Lizbeth Gaona, Ph.D.

CERTIFICATIONS
2015 Certified Cognitive Behavior Therapist via the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies
2013 Certified Prolonged Exposure Therapist via the University of Pennsylvania, Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety
2012 Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCS28336
2012-2015 LPS Designated
2008 Certified Spanish Speaking Psychiatric Social Worker, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health

TRAINING
2014 Dialectical Behavior Therapy+Prolonged Exposure (DBT+PE)
2011 Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Accepting the Challenges to Exiting the System
2010 Dialectical Behavior Therapy Intensive Training™, Behavioral Tech, A Linehan Institute Training Company
2009 Case Formulation of Cognitive Behavior Therapy
2008 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

SOWK 500 Social Work Practice I
SOWK 505 Social Work Practice II
SOWK 521, 561 & 581 Field Practicum
SOWK 525 Social Research
SOWK 535 Case Management
SOWK 572 Mental Health and Psychopathology
PSY 510 Human Growth and Development
PSY 525 MFT Counseling Techniques

Evidenced Based Treatment Outcomes, Serious Mental Illness, Religion, Culturally Adapted Interventions, Trauma, & Latinx Mental Health

2018 Fall SOWK 612, Assessment and Diagnosis of Mental Disorders, USC Suzanne Dworak Peck School of Social Work Master’s in Social Work Program, Teaching assistant

2018 Summer SOWK 621, Social Work Practice with Adolescents, Young Adults and their Families, USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, Master’s in Social Work Program, Teaching assistant

2018 Spring Social Work 635, Research and Evaluation and Policy for Social Work with Adults and Older Adults, USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, Master’s in Social Work Program, Teaching assistant

2017 Fall Social Work 612, Assessment and Diagnosis of Mental Disorders, USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Master’s in Social Work Program, Teaching assistant

2015 Spring SOCW 524, Practice II: Intervention and Evaluation, Azusa Pacific University, Master’s in Social Work Program, Guest lecturer

2013 Master’s in Social Work Program practice course, California State University Dominguez Hills. Cognitive behavior therapy with chronically and persistently mentally ill patients in community mental health. Guest lecturer

2011-2012 Cognitive Behavior Therapy Advances Course, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Teaching assistant

PUBLICATIONS

Kelly, E. L., Davis, L., Holguin, M., Gaona, L., Pahwa, R., Lee, S., ... & Brekke, J. (2020). Practice-based research networks in stakeholder-driven social work research. Research on Social Work Practice, 1049731520942591.

Bolden, L., Gaona, L., Comtois, K., & McFarr, (2020). L. DBT–ACES in a multicultural community mental health setting: implications for clinical practice. In Bedics, J. (Ed.), The Handbook of Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Cambridge, MA: Elsevier

Gaona, L. & Flores-Carter, K., (2020) Integrated Models of Practice Addressing Patient Diversity and Mental Health within Systems of Care. In Fores-Carter, K. (Ed.), Medical Social Work, A Christian Perspective. Dubuque, IA: Kendall Publishing

Lim, C., Hernandez, M., Gaona, L., & Barrio, C. (2020). Recruitment of Asian Americans with schizophrenia spectrum disorder for research participation: Barriers, strategies, and outcome; Community Mental Health Journal.

Lim, C., Hernandez, M., Gaona, L., Helu-Brown, P., & Barrio, C. (2019). A Sociodemographic Profile of Asian Americans Served in Community Mental Health Centers for a Diagnosis of Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 46(4), 555-567.

Hernandez, M., Barrio, C., Gaona, L., Helu-Brown, P., Hai, A., & Lim, C. (2019). Hope and schizophrenia in the Latino family context. Community Mental Health Journal, 55(1), 42-50.

Barrio, C., Hernandez, M., & Gaona, L. (2016). The family caregiving context among adults with disabilities: A review of the research on developmental disabilities, serious mental
illness, and traumatic brain injury. Journal of Family Social Work, 19(4), 328-347.

McFarr, L., Gaona, L., Barr, N., Ramirez, U., Henriquez, S., Farias, A., & Flores, D. (2014). Cultural competency and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. In A. Masuda (Ed.), Cultural Issues in Acceptance- and Mindfulness-Based Approaches. New Harbinger


PEER REVIEWED PRESENTATIONS
*Student mentee

Gaona, L. (2020, February). Does God love me? Cognitive Therapy Interventions for Negative Religious Coping, North American Association of Christians in Social Work, Riverside, California.

Jackson, L. & Gaona, L. (2019, November). Targeting Gun Access in DBT: Are We Doing Enough?” Talk Presented at the International Society for the Improvement and Teaching of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Atlanta, Georgia

Gaona, L., Yamada, A.M., Lopez, C., Helu-Brown, P. (2018, January). Perspectives of support and recovery among Latino adults with schizophrenia: Acceptance of marginalization and inequities in daily life experiences. Paper presented at the Society for Social Work and Research Conference, Washington, District of Columbia.

