Cristal Lopez, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist & Published Author
With over 6 years of expertise, and training at some of the world's most prestigious hospitals, I look forward to working together!
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Texas A&M University
Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counseling Psychology
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Psychology
California State University San Marcos
Bachelors of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology with honors
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Across my training at the sites listed below, I have proudly served and worked with individuals from across the lifespan.
Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC)
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, USC (CHLA)
- Two-year APA accredited clinical psychology fellowship
California Pacific Medical Center | Sutter Health- San Francisco, CA
- One year APA accredited clinical psychology internship
Texas Children’s Hospital- Houston, TX
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia- Philadelphia, PA
Kalmanovitz Child Development Center- San Francisco, CA
CPMC Outpatient Adult Mental Health Clinic, San Francisco, CA
Texas A&M University School of Medicine
Texas A&M Counseling and Assessment Adult Community Clinic
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP)
Cognitive Processing Therapy from the National Center for PTSD (CPT)
Trauma focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Coping Cat Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training (for children/adolescents)
Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Trauma and Grief Component (TGC) Therapy
Multidimensional Grief Therapy (MGT)
Mindfulness and Breathwork
Motivational Interviewing
Strength-based Solution Focused Therapy
Psychodynamic, Relational, and Interpersonal Therapy
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Current & Past:
International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP)
Pain in Child Health (PICH)
APA Division 53, Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology
APA Division 54, Society of Pediatric Psychology
National Latina/o Psychological Association (NLPA)
American Psychological Association (APA)
APA Division 45- Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity and Race
APA Division 17- Society for Counseling Psychology
Texas Psychological Association (TPA)
Society of Behavioral Medicine
Academy Health: Advancing Research Policy and Practice
Western Psychological Association
Annual Biomedical Research Conference
Rooted in Hope, Driven by Healing— ABout Me & My Journey
I believe that healing begins with authenticity, so I bring my full, genuine self into therapy. I want you to know not just your therapist, but the person behind the work.
Early in my career, I discovered that my greatest strength is hope—and I want to help my clients uncover theirs. Hope has guided me through some of the most difficult moments of my life. I survived a life-threatening car accident, and in my years of recovery and chronic pain, it was hope that kept me moving forward—the belief that this tragedy would transform into purpose. And it did. It led me to my career in psychology, a passion I discovered in high school and never looked back from.
Through my own healing journey, I’ve learned the importance of building a life rooted in values, meaning, and fulfillment. As a proud bicultural and biracial individual raised in beautiful Southern California, my identities shape how I connect with the world and the people around me. Family has always been at the heart of who I am, and I deeply believe in the healing power of strong, supportive relationships.
My specialties (that can be found under the “specialties” tab) are deeply rooted in lived experience, and focus on three main areas: chronic illness and pain, career issues, and first responder families. Having personally navigated chronic illness and pain I have found many ways to heal while building a meaningful, fulfilling, and active life. I’ve authored articles on the psychological impact of chronic pain, and I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to my work in this area.
Another passion of mine is helping individuals create work-life balance and overcome burnout, one of the biggest struggles in today’s workforce, and one I struggled with at one point of my life. My published research focus on career issues such as work-family conflict, work-life balance, and burnout, and I have helped many professionals reclaim their well-being, set boundaries, and build careers that align with their values.
Additionally, I specialize in working with first responder families, particularly spouses, partners, and children. Coming from a first responder family myself, I know firsthand the stress, trauma, and burnout that come with this lifestyle. But I also know that life doesn’t have to be consumed by these challenges—there are ways to navigate them while prioritizing well-being.
Outside of my work, I prioritize movement, joy, and creativity. You’ll often find me at pilates, zumba, dancing, surfing, baking, or exploring new coffee shops. These activities help me stay grounded and energized, and I encourage my clients to find what brings them the same sense of fulfillment and balance.
Through my own healing, I have come to understand myself on a deeper level. I truly believe that with consistent self-work and daily intentional actions, healing is possible. And I want to show you how to do it too.
why Is there a “pothos” plant in Your logo?
Potho plants are nature's testament to resilience, thriving even in the darkest corners where other plants might struggle. Their leaves reach out for whatever light is available, showing that life can persist and even thrive with support. Just like these plants, the process of therapy nurtures resilience, helping you grow and thrive even in life’s most challenging conditions. With the right support, you can bloom and find strength, no matter where you are planted.