Arnold James, MPH, Ph.D.

Dr. Arnold H. James, PhD, MPH is a clinical psychologist with 35 years of experience in private practice in New Orleans, Louisiana, specializing in treating adults 18 and older with anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. He holds a PhD in clinical-community psychology from the University of South Carolina, a Master’s in Public Health Education, and an undergraduate degree in psychology. Dr. James completed his clinical internship at Tulane Medical School, followed by a teaching fellowship at Davidson College, and earned a postdoctoral certification in psychoanalytic psychotherapy from the New Orleans-Birmingham Psychoanalytic Institute. He provides both in-person and telehealth services, translating complex psychoanalytic concepts into accessible language for everyday use, and has built his practice primarily through word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied patients and their families.

Beyond his private practice, Dr. James is a dynamic public speaker and educator. He regularly presents mental health and wellness talks to local churches and community organizations, and works with the New Orleans Saints rookie classes on mental health and performance resilience. His experience spans inpatient behavioral health, crisis management, outpatient therapy, and community education. He also brings clinical expertise to executive coaching, helping individuals and organizations identify and achieve specific goals, improve workplace culture, and enhance diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Dr. James’ approach combines rigorous clinical training with a deeply empathic, mentoring stance, making psychology accessible and actionable. He is a member of an international psychotherapy organization and was part of the Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars class. His professional mission is to guide individuals, families, and organizations toward improved mental health, resilience, and overall well-being, leaving a lasting impact through both therapy and public engagement.

• Undergraduate degree in psychology from University of South Carolina
• Master's in Public Health Education from University of South Carolina
• PhD in clinical-community psychology from University of South Carolina (1991)
• Clinical internship training at Tulane Medical School (1988-89)
• Teaching fellowship at Davidson College (1989-91)
• Postdoctoral certification in psychoanalytic psychotherapy from New Orleans-Birmingham Psychoanalytic Institute

• MPH
• PhD

• Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars

• International psychotherapy organization

• Regular speaking engagements with New Orleans Saints rookie classes
• Wellness talks on mental health at local churches and community organizations