Guided by a passion for advancing mental health innovation, we’re dedicated to creating research strategies that drive measurable impact and long-term success.
Melantha Health Psychology Consulting is driven by the belief that advancing healthcare requires a deep understanding of both clinical science and innovative technology. Our work is rooted in creating tailored strategies to meet the unique needs of healthcare and research leaders.
Guided by Proven Expertise
David L. Pennington, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist (PSY29603)
Founder and CEO, Melantha Health Psychology Consulting, PC
Dr. David Pennington is a clinical psychologist and accomplished leader with over 15 years of experience spanning academia, healthcare innovation, and clinical research. Born and raised in a rural community in Southwestern New Mexico, Dr. Pennington grew up in a region rich in culture but often underserved in resources. As a first-generation college graduate, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Western New Mexico University, where his passion for mental health and research took root. He continued his academic journey at Palo Alto University, earning a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.
After completing his doctoral training, Dr. Pennington pursued a clinical post-doctoral fellowship at the San Francisco VA Health Care System, focusing on substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and clinical care. He subsequently completed a second post-doctoral fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco, specializing in cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging of SUD. These formative experiences shaped his expertise in understanding the neurobiological and cognitive dimensions of addiction and informed his innovative approaches to intervention development.
As a seasoned leader in clinical trials, Dr. Pennington has contributed to more than 25 funded grants, with research funding exceeding $12 million. His work spans pharmacotherapy, digital health innovation, and cognitive-behavioral strategies for addressing complex mental health challenges. Notably, he has conducted pivotal studies evaluating topiramate for alcohol use disorder (AUD) in diverse contexts, including co-occurring traumatic brain injury (TBI) and PTSD.
Dr. Pennington’s expertise extends to cutting-edge digital health solutions, such as VR-based cognitive training and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) tools, which empower individuals in recovery with real-time support and enhanced treatment outcomes. His clinical focus lies in cognitive functioning within SUD and co-occurring conditions, leveraging evidence-based therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP).
As the lead author of the first Traumatic Brain Injury chapter in the ASAM Principles of Addiction Medicine, Dr. Pennington has made foundational contributions to advancing evidence-based approaches for managing co-occurring TBI and SUD. His publication history—spanning over 30 peer-reviewed articles and more than 80 national and international conference presentations—solidifies his reputation as a thought leader in the field. For a comprehensive overview of his scholarly contributions, visit his Google Scholar profile.
Dr. Pennington’s commitment to equity and inclusion has been a guiding principle throughout his career. He co-developed UCSF’s land acknowledgment policy and collaborated with Northern California tribes to address barriers to mental health care for Native American veterans and rural communities. His leadership in promoting health equity has earned him recognition as a Federal Employee of the Year nominee and multiple awards for advancing diversity and inclusion in clinical research.
Through Melantha Health Psychology Consulting, PC, Dr. Pennington combines lived experience, clinical expertise, and advanced research skills to help healthcare and research leaders achieve measurable outcomes.
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