Dr. Nakisha Castillo
Dr. Nakisha Castillo
Clinical Director, Associate Professor of Psychology
Arts and Sciences
Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counseling, Homeless, Mental Illness, Marginalized People
Dr. Nakisha Castillo,is a Psychology Field Director and Assistant Professor of Psychology in the School of Arts and Science in the psychology program at University of Massachusetts Global. As a faculty member, she is dedicated to helping her students learn the relevant therapeutic techniques needed to serve a clinical population. Prior to working at UMass Global Dr. Castillo worked at the Riverside County Department of Mental Health Desert Adult Full Service Partnership as a clinical therapist I serving the underserved and severely mentally ill population. She has conducted both qualitative and quantitative research. Dr. Castillo brings a wealth of knowledge to the UMass Global community through her various experiences as a clinician, adjunct professor, grant writer, consultant, and clinical service coordinator and trainer.
Education History
2013 - Doctorate of Marriage and Family Therapy, Loma Linda University, CA
- Dissertation: “The Utilization of Recovery Oriented Care Training Program and Evaluation for Clinical Supervisors”
2010 - M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy, Loma Linda University, CA
- Major Project: “Theoretical Application and Case Presentation Solution Focused Brief Therapy”
2007 - B.S. in Social Work, Atlantic Union College
- Area of Concentration: Gerontology
Scholarly Activities
Publications
2015
- Oloo, W., Castillo, N., Fox, C., Gittens, H.
The Qualitative Study of Recovery-Oriented Care in Clinical Supervision: A Methodological Overview
Journal of Arts and Humanities, September 2015
Presentations
2017
-
Ringenbach, K., & Castillo, N. Transformation of Mentorship Through Bidirectional Relationship
Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Academic Resource Conference, San Diego, CA
2013
-
Lyles, L., Castillo, N., Clarke, C., Wray, W., & Fider, C."To Help Reform and Improve Vulnerability in Education (THRIVE): A Path Analysis Model.
American Association of Marital and Family Theraphy, Third Annual Southern California Student Conference, Loma Linda, CA
Professional Experience
2015-PRESENT - Assistant Professor, Psychology, University of Massachusetts Global, School of Arts & Sciences
- Teach undergraduate and graduate students in the Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy programs.
2013 - Adjunct Professor, Loma Linda University, Department of Behavioral Health Counseling and Science
- Teach graduate and doctoral students in the Marriage and Family Therapy program.
2013 - Clinical Therapist I, Riverside County, Department of Mental Health
-
Provided services to the severely mentally ill, individuals with co-occurring disorders, homeless and low-income populations.
Education History
2013 - Doctorate of Marriage and Family Therapy, Loma Linda University, CA
- Dissertation: “The Utilization of Recovery Oriented Care Training Program and Evaluation for Clinical Supervisors”
2010 - M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy, Loma Linda University, CA
- Major Project: “Theoretical Application and Case Presentation Solution Focused Brief Therapy”
2007 - B.S. in Social Work, Atlantic Union College
- Area of Concentration: Gerontology
Scholarly Activities
Publications
2015
- Oloo, W., Castillo, N., Fox, C., Gittens, H.
The Qualitative Study of Recovery-Oriented Care in Clinical Supervision: A Methodological Overview
Journal of Arts and Humanities, September 2015
Presentations
2017
-
Ringenbach, K., & Castillo, N. Transformation of Mentorship Through Bidirectional Relationship
Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Academic Resource Conference, San Diego, CA
2013
-
Lyles, L., Castillo, N., Clarke, C., Wray, W., & Fider, C."To Help Reform and Improve Vulnerability in Education (THRIVE): A Path Analysis Model.
American Association of Marital and Family Theraphy, Third Annual Southern California Student Conference, Loma Linda, CA
Professional Experience
2015-PRESENT - Assistant Professor, Psychology, University of Massachusetts Global, School of Arts & Sciences
- Teach undergraduate and graduate students in the Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy programs.
2013 - Adjunct Professor, Loma Linda University, Department of Behavioral Health Counseling and Science
- Teach graduate and doctoral students in the Marriage and Family Therapy program.
2013 - Clinical Therapist I, Riverside County, Department of Mental Health
-
Provided services to the severely mentally ill, individuals with co-occurring disorders, homeless and low-income populations.
Related Programs
Psychology & Counseling
Marriage/Family Therapy (Marriage/Family Therapy), MA
Navigating relationships is difficult at the best of times. As a marriage and family therapist, you’ll help individuals, couples, and families work through problems and past roadblocks. Earn your UMass Global MFT degree online with in-person practicum hours.
Jun 23, 2025
Dual Licensure
Psychology & Counseling
Marriage and Family Therapy & Professional Clinical Counseling, MA
Through a mix of online coursework and supervised in-person fieldwork, this dual emphasis MFT and PCC graduate degree prepares students for a career as a practicing clinical therapist. In that role, you’ll help individuals, couples, and families manage and work through relationship, personal, and psychological difficulties.
Jun 23, 2025
Psychology & Counseling
Professional Clinical Counseling, MA
Learn about the MA in Professional Clinical Counseling at UMass Global, an online degree program that prepares you to provide therapeutic services to diverse communities.
Jun 23, 2025