Background Profile

I was born in Los Angeles, CA, and spent a majority of my upbringing in Sacramento, CA. Both of my parents immigrated from the Philippines before I was born. Having two parents that assimilated to the United States allowed me to develop a strong multicultural lens and appreciation. Drawing upon personal experience, I am sensitive to the vital role environment plays in how we develop our sense of self, our world view, and our personal interactions.

As far as my educational background, I obtained a Bachelor’s of Science (B.S.) in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Following undergrad, I worked as a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Worker at The Alpine Special Treatment Center in Alpine, CA, which deepened my calling to pursue a career in behavioral health. I then earned a Master’s of Arts (M.A.) degree in Psychology from Long Island University (Brooklyn) before completing a PsyD in Clinical Psychology doctoral program from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

My field experience has included providing therapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups in a variety of settings from in-patient hospitals, community outpatient mental health centers, public school systems, to private practice settings.

In addition to private practice, I also spend my time at West Coast Children’s Clinic in Oakland, CA, where I work closely with transitional age teens who struggle with behavioral health concerns related to systemic oppression, trauma, and organic determinants.

For more information regarding my therapy education and experience find me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-hemedes-psy-d-b02b4022/ and Psychology Today: www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/leslie-hemedes-oakland-ca/366078