About

My name is Maya Boustani

I am a psychologist, researcher, and advocate for youth mental health. My mission is to make mental health care accessible, empowering, and culturally grounded for every young person — wherever they are.

Across my career, I have led and collaborated on more than 20 research grants totaling over $11 million, funded by agencies such as the National Institute of Mental Health, National Science Foundation, HRSA, and the Wellcome Trust. My research has produced over 40 peer-reviewed publications and over 70 professional presentations at conferences.

I collaborate closely with schools, community organizations, healthcare, and tech companies to adapt evidence-based mental health practices to local needs.

As a passionate educator, I have mentored over 20 doctoral students and teach courses in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Child Psychopathology, and Evidence-Based Practice. My mentorship emphasizes real-world application, compassion, and leadership in mental health innovation.

LICENSURE: Psychologist, California (2018-present) - Lic # 30381

EDUCATION

Florida International University (2011- 2016)

PhD Psychology (Child and Adolescent Clinical Science); GPA: 4.0

MS Psychology (Child and Adolescent Clinical Science); GPA: 4.0

Dissertation: Sexual health programming for youth in or at risk for foster care

Masters Thesis: Common elements of adolescent prevention programming

Mentor: Stacy Frazier, PhD

Villanova University of Pennsylvania (2004-2006)

M.S. Psychology (Research emphasis); GPA: 3.63

Master’s Thesis: The associations of universal value types with the Big 5 personality traits and individualism-collectivism in Lebanon and the United States

Mentor: Steven Krauss, PhD

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania (2001-2003)

B.S. Psychology; GPA: 3.75; Dean’s list; Psi Chi Honor Society

Honors Thesis: College students’ knowledge of geography

Mentor: Stacy Frazier, PhD

EMPLOYMENT

Maya Boustani, PhD (2020-present), Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Loma Linda University (2023-present), Associate Professor

Loma Linda University (2018-2023), Assistant Professor

University of California, Los Angeles (2024-present), Clinical Instructor

University of California, Los Angeles (2016-2018), Postdoctoral Fellow

University of Texas Health Science Center (2015-2016), Predoctoral Intern

Florida International University (2013-2015), Graduate Student Instructor

University of Miami School of Medicine (2006-2011), Senior Research Associate

Pennsylvania Counseling Services (2003-2005), Mental Health Counselor