Stephanie Puerta Rodriguez, LMHCA
Undergrade: Bachelor’s in Psychology, University of California Davis
Graduate School: Master’s in Clinical Psychology, Loma Linda University
Are you fluent in Spanish: Yes
Professional areas of Interest:
Having a younger sister with Down Syndrome sparked my passion for supporting children with learning disabilities and/or developmental delays and their families. I especially enjoy discussing concerns related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), academic challenges, and developmental milestones. I value partnering with families to help them access meaningful support, both in the community and within their child’s school. While my heart has always been in serving children, I also find it deeply fulfilling to support adults navigating a variety of challenges, including fertility concerns, grief and loss, and substance use. Whether I’m working with a child, adult, or family, my goal is to create a safe space where we can explore the past and present experiences that may be contributing to what feels difficult right now.
Biography:
Stephanie Puerta Rodriguez, Psy.D., LMHCA, is a bilingual Psychologist fluent in Spanish and English. She was born and raised in Hayward, California, and has fond memories of beachside picnics and seashell hunts with her parents and siblings. In 2021, Stephanie moved to Washington State for her doctoral internship at Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic in Toppenish. Drawn to the area’s small-town feel and strong sense of community, she chose to continue serving communities across Washington.
The daughter of Mexican immigrants, Stephanie is committed to advocacy, culturally responsive care, and reducing mental health stigma, particularly within the Latino community. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of California, Davis and completed both a Master’s and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Loma Linda University, with concentrations in Clinical Child Psychology and Health Psychology. Stephanie is passionate about supporting children and their families – especially in the areas of academic challenges and developmental delays. She also works with adults navigating fertility challenges, grief and loss, and substance use. Across all ages, her approach focuses on understanding the function of behavior and helping individuals develop more adapting ways of coping to support long-term growth. While she holds the title of Dr. Puerta Rodriguez, she prefers to be called “Stephanie” or “Steph” by both patients and colleagues.
Hometown: Hayward, California.
Hobbies: (“What I do for fun”)
I really enjoy watching horror movies! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, and I wholeheartedly believe that “Summer-ween” deserves to be celebrated! I love thrift shopping and have a growing collection of amber-colored glassware and antique oil lamps. Spending time outdoors is really important to me, as it brings back happy childhood memories. Some of my favorite activities include going on long walks, hiking, and swimming.
What attracted you to CVCH:
What drew me to CVCH was the opportunity to continue serving individuals and families who look, sound, and live like my own. As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, I have always felt a desire to help bridge the gap in access to mental health care for communities that have historically been underserved. Being part of CVCH allows me to support patients in a setting that values community, equity, and whole-person care.