Kristina Murphy, MS

Murphy is a Registered Psychological Associate working towards their Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in Southern California. She works with teens and adults, specializing in neurodivergence, with diagnosed individuals and their biological or chosen family members. She has a holistic viewpoint of mental health interaction with comorbidities like PCOS(PMOS), Menopause, Anxiety, and Depression, with a special interest in women’s issues. As a therapist, she believes in treating the individuals’ needs in a way that makes them feel understood, seen, and supported. She utilizes intersectional aspects of the individual’s existence such as socioeconomic, sexual orientation, ethnicity/racial, and age. She is also experienced in assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, from childhood to adulthood.

Types of clients treated: 

• Teens to the Elderly
• Individuals with Neurodivergency
• Women's Issue's
• Life Changes

Types of therapies or interventions used: 

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Existentialism
• Narrative Therapy
• Feminist Therapy

Types of mental health issues treated:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Executive dysfunction
• Assertiveness
• Self-Esteem

Licenses/Certifications: 

•  Registered Psychological Associate, license #94029622

Education: 

• BS in Global Health Science, CSU Fullerton
• MS in Applied Behavioral Analysis, National University
• PsyD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Neurodivergency through an intersectional lens, Capella University

Availability: 

• Newport Beach, CA 
• Long Beach, CA
• Telehealth

 Years of experience:  3 years

Languages: 

• English

Why did you go into therapy? 

My passion for becoming a therapist comes from a deep commitment to helping individuals feel truly seen, understood, and supported—especially those who have felt misunderstood or overlooked in traditional systems. I have always been drawn to working with neurodivergent individuals and their families, and I value creating spaces where differences are not only accepted, but embraced.

Through my clinical training and lived understanding of the complexities of identity, I developed a strong interest in supporting individuals navigating ADHD, autism, learning differences, and co-occurring challenges such as anxiety, depression, and women’s health concerns. I am especially passionate about working with those exploring their identities and finding ways to thrive in environments that may not always be designed for them.

In addition to therapy, I am dedicated to providing comprehensive psychological evaluations that offer clarity and validation. I believe that accurate, thoughtful assessment can be a powerful tool for self-understanding and empowerment across the lifespan

Describe your therapeutic approach and what makes it unique? 

My approach to therapy is collaborative, neuro-affirming, and deeply individualized. I believe there is no one-size-fits-all model for healing, and I tailor my work to meet each person’s unique needs, strengths, and goals.

I take a holistic perspective, recognizing the intersection between mental health and factors such as biology, environment, identity, and life stage. This includes understanding how experiences like PCOS/PMOS, menopause, anxiety, depression, and other co-occurring conditions can shape emotional well-being.

What makes my approach unique is my commitment to integrating an intersectional lens into all aspects of care. I consider each individual’s full lived experience—including socioeconomic background, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and family dynamics—to ensure therapy feels relevant, respectful, and empowering.

I also specialize in comprehensive psychological evaluations for ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning differences, and other psychological concerns. My assessment process is thorough, collaborative, and neuro-affirming, helping clients gain meaningful insight, practical recommendations, and a clearer understanding of themselves.

Whether I am working with children, teens, or adults, I strive to create a space where clients feel safe to explore who they are, build on their strengths, and move toward a more connected and fulfilling life.