About Dr. Vierra
Dr. Vierra began his education with earning his Bachelor's of Arts (BA) in Psychology, with a minor in Anthropology at the University of California, Los Angeles in 2015. Following that, he completed his Master's of Art (MA) in Clinical Psychology in 2017 and Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in 2020 at Antioch University, Santa Barbara. While working on his doctorate, Dr. Vierra completed his practicum training working wraparound services in Ventura County, CA and at a community mental health clinic in Santa Barbara, CA. Dr. Vierra completed a dissertation entitled "Motivating Clients to Exercise: Improving Adherence to Exercise-Based Treatment through Psychoeducation." He completed both a pre- and post-doctoral internship at an inpatient hospital in San Diego, CA working with active-duty service members with depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, and substance use. Since becoming licensed, Dr. Vierra has continued working with individuals in both a group practice and in private practice, providing independent medical opinions (IMOs) for veterans, and conducting psychological testing to provide diagnostic clarification for ADHD, autism, mood-related disorders, trauma disorders, and personality disorders.
Education and Training
2011-2015
University of California, Los Angeles
Graduated with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Anthropology. Actively involved in research labs focusing on the intersection of clinical and health psychology, including the impact of social supports of pain perception and the benefits of neurofeedback training and mindfulness in professional athletes
2015-2020
Antioch University, Santa Barbara
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, completed dissertation on incorporating physical activity into psychotherapy. Complete training programs in low fee clinics and community mental health focused on evaluation and supervised by largely psychodynamic supervisors to engage in depth work. Patient presentations include those with chronic conditions, suicidal ideation, managing life stressors,
2019-2021
Aurora Behavioral Healthcare, San Diego
Completed both a pre- and post-doctoral internship at a psychiatric hospital in San Diego, CA focused on treating active duty service members with suicidal ideation, mood-related disorders, PTSD, and substance abuse, both in an inpatient and intensive outpatient setting. Complete training in providing psychological testing to gain diagnostic clarity and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to treat a range of traumas (childhood, sexual, physical, combat). Extensive experience in providing group psychotherapies on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and processing groups.