Dr. Alison Cerezo

Dr. Alison Cerezo is currently the faculty advisor for the Healing Space, a specialty clinic that provides psychological services to Black clients of all ages. This clinic began in fall 2020 in direct response to the killing of George Floyd and other police violence against Black Americans and with the impetus of the Black Lives Matter movement. In addition to general stressors and life issues, the Healing Space acknowledges the effects of racial trauma, marginalization, and injustice on social and health disparities among Black communities. All services are provided by Black therapists who have an interest in addressing the negative toll of anti-Black racism on Black residents in our local community. The faculty to be hired through this funding will help the Healing Space take the next step of its growth and leadership. 

Dr. Cerezo is an Assistant Professor of Counseling Psychology in the Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology. She received her B.A. in Psychology and Women & Gender Studies (double majors) from UC Los Angeles; M.A. degree in Psychology, Research Emphasis from CSU Los Angeles; and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Oregon. Prior to joining the faculty at UCSB, Dr. Cerezo was an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling, College of Health and Social Sciences, San Francisco State University where she coordinated the College Student Personnel Counseling Specialization (2013-2018) and served as Affiliate Faculty with the Health Equity Institute. Dr. Cerezo’s primary line of research centers on reducing social and health disparities for sexual and gender diverse communities. Most recently, her work has focused on the links between stigma, discrimination and alcohol misuse and alcohol risk behaviors in sexual minority women. She is also interested in reducing barriers to mental health treatment for this community. Dr. Cerezo uses qualitative, quantitative and mixed methodologies and has carried out research on sexual and gender diverse communities in the U.S. and Mexico. Dr. Cerezo's scholarly work is rooted in an intersectional and critical race theory perspective - always cognizant of the ways systems of power impact health outcomes and can thus be changed to better serve underserved communities.

Bits of music you may notice: Yo La Tengo, "Georgia Vs. Yo La Tengo," John Lee Hooker, "The Healer," Steve Hillage, "Healing Feeling."

This episode first aired on 91.9 KCSB FM on December 16, 2021.