Marlene Garza

Dr. Marlene Garza serves as Adjunct Faculty in the Department of Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School's Los Angeles campus. A bilingual (English/Spanish) Chicanx psychologist (they/she), she specializes in culturally responsive clinical neuropsychology and trauma-informed care grounded in Liberation Psychology, with expertise in brain injury, cognitive functioning, and systemic oppression's mental health impacts.

Education:

• B.A. in Political Science (American Politics) from UCLA (2002)
• M.A. in Counseling Psychology from University of San Francisco (2006)
• Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University (2018)

Research Interests: Dr. Garza's work integrates neuropsychology with social justice frameworks to address trauma and cultural factors in assessment/treatment. Key areas include Liberation Psychology applications, culturally humble approaches to brain injury rehabilitation, systemic oppression's cognitive effects, and addiction co-occurring disorders within marginalized communities. Her methodology emphasizes community-centered care and decolonizing psychological practice.

Professional Background: Licensed in CA, NV, and NY, she has trained at LAC-USC Neurology, Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center, and Harbor UCLA Medical Center. Her clinical experience spans hospitals, immigrant-support organizations, and community health programs, focusing on neuropsychological rehabilitation and trauma recovery. Dr. Garza's teaching prioritizes equity and reflective practice development in future clinicians.

Personal: An accomplished athlete (21 marathons, CrossFit Level 1 trainer) and dog rehabilitation foster, she embodies holistic wellness principles in both professional and personal life.