Education

• Bridgewater College, Virginia, 1989, B.A. (cum laude), English & Psychology
• Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, 1998, M.S., Psychology
• University of Virginia, 2000, M.Ed., Clinical Psychology
• University of Virginia, 2004, Ph.D., Clinical Psychology
• Tulane University School of Medicine, 7/03 - 6/04, Clinical Psychology Internship
• The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 9/04 - 8/05, Postdoctoral Fellowship, Early Childhood program

Biography

Years at Tulane:
Since 2005

Dr. Angela Breidenstine is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Tulane University. Her clinical work focuses on infant and early childhood mental health, particularly with children and families who have experienced trauma or other adverse life events. Since 2003, she has worked with young children and families involved with the child welfare system. She is trained in and uses a variety of evidence-based therapies for young children and families, such as Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Parent Child Interaction Therapy, Attachment and Biobehavioral Catchup, Preschool PTSD Treatment, and Circle of Security. Dr. Breidenstine provides clinical supervision, consultation, and teaching related to infant and early childhood mental health. She has provided trainings in early childhood relationship assessment for mental health professionals in the United States and internationally.

Dr. Breidenstine also has interests in the relevance and application of mindfulness traditions to psychotherapy, wellness and stress management for professionals working in the field of trauma, diversity and equity, and resilience. She is a trained teacher of the Mindful Self-Compassion program (created by Neff & Germer) and the related Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities program. She is also involved with program development for families with young children through the Louisiana Children’s Museum.

Publications

Smyke, A. T. & Breidenstine, A. S. (2018). Foster care in early childhood. In C. H. Zeanah (Ed.), Handbook of infant mental health (4th ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press. 

Breidenstine, A. S. (2017). “Like a different child:” One family’s commitment to healing, one step at a time. Zero to Three Journal, 37(6), 4-9.

Breidenstine, A. S., Couvillion, J., & Many, C. (2012). Forging a healthier path: A Multidisciplinary team approach to reducing risk and improving child outcomes. Zero To Three Journal, 32(6), 26-31.

Breidenstine, A. S., Bailey, L. O., Zeanah, C. H., & Larrieu, J. A. (2011). Attachment and trauma in early childhood: A review. Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma, 4(4), 274-290.