Dr. Perez began working in the field of forensic psychology in 1996 as a graduate research assistant for a study that analyzed the forensic interviews of children who reported sexual abuse. In 1998, she was involved in research conducted by Stanford University and the National Institute of Justice that focused on the identification of the mental health needs of juveniles incarcerated in the California Youth Authority.

In 2002, Dr. Perez completed an APA-accredited internship at the Federal Bureau of Prisons, United States Penitentiary in Atlanta, GA. She provided individual and group psychotherapy, monitoring of severely mentally ill inmates, crisis intervention, and parole evaluations for District of Columbia inmates. She also provided mental status evaluations and competency to stand trial evaluations at the Atlanta City Detention Center.

For completion of her Ph.D., Dr. Perez conducted her dissertation on the psychopathic traits of white collar offenders at a Federal Prison Camp. Her postdoctoral training was completed with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. She became a licensed psychologist in Nebraska in 2007, continuing employment at the Nebraska State Penitentiary as the Psychologist Supervisor until 2012. During this period, she implemented and provided assessment and treatment services for violent and sexual offenders, monitored inmates with severe mental illness, provided crisis intervention, supervised the activities of the mental health providers at the facility, and completed parole evaluations and sexually violent predator evaluations.

In 2013, Dr. Perez opened a private practice with a specialization in forensics, while maintaining a small clinical practice.

Dr. Perez’s doctoral training particularly prepared her to specialize in the forensic evaluation of juveniles. Her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology involved an emphasis in Child and Family Psychology, allowing her to apply these skills to her work with juveniles who become involved in the Juvenile Justice system.

For more details on Dr. Perez’s education and professional experience, please download a copy of her current curriculum vitae.