My background

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a Ph.D. from UCLA. As part of my graduate education, I completed a specialty training year at UCSD's Counseling and Psychological Services, working with college and graduate students. It was there that I discovered how much I value working with bright, driven young adults navigating the pressures of high-level academics and early careers.

After earning my doctoral degree, I completed a three-year NIMH Postdoctoral Fellowship at UCLA's Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, focusing on interventions for teens and young adults. I specialized in the treatment of mood disorders and in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety through Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and other evidence-based strategies.

Prior to working full-time in private practice, I served as a Clinical Instructor at UCLA's School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry. I also worked as Senior Vice President at Sycamores, where I oversaw clinical training, quality improvement, and the implementation of evidence-based practices across one of the largest mental health agencies in Los Angeles.

After 20 years of successful private practice in Pasadena, I've moved to the Santa Ynez Valley — drawn by my lifelong love of horses and the beauty of Central California. While my Pasadena practice continues to thrive through secure video sessions, in-person sessions are now available in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Education

NIMH Postdoctoral Fellow — UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior
Ph.D., Clinical Psychology — University of California, Los Angeles
M.A., Clinical Psychology — University of California, Los Angeles
B.A., Psychology — University of California, Santa Barbara

Publications

I have published work in competitive, peer-reviewed academic journals including the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, and the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. I also co-authored a chapter in the Handbook of Pediatric and Adolescent Health Psychology.

Presentations

My work has been presented at national conferences including the American Psychological Society, Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Children's Mental Health Research and Policy, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Children's Array of Psychiatric Programs. I have also been invited to speak at community forums in Los Angeles to promote mental health, including a panel at the Community Forum on Mental Health sponsored by UCLA Center for Community Partnerships.

Professional Information

Clinical Psychologist — CA License # PSY 17756
Psychology Today Profile