Dr. Christine Valdez
Dr. Valdez is a California licensed clinical psychologist, board-certified in clinical psychology, a distinction held by fewer than 5% of practicing psychologists. Dr. Valdez specializes in trauma, PTSD, and psychological injury. Her work focuses on understanding the impact of traumatic experiences on functioning, emotional distress, and long-term outcomes.
Dr. Valdez provides forensic psychological evaluation and consultation in civil cases involving trauma, interpersonal violence, and emotional distress. Her evaluations address diagnosis, causation, and functional impact, and are grounded in both clinical expertise and research in traumatic stress.
She has conducted over 1,000 forensic evaluations through her work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Dr. Valdez is also a Professor of Clinical Psychology at California State University-Monterey Bay, where she teaches psychopathology and advanced research methods, and trains the next generation of clinicians in assessment and diagnosis.
Combined with a prolific research background, Dr. Valdez provides a level of scientific rigor and clinical authority rarely seen in civil litigation.
Selected Peer-Reviewed Articles
Valdez, C. E., Stevens, T., Garnier-Villarreal, M., & Shumway, M. (2023). Trauma-related cognitions on the course of posttraumatic stress in non-specific trauma-focused therapy. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 15, 88-99. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001280
Valdez, C. E., London, M. J., Gregorich, S., & Lilly, M. M. (2021). Development and validation of the Trauma-Related Cognitions Scale. PLOS ONE, 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0250221
Valdez, C. E. (2021). Posttraumatic distress and treatment barriers among former gang members: Implications for improving access to traumatic stress resources in marginalized populations. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 34, 309-321. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22651
Valdez, C. E., & Lilly, M. M. (2019). The effects of dissociation on posttraumatic symptomatology after trauma processing among women with varying histories of victimization. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 36(13-14), NP7596-NP7618. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260519829273
Valdez, C. E., & Lilly, M. M. (2017). Posttraumatic rumination: Content, correlates, and processes. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73, 707-721. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22371
Valdez, C. E., & Lilly, M. M. (2015). Posttraumatic growth in survivors of intimate partner violence: An assumptive world process. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 3D, 215-231. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260514533154
Dr. Valdez’s work draws on extensive clinical, research, and forensic experience, with particular focus on the evaluation of trauma-related conditions and their impact on functioning.
She has authored more than 25 peer-reviewed publications, contributed to scholarly chapters, and delivered over 50 professional presentations on trauma and traumatic stress. Her academic and teaching experience supports clear, structured communication of complex psychological concepts in forensic and legal contexts.
Education & Training
Postdoctoral Clinical and Research Fellowship, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco General Hospital-Trauma Recovery Center
Ph.D., Clinical Psychology (APA Accredited), Northern Illinois University, Trauma Psychology Focus
Predoctoral Clinical Internship (APA Accredited), University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco General Hospital- Trauma Recovery Center
Research Fellowship, Northern Illinois University, Center for the Study of Family Violence and Sexual Assault
Clinical Externship. Department of Veterans Affairs, Hines VA Hospital, Trauma Services Program
Certifications & Licenses
Board Certified in Clinical Psychology, American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). Certification Number: 10409.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, State of California. License Number: PSY28590
For case inquiries and availability, please contact Dr. Valdez