Biography

Christina Ortiz, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist at the Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center in Los Angeles, where she provides individual psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults affected by suicide and mental health challenges. Her clinical work is grounded in evidence-based practices (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, EMDR, CBT for Suicide Prevention, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy) with a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach. In addition to therapy, she co-facilitates Teen Survivors After Suicide, Adult Survivors After Suicide grief support groups, and Adult Survivors of Suicide Attempt support groups, creating spaces for healing, connection, and resilience. Dr. Ortiz also provides suicide loss debriefings and clinical trainings to community organizations, schools, and businesses, offering practical, clinically informed perspectives on suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention.

Dr. Ortiz began her work in suicide prevention as a volunteer crisis counselor with the Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Crisisline, where she spent three years supporting individuals in acute distress. This formative experience inspired her to pursue advanced clinical training.

Throughout her career, Dr. Ortiz has been committed to serving culturally diverse and underserved populations impacted by trauma, substance use, and serious mental illness. She has worked across a range of settings, including schools, inpatient hospitals, substance use treatment centers, community agencies, and correctional facilities. She is a strong advocate for equitable access to high-quality mental health care, particularly for communities affected by stigma, discrimination, and poverty.

Certification

Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PsyD)

Education

Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers University