Hi, I'm Dr. Marlene Rivera Rodríguez.

I am a bilingual licensed clinical psychologist, and I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. That fact is not a footnote to my work, but rather it is the foundation of it. Growing up Boricua taught me that people are best understood in community, in context, and in the language their hearts actually speak. I carried that understanding into my doctorate in clinical psychology at Adler University in Chicago, into my clinical training in community mental health and hospital settings across Illinois and Indiana, and into my current role as an Assistant Professor who is training the next generation of doctoral level psychologists.

In the therapy room, I take a holistic approach. We know life and relationships can be messy, and we often work so hard to keep it together, but we do not have to! I believe the mind and body are interrelated, and I work from an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and Adlerian theory approach to help people build lives aligned with their values, even while carrying pain that cannot simply be erased. In my psychological assessment work, I bring the same care; through evaluations in Spanish or English that answer real questions, honor your story, and are written to be understood by the person they aim describe.

My clinical experience includes work with Spanish speaking communities, LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, people navigating acculturation stress and complex trauma, and clients living with depression, anxiety, and other significant mental health concerns. I have also published on bicultural identity and what it means to build a professional self without leaving your culture at the door.

Outside the office, I am happiest traveling and learning about cultures different from my own. I do this partly because it is fascinating, and partly because I genuinely believe what Adlerian theory calls for social interest: that belonging and contributing to community is at the center of a good life. You will also find me cooking comida criolla and on occasions also baking , playing video games, hanging out with my friends, collecting fun facts that I will absolutely share with you whether you asked or not, and spending time with my two dogs, Pooh and Bandido, who remain unimpressed by my credentials.

I would be honored to work with you!