Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Marissa Tunis.
Dr. Tunis, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My career journey started as a personal one. As a teen who struggled with anxiety and depression in the 90s, it took too long to obtain effective treatment. The process of getting the help I needed was truly disheartening. I dedicated my work to helping people find the best treatment for their mental health condition, because there are many treatments and not all of them are effective for every diagnosis.
My curiosity about mental illness and treatment led me to studying psychology as an undergraduate at the University of Florida. From there, I worked for a therapist in private practice which inspired me to pursue my doctorate in clinical psychology. Arriving in Los Angeles in 2002, I was eager to begin my doctoral work at the California School of Professional Psychology, where I gained training to work with individuals, couples, and families. In the process of accruing my licensure hours, I interned at Santa Anita Family Service in Covina, The Wright Institute in West Los Angeles, and worked at research clinics through UCLA and USC. I moved to New York City for several years, where I had the privilege of serving as the In-house therapist at The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and Training Center. Working with writers and improvisers was pure joy. Upon moving back to Los Angeles, I served as The Director of Family Services at Resolutions Teen Center in Santa Monica before moving to my own private practice.
Finding the right work-life balance is extremely important to me; when it’s been out of balance, I’ve experienced burnout which is no fun at all. In my personal life I’m a mother, partner, dog owner, mediator and comedy fan. I love planning my next trip and finding ways to usher in peak experiences.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a California and New York-licensed psychologist based in Los Angeles with over 20 years of experience in mental healthcare. My treatment specialties include trauma, grief, pet loss, divorce, break-ups, dating and working with creative professionals.
I feel immense gratitude for being able to make a living as a psychologist. Helping people overcome their personal struggles to find stability and joy never gets old. In addition to working as an individual, couples, family therapist, I also provide Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy through Westside Mind Health (www.westsidemindhealth.com) in Westwood. I’ve seen this groundbreaking treatment lift people out of depression and other chronic mental health conditions when nothing else has worked.
What makes you happy?
Living in Los Angeles is happiness, and I don’t take a single day for granted. As an East Coast transplant, I deeply appreciate the warmth of the people and the climate. Some of my favorite places are the California Incline, the Hollywood Bowl, driving up PCH to Malibu, The Strand connecting Hermosa and Manhattan beaches, hiking Runyon and Will Rogers, and Lake Shrine.
Pricing:
- My fee is $300/session. I am happy to offer sliding scale for those unable to afford my fee when I have availability.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.drmarissatunis.com
Image Credits
Taylor Woods
Dylan Hancook
Tiffany Legrand
