Ana Maria Gamez

Ana M. Gamez, Ph.D., MBA, serves as a Professor of Psychology with tenure at California Baptist University, with over 20 years of teaching experience. She also serves as the Program Director and Practicum Director for the graduate program in Forensic Psychology. Dr. Gamez is a licensed clinical psychologist and the President and Chief Psychologist of Bee Haven Psychological & Behavioral Health Wellness, Inc., a psychological clinic that provides comprehensive psychological evaluations for immigration cases throughout California—T-Visa, U-Visa, Asylum, Hardship, Extreme Hardship, N-648, criminality, and substance abuse evaluations. She authored the book titled "Overcoming Adversity: An Immigrant's Perspective." She is also a retired Police Psychologist with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, where she provided organizational consultations to department executives, program development, training, employee wellness, curriculum development, emergency response, and clinical services. Dr. Gamez offers nonprofit leadership to community organizations to facilitate their fulfillment of their mission and vision. Her passion for helping first responders led her to serve as the Chief Executive Officer for Badge of Life, 501 (C)(3), an agency that provides comprehensive services to first responders, promoting their physical and psychological well-being through awareness, support, evidence-based training, and education. Dr. Gamez has served as a national grant reviewer, published author, and researcher. Her research interests include forensic and police psychology, trauma, ethics, police misconduct and corruption, substance abuse, immigration, diversity, inclusion, and leadership. She has authored multiple books and articles and is a journal reviewer. She earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology (LLU), an MBA in general business (WTAMU), an M.S. in forensic psychology (CSULA), a B.A. in psychology (CSULA), and a graduate certificate in diversity and inclusion from Cornell University.

Publications

The Role of Psychological Evaluations in Immigration Proceedings
Ana M. Gamez, Kelsey A. Michaels, Garrett P. Murrieta, Daniel Abdala. © 2025. 28 pages.
Immigrants pursuing changes in their legal status often encounter the complexities and challenges of the U.S. immigration system. This chapter examines the critical role...
The Psychological Sequelae of Trauma and Stress as Immigrants Adapt to a New Country
Ana M. Gamez, Dylan Lacson, Kelsey A. Michaels, Jerrondralyn K. Beltran. © 2025. 34 pages.
This chapter explores the unique and often complex experience of immigrants' stress and trauma as they seek to adjust to a new country. The chapter examines the psychological...
Best Practices for the Reintegration of Offenders Into the Community
Evelyn Lorraine Anderson, Ana M. Gamez. © 2024. 28 pages.
This chapter provides a discussion on the best practices for the reintegration of offenders into the community. More than one approach is necessary to address the emerging needs...
The Influence of Too Much or Too Little Parental Involvement in College Adjustment in Undergraduate Students
Ana Maria Gamez, Jazmine Stephanie Navarro. © 2024. 19 pages.
Parental involvement is a critical aspect of child development that evolves as children become adolescents and enter adulthood. This chapter delves into the influence of too much...
Strategies That Promote Student Success and Wellness Through Parental Involvement and Engagement in K-12
Ana Maria Gamez, Rosalia Ariana Hernandez, Annmarie Garcia, Jazmine Stephanie Navarro. © 2024. 20 pages.
This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of parents' powerful influence on their child's development and the role of parental practices, engagement, and involvement...
Strengthening Families Through Crisis Management: High-Risk Children and Familial Support
Ana Maria Gamez, Aamber Harrell. © 2024. 20 pages.
Strengthening families through crisis management in high-risk situations can prevent a catastrophe and save lives. This chapter defines a crisis and high-risk behaviors such as...