Melissa O’Donnell, PsyD

she/her/hers

About me

“I view therapy as an active, often empowering, and collaborative process of understanding and learning strategies for responding to struggles in a way that is most consistent with the life you want to lead. I specialize in treating a wide-range of challenges including addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, burnout, self-criticism, stigma, and major life transitions. My therapeutic approach is to flexibly tailor treatment in a way that is culturally-responsive and best fits the unique needs of each client. In doing so, I primarily draw from empirically-supported practices such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness-based interventions. My style is best characterized as warm, supportive, and transparent (with a touch of humor). ”

Dr. O’Donnell obtained her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium. She then completed her internship at the VA Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center in Downtown Los Angeles, followed by her postdoctoral fellowship at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System in the Continuum of Care for Addictive Behaviors, Trauma, and Co-Occurring Disorders focus area. Her research and clinical experiences have focused on the intersection of addiction, trauma, and stigma across healthcare systems. She has formal training in evidence-based practices for a range of challenges including Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She currently serves as a staff psychologist on the Addiction Consultation and Treatment team at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System.

Clinics I work in

General, Trauma Recovery Clinic

Training and Experience

Graduate School: PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium
Internship: VA Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center
Post-doctoral Fellowship: VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Continuum of Care for Addictive Behaviors, Trauma, and Co-Occurring Disorders Focus

License

31277