Biography
Miranda Essa, M.S., RMHCI (pending licensure), is an adjunct professor in the Department of Psychology. Clinically, Miranda has extensive experience working in residential treatment settings with children and adolescents, including youth struggling with addictions. They previously served as a therapist at Zebra Youth, providing support to LGBTQ+ young people, and as the LGBT+ Victim Advocate at a Victim Services Center, where they responded to 24/7 crisis calls, conducted trauma-focused therapy, and supported survivors through medical and legal processes. Most recently, they have been a therapist at Devereux’s Statewide Inpatient Psychiatric Program (SIPP), working with children in intensive residential care.
In addition to their clinical work, Miranda is engaged in research and has published on the development of a quality of life assessment tool for gender diverse populations (THRIVE). They are passionate about bridging clinical practice and teaching, with a mission to foster accessibility, equity, and acceptance in the mental health field and beyond.