Melanie Nelson

Dr. Melanie McDiarmid Nelson, Ph.D., is the executive director of PCIT International Association and a certified global trainer in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). In her role, she oversees the California Center of Excellence in PCIT and leads statewide efforts to expand high-fidelity implementation across diverse systems of care.

Dr. Nelson has more than two decades of experience training therapists, developing PCIT curricula, and supporting agencies in sustainable, data-driven practice. Her work has included large-scale dissemination projects, trainer development and international consultation. She is committed to thoughtful implementation that balances access and growth with strong clinical fidelity, ensuring that families across California receive effective, evidence-based care.