I’m Dr. Melody Abbene (she/her), a queer AuDHD (autistic plus ADHD) clinical psychologist licensed in California (PSY29249) and Texas (38786). I am passionate about working with neurodivergent adults of all ages, particularly autistic adults and adult ADHD-ers. I have expertise in anxiety, depression, trauma, disordered eating, chronic pain, chronic illness, and adjustment to disability. I also have an understanding of the nuanced discrimination that individuals with neurodivergencies and both apparent and non-apparent disabilities face on a regular basis, and I aim to support my clients in coping with these stressors and reaching a place of empowerment.
I am deeply committed to approaching care in a compassionate and collaborative manner. I am not interested in imposing my beliefs about what my clients’ lives should look like. Instead, I take the time to gain an understanding of who they are, their cultural backgrounds, where their values and strengths lie, and what motivates them in order to support them in building and maintaining lives of meaning and fulfillment, regardless of circumstances. Using a combination of therapeutic strategies, I tailor treatment to each individual.
Professional Journey:
- Received a Bachelor’s degree from UCLA
- Earned my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University in San Francisco, and received the Dean’s Award of Excellence for each academic year
- Awarded the Scott and Paul Pearsall Scholarship from the American Psychological Foundation to research the lived experiences of women with disabilities
- Received the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA)/Prop 63 Stipend and completed a project on improving community mental health
- Completed a pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at a safety net hospital in Oakland, CA, serving as an integrated mental health provider to a diverse population with a focus on culturally sensitive care
- Worked in a variety of settings, including community mental health, private practice, hospitals, and medical centers
- Provided individual, group, and couples therapy, consultations, home visits, and assessments
Other Professional Endeavors:
- Volunteer counselor for individuals exiting extremist groups
- Member of APA Division 38 – Society for Health Psychology, as well the Association for Size Diversity and Health
- Currently pursuing American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) Board Certification in Health Psychology
Contact Information
phone number: (512) 253-8909
email: drabbene@
I am licensed in California and Texas. I’m also a member of PSYPACT. I am able to provide teletherapy services to anyone physically in California, Texas, or in any of the 37 PSYPACT states.
(Click on PSYPACT to see if your state is one of the 37 states covered)
I am now offering autism assessments to those physically in Texas and PSYPACT states.
For those interested in an autism assessment in California, please reach out to Dr. Lee.