Alissa Maitino, PhD

Alissa Maitino, Ph.D. is a professional psychological assistant registered by the California Board of Psychology (PSB94023473), and supervised by Dr. Jennifer Shapiro (PSY 22739). She uses evidence-based treatments to help adolescents and adults experiencing eating disorders and other psychological disorders. Dr. Maitino guides her clinical interventions by helping patients use their natural temperament and strengths to improve their lives and reach their goals. Dr. Maitino believes that each of us has a unique biology and set of life experiences that shape the way we think, feel, and behave in the world. In therapy, she provides a safe space in which patients can share their experiences, develop insight into how and why they may experience the world the way they do, and try on new ways of interacting with the world. Dr. Maitino has extensive experience treating eating and other psychological disorders at all levels of care. She completed a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship at UCSD Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research. While at UCSD, she gained expert training in treating adolescents and adults with various types of eating disorders. She conducted group, individual, and family therapy, and provided specialized meal support. She also gained extensive experience in treating psychological problems that often co-occur with eating disorders including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and trauma. Prior to working at UCSD, Dr. Maitino completed her predoctoral internships at Rady Children’s Hospital and Delaware Psychiatric Center, where she helped children, adolescents, and adults struggling with trauma, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, personality disorders, substance use disorders, and psychosis. Dr. Maitino’s clinical interest and practice are primarily rooted in, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Family-Based Therapy (FBT; Maudsley), exposure therapy for anxiety disorders, disorders, and evidence-based treatments for trauma (CPT and TF-CBT).