Melissa Harman, PhD

As a psychologist in the Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, I specialize in comprehensive evaluations and treatment for children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disabilities. These conditions include autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as cognitive delays and disruptive behavior. I work from a strengths-based approach where each child and adolescent is unique and has something wonderful to share.

I was inspired to become a clinical child psychologist after working for several years as a high school social studies teacher. As an educator, I saw firsthand the resilience of my students with disabilities in the classroom and the barriers they and their families faced in accessing comprehensive care. In the past decade, I have worked with children in both clinical and school settings, which allows me to support families in planning for success across contexts.

In my work, I take a family-centered approach to care. Parents are an essential part of our team, and we work together to provide exceptional care for their children. As a psychologist, I view myself as a detective and a coach — helping families find answers and learn skills. In therapy, I work from a behavioral approach, recognizing that children exist within environments and systems that affect their behavior, functioning and well-being.

I was named a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Early Career Scholar by the Institute of Educational Science’s MTSS Research Network Leadership Team for my literacy research (2020).

I have lived in Canada, Mexico and Honduras, as well as five states in the US – Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Oregon. I enjoy traveling to different countries and have collected over 400 postcards. I am also an avid reader and love talking to children about their favorite books. On the weekends, I enjoy time with my family, cooking and being outside.