About Dr. Nelson…

To view Dr. Nelson's CV, click here.

Dr. Nelson graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Chicago. Thereafter, she earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles. Although there are many programs that train different types of therapists, UCLA has consistently been the top–rated program in Clinical Psychology in the country (for one source, see U.S. News & World Report).

During her training at UCLA, Dr. Nelson specialized in research and treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. She has given numerous conference presentations and has published several academic papers, including some in the most prestigious psychological journals such as the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. In addition, Dr. Nelson also received a National Research Service Award for her work on children of depressed mothers.

Dr. Nelson has received extensive training in Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for various anxiety disorders and depression for people of all ages. At UCLA, she trained with Michelle Craske, Ph.D., one of the leaders in the field of anxiety disorder research and treatment. Dr. Nelson completed her psychology internship at UCLA's Neuropsychiatric Institute, where she specialized in the treatment and neuropsychological assessment of chronic mental illnesses. After this training, Dr. Nelson was employed by the UCLA hospital. She worked as a therapist in the UCLA Adult Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder Intensive Treatment Program. This is a program for people with severe obsessive–compulsive disorder or severe obsessive–compulsive spectrum disorders (i.e., Body Dysmorphic Disorder, skin picking, etc.).

For 16 years, Dr. Nelson has been on the clinical faculty at the UCLA School of Medicine. During that time, she has been an attending clinician in the: Adult Anxiety Outpatient Clinic, OCD Adult Intensive Treatment Program, and Child/Adolescent OCD Intensive Treatment Program.

Dr. Nelson presented at annual conferences – including the International Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy. Locally, she has been an invited expert speaker on anxiety disorders at Promises Rehabilitation Center and the West Los Angeles VA.

Dr. Nelson has worked in the area of anxiety disorders for over 20 years. She currently has a private practice in Los Angeles, California. She is also on the Clinical Faculty at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. She leads the family education group in the UCLA Adult OCD Intensive Treatment Program and is an intake evaluator for this clinic. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, International Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Foundation, Anxiety Disorder Association of America, and Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies

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