mariana barraza

Mariana Barraza is a doctoral psychology intern at WellMind and a direct trainee under Dr. Temperance Cervantes. She is currently completing her PhD in Psychology through New Mexico State University and brings extensive experience working across educational, clinical, and trauma-informed settings.

Mariana is trained in EMDR therapy, Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) with Alexander Technique, CBT, and DBT, and integrates these approaches with thoughtful pacing and strong clinical attunement. She works effectively with adolescents, parents, and adults, and has extensive training and experience supporting veterans and active-duty service members navigating trauma, transitions, and cumulative stress.

Prior to her doctoral training, Mariana spent many years working in school psychology and special education settings, where she conducted comprehensive psychological evaluations, diagnostic assessments, functional behavior assessments, and treatment planning across early childhood through adulthood. Her background in school psychology strengthens her clinical work by allowing her to clearly understand diagnostic complexity, developmental factors, and how symptoms show up across environments.

Mariana is known for her compassionate, steady presence while also helping clients take meaningful responsibility for change. She balances warmth with accountability and meets clients where they are; supporting progress without rushing the nervous system. She provides services in English and Spanish and brings a culturally responsive, systems-informed perspective to her work.