About Dr. Melissa Matos
Dr. Matos is a licensed clinical psychologist (CA PSY29944) specializing in rehabilitation psychology. Her clinical background and research has focused on providing culturally-sensitive clinical care and consultation services across various medical settings that promotes positive coping and adaptation to living with chronic health conditions and disabilities. Her specialty areas include integrated care and interdisciplinary treatment, and adjustment to health conditions and disability. She has a special interest in autoimmune conditions and is certified as a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist (MSCS). Dr. Matos has advanced training and experience working with apparent and non-apparent disabilities including spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, sensory loss (vision and hearing), and acquired brain injuries.
Through her lived experiences with alopecia and hearing loss, Dr. Matos is committed to inclusivity and disability advocacy. She has presented on the psychological aspects of living with chronic health conditions, including social stigma and concealment in apparent and non-apparent disabilities. Her therapeutic approach uses affirmative principles that focus on strength and resilience to help individuals feel confident and empowered by their diverse identities and life experiences.
Dr. Matos completed her undergraduate degree in psychology from California State University, Fullerton and her master’s degree in psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy from Chapman University. She obtained her doctoral degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis in clinical health psychology at Alliant International University. Her clinical training background includes an APA-accredited internship at VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and an APA-accredited postdoctoral psychology fellowship with an emphasis in Rehabilitation Psychology at VA Long Beach Healthcare System, recognized as having one of the largest spinal cord injury and disorders centers in the nation.
Publications | Presentations
PUBLICATIONS
Matos, M. M. (2022, October). Alopecia and mental health awareness: A call to action. Bald Life Magazine, 7, 26-27.
Schultz, K. R., Cameron, R. P., Clemency, C., Mona, L. R. Brindle, S., & Matos, M. M. Sexuality and Sexual Functioning. In M. Meade, K. Bechtold, & S. Wegener (Eds.), Oxford Handbook of Rehabilitation Psychology (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. (In production).
Matos, M. M. (2014). Posttraumatic stress disorder risk factors associated with burn injuries. Psychotherapy Bulletin, 49(1), 51-55.
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
Meeting Presentations
Matos, M. M., O’Neill, C., & O’Callaghan, E. (2023, August). Comprehensive Telehealth Suicide Prevention. Presented at the annual conference of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.
Matos, M. M. (2022, December). Building Confidence in Diverse Bodies and Identities: Disability Culturally Informed Care. Invited presentation delivered to the Pacific Anxiety Group (virtual presentation).
Matos, M. M. (2022, April). Lupus & Mental Health Care. Invited presentation delivered to the Lupus Foundation of America, Southern California Educational Series (virtual presentation)
Matos, M. M. (2022, March). Managing Anxiety & Depression. Invited presentation delivered to Concussion Compass Guest Expert series (virtual presentation).
Matos, M. M. (2021, September). Let’s Talk About Lupus & Mental Health - Managing Anxiety & Depression. Invited presentation delivered to the Lupus Foundation of America, Southern California Educational Series (virtual presentation).
Matos, M. M., & Mona, L.R. (2018, August). Implications for social stigma and concealment strategies in rehabilitation (Visible differences). Presented at the Paralyzed Veterans of American (PVA) 8th Annual Healthcare Summit & Expo, Dallas, TX.
Mona, L.R. & Matos, M. M. (2018, June). Anxiety, depression and Hydrocephalus in the Pediatric Population. Presented at the 15th National Conference on Hydrocephalus, Newport Beach, CA.
Mona, L.R. & Matos, M. M. (2018, June). The real truth about living with Hydrocephalus: Facts, tips, tricks, and more! Presented at the 15th National Conference on Hydrocephalus, Newport Beach, CA.
Matos, M. M., Mona, L.R., Horin, E. V., & Tilka, N. (2018, February). Implications for social stigma and concealment strategies in rehabilitation. Presented at the 20th mid-year meeting of the APA Division 22 Rehabilitation Psychology, Dallas, TX.
Matos, M. M. (2013, March). Posttraumatic stress disorder risk factors associated with burn injuries. In J. Tirengle (Chair), The interface between bodily injury and psychological trauma. Symposium conducted at the meeting of the Trauma Lab, California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, Los Angeles. Alhambra, CA
Poster Presentations
O’Neill, C., O’Callaghan, E., Matos, M. M., Lee, & Winsberg. (2023, August). Implementation and Feasibility of an Innovative Telehealth Solution for the Treatment of Su Poster session presented at the annual conference of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.
Matos, M. M., O’Neill, C., O’Callghan, E., Sutra, N., & Winsberg, M. (2023, August). Innovations in Telehealth Psychotherapy: Feasibility, Engagement, and Outcomes. Poster session presented at the annual conference of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.
Matos, M. M., Theodore, P., Duran, R.F. & O’Callaghan, E. (2017, April). Exploring individual disease burden in alopecia, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Poster session presented at the 38th annual meeting and scientific session of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, San Diego, CA.
Matos, M. M., & Noviello, N. (2015, April). Personality, perceived stigmatization and life satisfaction in chronic skin disease. Poster session presented at the 36th annual meeting and scientific session of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, San Antonio, TX.
Matos, M. M., & Noviello, N. (2014, April). Illness perceptions and health-related quality of life in adults with chronic skin disease. Poster session presented at the 35th annual meeting and scientific session of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, Philadelphia, PA.
Matos, M. M., & Noviello, N. (2013, April). Perceived stigmatization and quality of life in chronic skin disorders. Poster session presented at the 93rd annual convention of the Western Psychological Association, Reno, NV.