Dr. Lisa Bendimez (she, her, ella) is a Licensed Psychologist recognized by the California Board of Psychology. She earned her doctoral degree at the California School of Forensic Psychology, Los Angeles, at Alliant International University. Dr. Bendimez is currently a treating psychologist at APLA Health, a non-profit organization that provides safe and inclusive care for underserved individuals. Prior to joining APLA Health in 2020, Dr. Bendimez assisted individuals deemed Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity with community reintegration. Specifically, her background in forensics afforded her the opportunity to provide care to individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. With the goal of helping these individuals regain personal autonomy, she assisted clients to develop insight into triggers that precipitate symptoms or harmful behavior.
Dr. Bendimez specializes in treating survivors of: childhood trauma, sexual/physical/psychological abuse, and intimate partner violence. She’s passionate about addressing the ways oppressive systems affect mental health and offering therapeutic support toward healing for Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous People of Color (QTIBIPOC) experiencing mental health distress in response to systemic oppression.
In her practice, she emphasizes the importance of understanding the mind and body connection to trauma. Dr. Bendimez approaches treatment from a holistic framework. She believes that it is imperative to treat mental illness with an integrative lens, taking into account the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, relational, and systemic factors that contribute to overall wellness.
