Dr. Sandra Martinez is a clinical psychologist focusing on the assessment of brain related disorders including traumatic brain injury, developmental disorders, and psychological disorders. She has experience in neuropsychology testing and evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults. Special populations she has worked with include athletes with multiple concussions. Evaluation experience includes screening assessments and full neuropsychological evaluations which entails medical record review, diagnostic interview, administration, scoring, and interpretation of neuropsychological assessments for diagnostic and treatment purposes.
Her pre-doctoral clinical training also includes neuropsychological examinations and report writing for clients with chronic pain disorders and disability claims; including, dementia, traumatic brain injury, workers compensation, and vocational evaluations. She conducted intake evaluations for chronic pain clients to facilitate and assess appropriate treatment and diagnosis. She has also provided individual and group therapy using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for English and mono-lingual Spanish speaking individuals.
Dr Martinez trained with the county of Los Angeles providing crisis intervention, risk-assessment and early screening and identification of suicidal and homicidal behaviors. She was involved in treatment planning, phone triage, “psychological first aid” and intensive case management. Her duties included placing 5150/5585 holds. She also worked in collaboration with the police (LAPD/Sheriffs); Department of Child Family Services (DCFS); Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD); and other private mental health agencies, to prevent school violence in Los Angeles County with the School Threat Assessment Response Team (START).
Dr. Martinez has extensive experience in biofeedback assessment and treatment in which she provided therapy for adolescents and adults with anxiety, chronic pain, concussions, and neurocognitive disorders. Her experience in biofeedback includes peripheral measurements such as muscle tension, heart rate, breathing rate, skin temperature, and skin conductance. Dr. Martinez recommended and oversaw individual’s treatment plans. Through computer-based exercises she recommended areas to rehabilitate and improve the following domains: attention, processing speed, brain speed, memory intelligence (fluid/ crystalized abilities), and visual spatial skills. Cognitive rehabilitation was recommended for those with a decline in cognitive functioning as result of the natural aging processes, cognitive deficits, or brain injury.
Dr. Martinez received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Occidental College and her masters and doctorate degree in Clinical Forensic Psychology from Alliant International University. She is an adjunct faculty member at Glendale Community College and teaches Introductory to Psychology and Developmental Psychology. She is experienced with cultural and linguistic considerations in pedagogy and clinical settings. Dr. Martinez is equipped to provide clinical services in English and Spanish.