About Dr. Melissa Matos

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Melissa M. Matos, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist (CA PSY29944) and registered Health Service Psychologist (#64021) with advanced training in rehabilitation and medical psychology. She brings over a decade of experience delivering culturally responsive care in medical and interdisciplinary settings, helping individuals navigate the emotional impact of chronic health conditions and disability.

Dr. Matos specializes in supporting individuals living with visible/apparent and non-visible/apparent conditions, including spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, alopecia/hair loss, acquired brain injuries, sensory loss, and other health-related challenges. Her clinical approach integrates strength-based, affirming care with a focus on adjustment, adaptation, and resilience.

Informed by her own lived experiences with alopecia and hearing loss, Dr. Matos is deeply committed to disability advocacy and inclusive care. She has presented nationally on the psychological aspects of chronic health conditions and disability, with an emphasis on stigma and concealment. Her approach is rooted in compassion and empowerment, helping individuals embrace their identities and build lives aligned with their values and strengths.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University, Fullerton, and her master’s degree in psychology from Chapman University. She completed her doctorate in clinical psychology with an emphasis in clinical health psychology at Alliant International University, with APA-accredited psychology predoctoral internship at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and a psychology postdoctoral fellowship in Rehabilitation Psychology at the VA Long Beach Healthcare System, home to one of the largest spinal cord injury centers in the nation.

Publications | Presentations

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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.