Marita Padilla

With a visionary perspective, Dr. Marita Padilla addresses the complex and evolving landscape of mental health services as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role, having earned her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Midwestern University and holding an A.B.P.P. certification in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Padilla's career is marked by her diverse professional experiences, which include significant contributions in school settings, forensic environments, crisis intervention, and community mental health centers. Dr. Padilla is deeply committed to the mentorship and development of future psychologists. She has supervised and guided students across various educational stages, fostering their growth and preparing them for successful careers in psychology. Her dedication to education is complemented by her active private practice, where she offers psychological assessments and psychotherapy, ensuring her clinical skills remain sharp and informed by real-world applications. Her research interests focus on the critical issues of racial disparities and access to mental health services. Dr. Padilla is passionate about addressing these inequities and is actively involved in research that seeks to understand and mitigate the barriers faced by marginalized communities in accessing mental health care. Her work aims to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive mental health system. Dr. Padilla's commitment to her field is evident not only in her academic and clinical endeavors but also in her ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between research and practice. Her contributions to the field of psychology are driven by a desire to improve mental health outcomes for all individuals, particularly those from underserved populations. Through her teaching, research, and clinical work, Dr. Padilla continues to make a significant impact on the field of psychology and the communities she serves.