School of Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Kristen "Kristi" Newberry serves as the Chair of the School of Behavioral Sciences. She holds a Psy.D. in clinical psychology from Wheaton College and has been a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Illinois since 2012. With over 13 years of higher education administrative experience, her career spans clinical training, administration, and clinical practice. Dr. Newberry's clinical expertise encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of co-morbid chronic medical conditions, with a specific focus on auto-immune, thyroid, and inflammatory conditions, as well as mental health, infertility, and women's issues. She also possesses proficiency in psychological testing related to medical concerns, such as bariatric surgery evaluations, pre-surgical screenings, and assessments for egg donor and surrogacy arrangements. Additionally, her assessment competence extends to ADHD, learning disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders.
In the realm of academia and research, Dr. Newberry is actively engaged in the study of graduate student self-care, wellness, and coping. She has shared her insights and findings on this subject through presentations conducted nationwide, often alongside her students. More recently, her research has expanded to explore coping mechanisms in relation to women's identity within the context of infertility diagnoses.
Prior to her role at California Southern University, Dr. Newberry served as the Dean of the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Schaumburg, Program Director at National Louis University, and Director of Clinical Training for The Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Chicago. She has also been an educator, instructing courses in various areas including psychodynamic theory and therapy, integrative assessment, projective assessment, self-care for mental health professionals, consultation and supervision, advanced qualitative research methods, and practicum seminars.
Currently, Dr. Newberry operates a psychology practice in the Chicago suburbs alongside her husband, offering therapy and testing services for a wide range of presenting concerns.