Melissa Kaye Cousino Hood, PhD

Dr. Cousino received a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Case Western Reserve University where she served as an appointee on a National Institute of Health training grant in pediatric psychology. Prior to joining the University of Michigan faculty, Dr. Cousino completed her internship and fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School where she continued specialized training in pediatric psychology and pediatric palliative care.

Dr. Cousino currently serves as an attending cardiac and transplant psychologist, as well as Director of M-COPE, the Psychosocial Services and Research Program for the University of Michigan Congenital Heart Center. The M-COPE program works to 1) increase access to mental health care for patients and families in the heart center, 2) be a leading, nationally recognized program for psychosocial research in pediatric cardiology, and 3) provide training to all learners in the psychosocial care of pediatric cardiology patients and families. The M-COPE Program serves as an exemplar program for embedded, integrated psychosocial care within pediatric cardiac centers -- developing novel patient- and family- focused programs and interventions to improve wellbeing, coping, and overall quality of life in pediatric heart care. In addition, Dr. Cousino leads a federally-funded program of research centered around psychosocial care and outcomes in pediatric advanced heart disease and solid organ transplantation. She is the developer of the WE BEAT Program - a wellbeing and resilience-focused group intervention for young people with serious medical conditions. A multi-site federally funded randomized trial of the WE BEAT intervention in adolescent congenital heart disease is currently underway as led by Dr. Cousino.

Nationally and internationally, Dr. Cousino serves as a strong advocate for mental health care in pediatric heart disease and solid organ transplantation. She is actively engaged in societal and patient/family-led cardiology and transplant organizations. She will serve as Scientific Program Chair for the 2027 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation -- representing the first-time a non-physician has held this role.

Dr. Cousino is grateful to do work each day that brings purpose and opportunities to connect with amazing young people facing serious illnesses and their families. Outside of work, Dr. Cousino keeps busy with her young children and family. She especially enjoys backyard and organized sports with her kids, doing anything on/near Michigan's beautiful lakes, and playing sand volleyball.

University of Michigan Health participates with most health insurance plans.