Gaona, L., Amaro, H. (2017, November). Efficacy of dialectical behavior therapy for Latinos with borderline personality disorder: State of the evidence. Poster presented at the Association of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy Annual Conference, San Diego, California.

Lim, C.S.F., Hernandez, M., Gaona, L., Helu-Brown, P., Mendon, S. (2017, January). Recruitment of minorities with serious mental illness for community-engaged research: Barriers, strategies, and reward. Paper presented at the Society for Social Work and Research Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Gaona, L., Lim, C.S.F., Barrio, C., Helu-Brown, P., Gonzalez, I., Brekke, J. (2017, January). Leisure activities and sense of purpose as correlates of satisfaction with life among adults with schizophrenia. Poster presented at the Society for Social Work and Research Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Helu-Brown, P., Gaona, L., Lim, C.S.F., Barrio, C. (2017, January). Examining the intersections of culture, gender romantic and personal relationships and mental illness among Latinos with schizophrenia and their family caregivers. Poster presented at the Society for Social Work and Research Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Gonzalez*, I., Gaona, L., Ramirez, U. (2017, January). The cultural adaptation of dialectical behavior therapy: A case study from clinical practice. Poster presented at the Society for Social Work and Research Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Gaona, L., Albanez, J., Ramirez, U., Serrano, A., Farias, A., Nunez, M., Atkins, R., Perez, J. (2014, January). Community mental health services for Spanish-speaking Latino/a clients: Harbor- UCLA Adult Outpatient Program overview and recommendations for the continued development of Spanish-speaking services. Poster presented at the 20th Annual Latino Behavioral Health Institute Conference, Los Angeles, California.

Ramirez*, R., Gaona, L., Aguilar, V., Vega, C., Ramirez, U. (2014, September). Interdisciplinary treatment in Spanish DBT: A case study and practical culturally sensitive interventions from clinical practice. Poster presented at the 20th Annual Latino Behavioral Health Institute Conference, Los Angeles, California.

Gaona, L., Jackson, L., Counts, C., McFarr, L., (2014, June). Successful exposure treatment despite in session mishaps: Case studies and practical interventions from clinical practice. Poster presented at the International Congress of Cognitive Psychotherapy, Wanchai, Hong Kong.

Argueta, N., Gaona, L., Ramirez, R., McFarr, L., (2014, June). ¡Loteria! An exploration of the use of cultural enhancements with adult patients in DBT Skills Group at Harbor-UCLA AOP. Poster presented at the International Congress of Cognitive Psychotherapy, Wanchai, Hong Kong.

Fried, R., Gaona, L., Jones, E., Brown, L., Dalton, E., Thompson, S., Davies, C., McFarr, L., Jackson, L., Dexter, M., Forsyth, J., Morgan, W., Nehme, J. (2014, June). An in-depth look at telephone skills coaching and therapy interfering behaviors in dialectical behavior therapy: A case study from a community mental health clinic. Poster presented at the International Congress of Cognitive Psychotherapy, Wanchai, Hong Kong.

Albanez, J., Gaona, L., Ramirez, U., Serrano, A. (2014, March). Acceptance and commitment therapy for chronic pain and implications for culturally congruent delivery of services: A case study. Poster presented at Scientific Sessions in Mental Health, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Annual Symposium, Torrance, California.

Ramirez, U., Gaona, L., Barr, N., Henriquez, S., Farias, A., McFarr, L. (2013, July). Dialectical behavior therapy followed by prolonged exposure in Spanish for the treatment of borderline personality disorder and post traumatic stress disorder: A case study. Poster presented at The World Congress of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Lima-Peru.

Dexter, M., Gaona, L., Brown, L., Forsyth, J., McFarr, L., Henriquez, S., Farias, A. (2013, July). Frequency of therapy interfering behaviors of client population at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Poster presenented at The World Congress of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Lima-Peru.

Barr, N., Gaona, L., Ramirez, U., Henriquez, S., Farias, A., McFarr, L., Flores, D. (2013, July). Cultural competency in dialectical behavior therapy. Poster presented at The World Congress of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Lima-Peru.

Bonfil, A.D., McFarr, L., Raposa, E., Henriquez, S., Barr, N., Higier, R.G., Gaona, L., & Hamilton, H.K. (2012, November). Effectiveness of second-year standard DBT: Are there significant gains in treatment outcomes beyond the first year? Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, National Harbor, Maryland.

Bonfil, A.D., McFarr, L., Raposa, E., Henriquez, S., Barr, N., Higier, R., Gaona, L., & Hamilton, H. K. (2012, November). Employment outcomes after DBT: Is DBT effective in getting people back to work? Poster presented at the International Society for the Improvement and Teaching of Dialectical Behavior Therapy Special Interest Group Symposium at the annual meeting of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, National Harbor, Maryland.

