Ronald W. Banks

Ronald W. Banks is an Adjunct Professor at Pacific Oaks College in the School of Cultural and Family Psychology, Department of Marriage & Family Therapy. He is a licensed psychologist in California specializing in clinical, community, and forensic psychology, with a focus on African American stress and trauma, racism, Black fatherhood, juvenile justice, and African-Centered psychology. Dr. Banks also maintains a private practice in Pasadena.

• Education: Psy.D. (1996) from California School of Professional Psychology, M.A. (1983) from Pepperdine University, B.A. (1977) from Linfield College

His research and practice intersect neuroscience with forensic assessments of African American male adolescents in the juvenile justice system. He advocates for destigmatizing Black fatherhood, a cause he advanced for two decades as clinical director of Project Fatherhood under Dr. Hershel L. Swinger.

Professional affiliations include membership in The Association of Black Psychologists. He serves as an expert witness for Los Angeles County Delinquency and Dependency Courts, evaluating risks in child-parent reunification cases. Dr. Banks presents nationally on these topics and is available for speaking engagements.