Bethany Simmons

Dr. Bethany Simmons serves as Associate Professor and Program Director of the M.S. Counseling Psychology Marital and Family Therapy (MFT) Program at California Lutheran University, teaching courses in Family Systems Theory, MFT Practicum, Counseling Theories, and Cultural Diversity. Previously, she held leadership roles including Interim Program Director (2015-2016) and Director of Clinical Training (2015-2018).

Her educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Psychology with Minor in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University (2003)
• Master's and Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Louisiana at Monroe

Dr. Simmons' research centers on systemic and cybernetic theory applied to social justice issues in mental health, examining epistemological premises in therapy training to address power dynamics, privilege, and cultural diversity for oppressed populations. Current projects focus on engaging involuntary clients, family treatment for juvenile substance use, and preserving systemic family therapy legacies through qualitative research.

As an educator, she mentors doctoral students and has chaired dissertation committees across institutions. She founded the Big Systems Collective Consulting Group—a national network of MFTs dismantling oppressive systems in mental health care and government through cybernetic action—and maintains clinical experience in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient programs, and private practice.