Dicterow, W., Gaona, L., Sears, M., & McFarr, L. (2012, November). Identifying therapist therapy interfering behaviors not accounted for by the TIB-T: A needs assessment for Harbor-UCLA’s adult dialectical behavior therapy program. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, National Harbor, Maryland.

Benson, L., Gaona, L., Barr, N., Jackson, L., & McFarr, L. (2012, November). Self-injury as a predictor of therapy-interfering behavior in dialectical behavior therapy. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the International Society for the Improvement and Teaching of Dialectical Behavior Therapy Special Interest Group Symposium at the annual meeting of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, National Harbor, Maryland.

Holler, R., Benson, L., Barr, N., Gaona, L., McFarr, L. (2010, November). Organizational and individual variables associated with transfer of CBT practices in a community mental
health setting: A follow-up. Poster presented at the Cognitive Therapy Special Interest Group, Annual Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy Conference, Toronto, Canada.

Gaona, L., Jackson, L., Fried, R., McFarr, L., Graling, K., Dour, H., Brown, L., Holler, R., Nehme, J., Naman, K., Wickremasinghe, N. (2010, November). Clinicians’ self-perception of dialectical thinking: Pre and post DBT training at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Poster presented at the Cognitive Therapy Special Interest Group, Annual Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy Conference, Toronto, Canada.

Gaona, L. & Huyhn-Hohnbaum, A., (2008, May). Religiosity and self reported psychological well-being among elderly. Poster presented at California State University, Los Angeles Master’s in Social Work Thesis Presentations, Los Angeles, California.

Gaona L., Juvonen J., Nishina, A., Bellmore, A. (2005, April). Does ethnicity matter? Experiences of discrimination among different adolescent ethnic groups. Poster presented at the 85th annual meeting of the Western Psychological Association, Portland, Oregon.

COMMUNITY AND CLINICAL PRESENTATIONS

Gaona, L. & Mejico, A. (2020, October). Seeking “Justice for All” An Examination of Justice from Macro and Micro Perspectives. CBU Department of Social Work Field Intensive, Invited speaker

Gaona, L. (2020, October). Mente Sana en Tiempos Difíciles. Mexican Consulate/Consulado General de México en Los Ángeles, Invited speaker

Gaona, L. (2020, June). Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Racism. Invited speaker, Hosted by Treatment Implementation Collaborative

Gaona, L. (2020, May). So you have a Master’s in Social Work, Now What? Invited speaker, Hosted by California Baptist University, Master’s in Social Work Alumni Network

Barrio, C. & Gaona, L. (2016, September). Salud mental en la comunidad Latina. Community presentation at the Fiesta Educativa Annual Conference, California State University, Los Angeles

Gaona, L. (2014, September). Key interventions of dialectical behavior therapy in community mental health for multidiagnostic clients. Clinical presentation at Homeless Health Care, Los Angeles, California

Gaona, L. & Gomez, L. (2014, May). ¡No estas solo! La salud mental y recursos para recibir ayuda. Community presentation at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Lomita, California

2020 Friends Church
2019 Friends Church, Community Group Host
2015-2018 Christ Church of the Valley, God's Pantry Ministry
2011-2014 Reality Los Angeles, Hospitality Ministry Lead

2020-Present Chair, Diversity Action Committee, Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies
2020-Present Consultant, Treatment Implementation and Care Collaborative: Race(ism) Work Group
2019-Present Board Member, Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies
2017-2019 Student Ambassador, Association of Cognitive and Behavior Therapy
2016-2017 Co-Chair, Doctoral Student Association, USC Suzanne Dwork-Peck School of Social Work
2015-2019 Representative, Doctoral Student Association, USC Suzanne Dwork-Peck School of Social Work
2015-2019 Christ Church of the Valley, Feeding the Homeless Volunteer
2010-2015 Program Coordinator, Recovery International Incorporated, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Adult Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic Site
2011-2014 Reality Los Angeles, Hospitality Ministry Lead
2007-2008 Co-President Elect, Master’s in Social Work Student Organization
2005-2008 Bruins Reforming Incarceration Through Education, UCLA
2002-2003 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
2001-2002 Associated Student Body President Elect, Rio Hondo Community College
1999-2002 Associated Student Body, Rio Hondo Community College

Photography, running, baking, proud mommy and army wife - Go Lakers, Go Rams!

SCRIPTURE
Matthew 12:30-31 "...Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
Being the first of virtually an entire ancestry to attend college and to pursue higher education has been an immense privilege. I inherited from my mother’s faith a spirit of resilience; a “si se puede” (it is possible) outlook on life. This said, my philosophy of higher education revolves around the notion that although pursuing higher education may seem impossible, everyone has the potential to pursue it. Further, my personal experiences growing up as bicultural woman of color, raised by a hard-working widow, has shaped me to greatly value higher education. I also desire to share this value with others. My hope is to encourage and edify others about their potential to pursue higher education regardless of how challenging the odds may be against them. ¡Si Se Puede!