Melanie Inouye, OTD, OTR/L | Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Dr. Melanie Inouye is a licensed occupational therapist specializing in supporting neurodivergent adults, including those with autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental profiles who are navigating the complexities of neurodivergence alongside anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic health conditions (e.g., POTS, chronic migraines, complex chronic illness, etc). Many of her clients are late-diagnosed and seeking tailored support for new self-understanding and multifaceted challenges.

Dr. Inouye’s clinical expertise includes assessing and addressing functional cognition, sensory processing, executive functioning, habit and routine formation, emotional regulation, and social participation. She translates this expertise into evidence-based, practical toolkits that incorporate cognitive compensatory techniques, environmental modifications, energy management, nervous system regulation, routine adaptations, and sustainable lifestyle adjustments.

A central focus of Dr. Inouye’s practice is addressing neurodivergent burnout, perfectionism, and chronic exhaustion that can make daily life feel overwhelming and impact functioning. She is passionate about helping clients develop insight into their unique brain and nervous system, guiding them from validation to meaningful, lasting change.

Dr. Inouye’s approach is warm, holistic, and strengths-based. She helps clients recognize and leverage their strengths, foster resilience, and build the confidence and skills needed for purposeful, authentic engagement in daily life.

Dr. Inouye obtained her master's and clinical doctorate from the University of Southern California. During her master's, she gained clinical experience in mental health through UCLA TIES at the Semel Institute, where she provided trauma-informed care to children and adolescents in the foster care system with a wide range of diagnoses, including autism, ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, and more. Dr. Inouye completed her doctoral residency on a clinical research track at the USC Neural Plasticity and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory, where she also served as the program manager for the USC SMART-VR Center. Her doctoral research focused on implementation barriers and knowledge translation strategies to support the clinical application of virtual reality technology.

Passionate about the intersection of healthcare and technology, she actively explores how innovative solutions can support and improve mental and physical health conditions.

Education and Training:

Doctor of Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California

Bachelor of Science in Sociology, summa cum laude, University of Oregon

OT License # 24322, California

OT License # 61575400, Washington