Michael Fernandez

Michael Fernandez, Ph.D., is a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Psychology at UCLA, located in the heart of Los Angeles, California. Michael has been an influential figure at the university since 2018 and also contributes as a researcher to the UCLA Center for Behavioral and Addiction Medicine.

His research primarily focuses on the intersection between psychology and public health, with special attention to behavioral interventions for addiction recovery, mental health promotion strategies, and reducing substance abuse across diverse populations.

Dr. Fernandez has authored or co-authored over fifty peer-reviewed articles and several book chapters that have significantly impacted the field. He recently led the editing of a comprehensive volume on innovative treatment approaches for addiction. His work has attracted substantial funding from organizations like the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Currently, Michael serves as an associate editor for the Journal of Clinical Psychology and has previously held editorial roles with other prestigious journals such as Addiction and Psychiatric Services. In recognition of his outstanding mentorship, he was awarded the Distinguished Mentor Award by the American Psychological Association in 2023. Moreover, he received the UCLA Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring Graduate Students in 2022, highlighting his commitment to nurturing the next generation of psychologists and researchers.