Melissa R. Liddle, PsyD

As a psychology fellow, I strive to be a clinical psychology leader, pushing the clinical profession forward to make a difference in children's and adolescents' mental health in all realms of their lives.

I specialize in the psychological care of children, adolescents and young adults with developmental disabilities and chronic healthcare conditions. My care philosophy is rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy and family-centered care principles. I emphasize approaches that draw upon the strengths of both children and their caregivers.

My educational and clinical experiences over the last 14 years as a child life specialist and recreation therapist have lent themselves well to my work now as a clinical psychologist. I have had many challenging and rewarding experiences while working with children and adolescents with mental health concerns, in both inpatient psychiatric units and the medical center at Cincinnati Children’s.

I have observed children's and families' resiliency when they have the correct tools and when those tools are presented in an easy-to-understand manner. I have seen how collaboration with healthcare providers and psychological interventions can completely change a child's health trajectory. These interventions allow an otherwise sick child to receive optimal medical care and to function well at school and in the community.

I received the Association of University Centers on Disabilities AUCD Emerging Leader Award for early leaders in the field of developmental disabilities, for the 2019 – 2020 academic year.

In my research, I am interested in improving the lives of children with developmental disabilities and chronic illnesses. I’m investigating how adaptive care plans, which are family-centered and collaborative plans implemented during healthcare encounters, can promote positive healthcare outcomes for children with developmental disabilities.

With my colleagues, I’m also evaluating telehealth interventions that target daily living skills, such as personal hygiene, laundry, cooking and money management for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.

I enjoy spending my free time being immersed in nature, traveling to new places, walking my dogs and playing tennis.