences. These recorded programs expand on clinical expertise in emotion regulation and coping skills, providing structured learning resources based on developmental psychology principles to support personal growth and wellness.
Free Phone Consultations
Complimentary phone consultations determine service appropriateness for potential clients. Current clients may schedule follow-up discussions through the Client Portal to address therapy content outside regular sessions, ensuring proper treatment alignment before in-office appointments.
People
Melissa M. Kunimatsu
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Kunimatsu is a licensed developmental psychologist with a PhD from the University of New Orleans. She specializes in CBT and FFT, with experience in juvenile justice, community mental health, and academic research. Her work focuses on adult therapy and professional training.
Questions
Do I need therapy?
Therapy may benefit those experiencing distressing thoughts, feelings, or behaviors disrupting daily life. It provides a safe space for emotional exploration and skill development.
What differentiates psychologists from other mental health providers?
Psychologists hold doctoral degrees, complete supervised practice, and pass the EPPP exam. They offer psychotherapy and formal psychological assessments.
What are the benefits of psychotherapy?
Therapy creates a nonjudgmental environment to explore negative patterns, develop coping skills, and gain insight into emotional processes through active participation.
How do I find a compatible psychologist?
Successful therapy depends on the therapeutic alliance. Research providers' specializations and theoretical orientations to find a match for your needs.
Is there a difference between counseling and therapy?
The terms are often interchangeable. Treatment styles vary based on clinicians' education, training, and experience in specific therapeutic approaches.
Do you accept [specific insurance plan]?
Please check the Payment Options section of our website for insurance coverage details.
