Cynthia Grunsten, PsyD., M.Ed, is a psychology post-doctoral resident who works with children, adolescents and adults. Dr. Grunsten’s goal is to help others live a more fulfilling and harmonious life utilizing their resilience and personal strengths.
Dr. Grunsten hopes to help individuals find meaning in their life experiences and develop a more authentic connection with themselves so that they can go on to develop a genuine and deeper connection with others.
Inspiration
Dr. Grunsten was motivated by her experience as an art and special education teacher working in diverse low-income school settings in El Paso, New Mexico and Hawaii.
She was inspired to help parents navigate challenging dynamics within the school system and help empower them to advocate for their child’s needs.
Education
Dr. Grunsten holds a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Additionally, Dr. Grunsten holds a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from The Hawaii School of Professional Psychology, a master’s degree in Special Education with a concentration on Autism as well as a bachelor’s in art education from the University of Texas at El Paso.
Dr. Grunsten was president of the Association for Special Education at the University of Texas at El Paso and volunteered with various organizations, including AmeriCorps State and National, the United Way and the American Red Cross.
Professional History
Over the last few years, Dr. Grunsten worked in various treatment settings, including a private practice specializing in autism, adhd, and learning disabilities, providing comprehensive neuropsychological assessments for children, adolescents and adults. She has also provided therapeutic services at Chabad Hebrew Academy with children and adolescents providing psychoeducation, individual and group therapy. Additionally, she has worked in a private practice that provided forensic neuropsychological assessments for children, adolescents and adults. She also provided psychoeducation, individual, group, family therapy and crisis intervention for children, adolescents and families in a low-income elementary school.
Dr. Grunsten has worked extensively with children, adolescents and adults with ASD from diverse backgrounds. She has provided services as a behavioral instructional specialist and registered behavior technician for children and their families. Dr. Grunsten has also worked as an art teacher in New Mexico teaching K-12th grade. After completion of her master’s program at the University of Texas at El Paso, she moved to Hawaii to teach special education 1st through 5th grade. Now, Dr. Grunsten works at Mental Health Center of America (MHCA) in Phoenix, Arizona where she primarily treats adolescents and adults through developing individualized treatment plans and providing individual therapy. Dr. Grunsten also performs diagnostic psychological assessments that are comprehensive in nature and help provide patients with a thorough diagnosis that helps to inform their treatment.
Personal Interests
When Dr. Grunsten is not busy with work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs, traveling, baking, painting, running, cycling, hiking, yoga and wake surfing.
