Jessica Arenella

Dr. Jessica Arenella is an Adjunct Professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY), specializing in clinical psychology with a focus on severe mental illness, psychosis, and schizophrenia. She serves as Chief Psychologist at St. Barnabas Health System in the Bronx, overseeing a large externship training program. Her expertise includes working with individuals experiencing extreme psychological experiences, emphasizing psychosocial approaches and recovery-oriented care.

Dr. Arenella holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University (2000), a B.A. from the University of Toronto (1992), and a Health Coach certification from the American Council on Exercise (2013). She teaches courses such as PSY 758, PSY 760, and PSY 761 at John Jay.

Her research explores intersections between psychosis, trauma, and societal factors, with notable work on objectification in anorexia and psychosis, and the impact of technology on clinical understanding of psychosis. She actively presents at conferences like the International Society for Psychological and Social Approaches to Psychosis (ISPS), addressing topics ranging from emergency department challenges to cultural competence in psychiatry.

Dr. Arenella received the 2019 Christian Müller Award for her dedication to ISPS-US and psychosocial approaches to psychosis. She is a lifetime member of ISPS-US and the New York State Psychological Association. Her work emphasizes reducing stigma, improving clinical training, and advocating for marginalized populations in mental health care.