Christina Cortez

Dr. Christina Cortez is an Adjunct Professor at Antioch University Santa Barbara, affiliated with the MA in Clinical Psychology program. She specializes in therapeutic approaches such as Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Mindfulness-Based Practices, with a focus on serving Latinx communities, including adolescents, young adults, and families.

Educational Background:

• Bachelor's in Psychology, Chapman University
• Master's in Clinical Psychology, 2016
• Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology, Antioch University Santa Barbara, 2020

Research & Clinical Focus: Dr. Cortez's work explores the experiences of immigrant parents of children with special needs through a phenomenological lens, providing insights into systemic challenges and guiding outreach strategies. Her clinical training includes predoctoral work at The Santa Barbara Psychology Internship Consortium (SB-PIC) and postdoctoral training at Mission Harbor Behavioral Health's Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs. She operates a private practice emphasizing multiculturally informed mental healthcare for adolescents and youth, with bilingual (English/Spanish) capabilities.

Scientific Recognition:

• 2018 award for social justice research
• 2017 scholarship

Professional Engagements:Dr. Cortez has collaborated with institutions such as Santa Barbara County SELPA, University of California Santa Barbara's School Psychology faculty, and Mission Harbor Behavioral Health. Her practice integrates trauma-informed, somatic, and exposure-based therapies to enhance patient resilience and stability.