Kara A. Nishimuta, Ph.D.

Professional Background

Dr. Nishimuta is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. They joined the faculty in 2022 after finishing their post-doctoral fellowship training at KUMC. Currently, Dr. Nishimuta's primary role is providing psychological services for patients undergoing advanced heart failure therapies. She works closely with both the heart transplant and LVAD teams through the Center for Transplantation.

Dr. Nishimuta's work primarily focuses on chronic illness and trauma, as well as care of LGBTQ+ individuals. In addition to working in cardiology, she provides psychotherapy for LGBTQ+ individuals who are engaging in identity exploration, interested in gender-affirming surgery, or who want a provider who is LGBTQ+ focused. Dr. Nishimuta often writes referral letters for hormone replacement therapy or gender affirming surgery.

Prior to serving on faculty, Dr. Nishimuta completed their post-doctoral fellowship in oncology psychology at the University of Kansas Cancer Center. Their residency was completed at Shands hospital at the University of Florida, and was focused on training in several areas of acute and chronic illness, including chronic pain, oncology, brain and spinal cord injury, solid organ transplantation, and sleep. She completed her doctoral degree at Palo Alto University and completed her pre-doctoral training at several hospitals throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

• PhD, Clinical Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA
• MS, Clinical Psychology, Palo Alto University
• BS, Psychology, Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
• Post Doctoral Fellowship, Clinical Psychology, University of Kansas Cancer Center

• Society for Behavioral Medicine, HIV & Sexual Health, Member, 2025 - Present
• Kansas Psychological Association, Diversity & Inclusion Chair, 2023 - 2024
• Society for Behavioral Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, Member, 2023 - Present
• World Professional Association for Transgender Health, Member, 2023 - Present
• Society for Behavioral Medicine, Member, 2022 - Present
• Psychology Diversity Committee, Member, 2021 - Present

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