WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Azara Santiago-Rivera, Ph.D. of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP), the largest nonprofit graduate school devoted to psychology and the behavioral sciences, has been appointed editor of the Journal of Latina/o Psychology, published by the American Psychological Association (APA). Additionally, Dr. Santiago-Rivera will become director of TCSPP's new National Center for Research and Practice, Latino Mental Health in January 2013, as part of the institution's commitment to the understanding, research and advocacy of Latino communities.

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"This is an exciting time for the field of psychology with the enhanced emphasis on multiculturalism and ethnic identity, and how these issues impact individual and community Latino mental health," said Dr. Santiago-Rivera, chair of the Counseling Psychology program at the Washington, D.C. campus. "The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and APA should be praised for their dedication to advancing the behavioral sciences to be more inclusive in addressing the needs of diverse communities."

As a Fellow of APA, Dr. Santiago-Rivera has 20 years of experience as a scholar and researcher in counseling psychology and Latino mental health, with previous faculty positions at the University at Albany, State University of New York, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She has published dozens of articles in peer-reviewed journals, co-authored three books, and given at least 100 presentations nationally and internationally. She's also served in many leadership roles, including as president of both the National Latina/o Psychological Association and the Counselors for Social Justice, a division of the American Counseling Association.

The APA Journal of Latina/o Psychology publishes scholarly writing on research, practice, advocacy, education, and policy relevant to Latino communities, including issues such as immigration, health and multigenerational families.

As director of the TCSPP Latino mental health center, Dr. Santiago-Rivera will provide national strategic leadership in the areas of research, service, training and policy.

About The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Founded in 1979, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP) is the largest nonprofit graduate school devoted exclusively to psychology and related behavioral sciences. It serves more than 4,300 students across campuses in Chicago; Southern California (L.A., Irvine, Westwood); and Washington, D.C. The institution is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and its Clinical Psychology doctoral program in Chicago is accredited by the American Psychological Association. A member of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology, TCSPP is recognized for its distinguished service and outstanding contributions to cultural diversity and advocacy. Its community service initiatives have also earned it recognition on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for five consecutive years. With more than 20 graduate degree programs, thousands of hours of real-world training, and a wealth of international opportunities, TCSPP is a leader in professional psychology education. To learn more, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu.

SOURCE The Chicago School of Professional Psychology