Psychology
Dr. Sandy Equite-Rodas
Dr. Sandy Equite-Rodas is a bilingual (English and Spanish) licensed clinical psychologist with extensive expertise in child, family, and forensic psychology. She currently serves as the Director of Psychology Training at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, where she oversees an APA-accredited doctoral internship program, and maintains a specialized private practice in Valencia, California. Dr. Equite-Rodas is a recognized expert in immigration-related psychological evaluations and culturally responsive care, frequently collaborating with legal professionals to provide trauma-informed assessments for hardship waivers, asylum claims, and VAWA petitions. Her career is distinguished by a deep commitment to serving diverse populations, particularly in addressing acculturation, intergenerational trauma, and early childhood mental health.
Dr. Equite-Rodas focuses on evidence-based, trauma-informed interventions for children, families, and individuals navigating complex psychosocial stressors:
- Immigration and Forensic Evaluations: Conducting comprehensive psychological assessments for VAWA, U-visas, asylum, and hardship waivers.
- Early Childhood Mental Health: Specialized expertise in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for children ages 0-7.
- Culturally Responsive Care: Providing bilingual services that address acculturation, immigration stress, and intergenerational family patterns.
- Trauma-Informed Therapy: Utilizing evidence-based practices such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Seeking Safety.
- Clinical Supervision and Training: Directing APA-accredited training programs and providing clinical oversight to doctoral interns and practicum students.
- Commitment to timely and thorough report delivery
- Easy scheduling with quick appointment availability
- Comprehensive medical evaluations and detailed reports tailored to meet legal needs
Dr. Equite-Rodas completed her doctoral and master’s level training in clinical psychology with a specific emphasis on family, child, and couple dynamics:
- Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology: California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, Los Angeles.
- Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychology: California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, Los Angeles.
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology: Mount St. Mary’s College, Los Angeles.
- APA-Accredited Internship: Early Childhood Doctoral Psychology Intern at Children’s Institute, Inc..
- Specialized Certification: Immigration Evaluations Certificate Training Program.
Dr. Equite-Rodas holds leadership and clinical roles across diverse mental health and forensic settings:
- Director of Psychology Training: Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, overseeing daily operations and compliance for the agency’s doctoral internship program.
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist: Private Practice (Valencia, CA) and Immigration Psychology Partnerships (IPP), specializing in psychotherapy and forensic evaluations.
- Clinical Psychologist II: Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, providing crisis intervention and lead modality oversight for early childhood EBPs.
- APA Intern Clinical Supervisor: Children’s Institute, Inc., providing administrative and reflective supervision to doctoral interns.
- Practicum Clinical Experience: Delivered outpatient services and psychodiagnostic assessments at the San Fernando Child and Family Center and Enki Health and Research Systems.