Sylvanna Vargas, Ph.D., MPH

Email

Primary Email: [email protected]

Bio

Sylvanna Vargas, Ph.D., MPH is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology (Clinical Psychology Joint Doctoral Program) at San Diego State University. She obtained her BA from McGill University. She received her Master of Public Health and PhD in Clinical Science from the University of Southern California. She completed her predoctoral internship at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, and her postdoctoral fellowship at UCLA.

The overarching goal of her research is to develop innovative and large-scale solutions that improve the landscape of mental health services for underserved youth experiencing severe mental health concerns, including depression and suicidality. Her translational research spans from basic science on the social determinants of mental health to the implementation of culturally and contextually responsive evidence-based interventions that mitigate inequities. Dr. Vargas has obtained extramural fellowship support from NIMH (T32, T37, R25), the Ford Foundation (Predoctoral and Postdoctoral awards), and the UC Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Program, among others. Her research has been supported by the AIM Youth Mental Health Foundation, the Foundation for Psychocultural Research, and the American Psychological Foundation.

Dr. Vargas trains doctoral students and non-specialist providers (e.g., school-based, peer helpers) in the delivery of evidence-based mental health interventions. She teaches courses related to clinical psychology. She also consults in areas of diversity and cultural humility, and suicide prevention.

Education

• Postdoctoral Fellowship
  UCLA
• Ph.D.
  University of Southern California
• Predoctoral Internship
  West Los Angeles VA Medical Center
• MPH
  University of Southern California
• B.A.
  McGill University

Certifications

Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY34352)