Claire Pinkston

Claire Pinkston serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Marriage & Family Therapy at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, California. With a Master of Science from University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Arts from UCLA, she brings extensive clinical and teaching experience to her academic role.

Her research and clinical interests focus on:

• Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care
• Addiction and Substance Use Disorders
• Marriage and Family Relationships
• Mental Health and Psychopathology
• Social Justice Issues in Therapy
• Sexuality and Gender Issues

Dr. Pinkston's clinical work has centered on trauma experienced by individuals in the criminal justice system, particularly women with substance use disorders who have experienced sexual trauma. Her practice spans community mental health settings serving indigent populations, as well as private practice addressing pandemic-related trauma.

She holds professional certifications as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II. Her professional memberships include:

• California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
• California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP)
• Institute of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies (Diplomate)

Outside her academic work, Claire serves as a Workshop Facilitator and DMH Volunteer for the American Red Cross, demonstrating her commitment to community service and mental health advocacy.