Dr. Tristin Engels

Dr. Tristin Engels is a licensed Clinical Forensic Psychologist through the California Board of Psychology. Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Dr. Engels is the maternal granddaughter of Louis R. Vitullo, the co-creator of the first sexual assault evidence collection kit, and author of "The Power of Truth: The Life of Louis R. Vitullo and the Legacy of the Rape Kit." A portion of each book sale is donated to efforts to end the backlog of untested rape kits nationwide. Dr. Engels completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2005. After a short break, she went back to complete her graduate degree through the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. In 2009 she moved to Southern California where she conducted her practicum, internships, and dissertation until completion of her Degree in 2013. Dr. Engels has worked with all ages and clinical disorders in various settings. Examples of her experience include court-ordered evaluations for juveniles ranging from ages 12-18, individual therapy and PTSD screenings for recently discharged Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans, risk assessment and vocational readiness for newly released adult offenders on Parole, clinical therapy, and case management for individuals in Community Mental Health and AB109 Probation, individual and group therapy for incarcerated male adults in a maximum-security institution, and crisis intervention and inpatient treatment. Dr. Engels has been fortunate that her experience with these diverse populations has afforded her the exposure and skill-building to treat and assess all clinical and personality disorders. Dr. Engels understands the importance of trust and confidentiality and believes in securing a strong therapeutic rapport for all of her patients to ensure their personal treatment goals are met. Dr. Engels emphasizes empowerment and uses a strength-based approach to help instill hope and motivation for change.