He/Him/El
Alejandro leads a team of therapists at Emmons Wellness Center, oversee Emmons' counseling services and resources, and work collaboratively with Emmons staff and the rest of the Oxy community to support the mental well-being of our student body.
Alejandro is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and mental health advocate, with a M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and a B.A. in Psychology from University of California Riverside. He is a Northeast Los Angeles native, with Mexican-American roots. He has extensive experience with severe mental health conditions, forensic psychology treatment, college mental health and other working systems of mental health care. He transitioned from work in forensic psychology and owning a private practice to University-based services during 2021. Alejandro is trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, and various treatment orientations which address trauma, emotional regulation, interpersonal and relational issues, along with substance use and more. Additionally, Alejandro is an adjunct professor of psychology at Pepperdine University and has served in committees of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University level.
As a bilingual and multicultural individual navigating the complexities of life within the ever-evolving melting pot of a country, he clinically believes in an empathetic, honest, and collaborative approach; holding space for students to speak freely while exploring, identifying, and understanding their deepest thoughts and emotions. He aims to empower students to recognize their strengths and build a deeper connection with themselves while maintaining accountability towards a healthier lifestyle.
As the Director of Counseling Services, he aims to increase access to mental health services, implement culturally adaptive treatment, and deliver social justice oriented approaches to support Emmon’s mission of creating spaces for students at Oxy to succeed and experience their education with high quality care. In addition to his profession, he actively participates in local recreational sports, follows our city’s professional teams (Dodgers, LAFC, and Angel City), reads, travels, and enjoys quality time with his family and his two Australian Shepherds.