Shelli Deskins, Ph.D.

Dr. Shelli Deskins is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in treating children, adolescents, and their families presenting with a variety of concerns including  ADHD and ASD, anxiety, depression, adjustment, and trauma, as well as general behavioral and parenting concerns. Her approach to treatment is cognitive-behavioral and emphasizes the strengths of the child and the family. Dr. Deskins consults frequently with other providers (e.g., physicians, speech-language pathologists) in order to provide the best possible care. Typically, younger children and their caregivers are seen together, as adult involvement is essential.  

Prior to entering private practice in 2022, Dr. Deskins worked at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) in the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (DDBP) for over 7 years where she saw children with developmental disabilities who had mild to moderate behavioral concerns on an outpatient basis and provided inpatient services for children with more severe behavioral issues. Dr. Deskins also provided PCIT, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and emotional regulation services. 

Dr. Deskins' career has focused on assessment and treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities, trauma, and behavioral concerns. Prior to CCHMC, she was an Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine treating patients with a focus in trauma. Dr. Deskins also established and directed, for 6 years, the Highlands Center for Autism, the first center-based Applied Behavior Analytic program in the state of KY.

Dr. Deskins received her undergraduate degrees in psychology and social work from the University of Kentucky. She went on to pursue her Master’s and Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Auburn University. She completed her clinical internship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Child Study Center and Center for Child Abuse and Neglect in the areas of child abuse and neglect and PCIT. Dr. Deskins went on to complete two postdoctoral fellowships at West Virginia University and University of Kentucky. 

Dr. Deskins is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Ohio Psychological Association, and is a board member of Cincinnati Academy of Professional Psychology. In the past, she served as Vice Chair of the Kentucky Applied Behavior Analyst Licensing Board (2010-2012) and as the chair from 2012-2014. Dr. Deskins is originally from eastern Kentucky and now resides with her son in northern Kentucky. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and is interested in nutrition and fitness.