Marlene Garza

Dr. Marlene Garza (they/she) is a bilingual, bicultural Chicanx psychologist whose work bridges clinical neuropsychology, trauma-informed care from a Liberation Psychology framework. They specialize in culturally responsive psychological assessment and treatment, with particular expertise in brain injury, cognitive functioning, and the impact of systemic oppression on mental health. Dr. Garza has served diverse communities in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, immigrant-support organizations, and community health programs.

Dr. Garza earned their Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and completed their doctoral internship at Icann School of Medicine/Mount Sinai Hospital in Neuropsychology/Rehabilitation Medicine. They went on to complete specialized postdoctoral training in Behavioral Medicine at Harbor UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Garza also completed practicum training at LAC-USC Department of Neurology, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, Union Rescue Mission, Center for Postconcussion Syndrome and PCS Treatment (formerly Sports Concussion Institute).

Dr. Garza's teaching and mentoring emphasize equity, social justice, and the importance of cultural humility in psychological practice. In the classroom, they encourage students to become present, reflective facilitators who can hold space for healing and growth. Outside the clinical (and class) room, Dr. Garza is a 21-time marathoner, a CrossFit Level 1 trainer, and a dog foster-turned-rehabber.