Provider Spotlight
“I have always believed that everyone deserves to have a beautiful and carefree childhood. Many don’t and I can’t change that; however, what I can do is try to guide and support new parents to be the best version of themselves for their children.”
Meet Dr. Alinne Barrera an English and Spanish-speaking Licensed Clinical Psychologist, who was dynamically influenced by both of her parents who were immigrants from different countries. At a young age Alinne moved to another country and was raised by family members she had never met. Despite moments of difficulty, Alinne remembers a beautiful childhood where her mother was the main figure, and she was always surrounded by love. These life experiences are where he draws inspiration for his professional work.
Alinne completed her undergraduate degree at the University of California, Berkeley and doctoral degree at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He returned to the University of California for his NIMH-funded predoctoral internship and research completed in conjunction with San Francisco General Hospital. Alinne is currently Professor in the Clinical Psychology PhD Program at Palo Alto University and serves as Associate Director at the Institute for International Internet Interventions for Health. Her scholarly work focuses on depression prevention, intervention adaptations, and the use of technology to disseminate perinatal mental health resources.
Because of her upbringing, Alinne has always been interested in different cultures and traditions that lead her to center her professional work on adapting psychological interventions to meet the needs of diverse cultures. Her research focuses primarily on women of color, Spanish speakers, and those with limited resources. Since 2005, she has been using technology such as the internet and SMS as ways to test evidence-based interventions, disseminate educational materials about perinatal mental health, and reach those in need, in need, and seeking emotional support. Alinne is also focused on helping providers learn about and incorporate simple ways to educate their patients about the mental health changes that can occur during the perinatal period.
Alinne shares, “I am most interested in bringing the human, community, and cultural aspects of our lived birth experiences to individuals through the digital devices they currently have access to or are most comfortable using. the methods I implement are very simple and do not use the most sophisticated technologies. Due to the ubiquity of technology, I see digital mental health as a way to overcome the stigma that continues to act as a barrier for many birthing individuals to continue who are confused, shocked, and alone when they experience unexpected mental health issues, and as a result. don’t know how to get help.”
Perinatal mood disorders are treatable; therefore, Alinne’s goal is to use her background as a Clinical Psychologist, child, and mother to create digital tools that require minimal professional support and focus on prevention. In addition to her scholarly work, Alinne is an expert trainer and consultant to agencies implementing the Mothers and Babies Course, and she serves on the Advisory Boards of 2020Mom, EmmaWell, and Canopie.
Outside of her professional life, Alinne takes care of herself by wandering and traveling, and spending time with family and close friends. Also, Alinne values her alone time. Since the pandemic, he’s been very protective of his workout time and shared, “whether it’s going to the gym, running in the park, or logging into Zoom boot camp, talk to me for an hour!” Finally, he likes to be surprised. “There are very few things in life that are unknown. I like not knowing and being surprised!”
Dr. Alinne Barrera we thank you for the work you are doing in the perinatal space and the steps you have taken in your research. If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Barrera, on his research, or wish to contact him further, please visit him at the links below:
Email: abarrera@paloaltou.edu
Lab Website: https://barreralab.wixsite.com/home
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alinne-barrera-phd-4450a560
IG/Twitter: @madres_lab
Facebook: madreslab
Monthly newsletter sign up: https://mailchi.mp/fcc3bd556503/newsletter-sign-up
These two study sites are currently closed but give an overview of the type of work I do: www.babytextstudy.com and www.emb.health
Volunteer Spotlight
“My biggest win is when the mothers I have helped and supported come back years later to volunteer for PSI,” shared Hajara Kutty who has volunteered as an international support coordinator since 2008.
“This has happened several times and each time, it’s such a great feeling to know that I helped them in their time of need until they want to do the same for others!”
Hajara started volunteering after experiencing challenges and being diagnosed with perinatal mood disorder. Although she loves working with children since she is an elementary school teacher, her passion is spreading awareness and supporting others experiencing the symptoms of perinatal mood disorder.
Between life, teaching, and volunteering she takes care of herself by watching movies with my husband, reading, exercising and walking with my daughter (when the weather is nice).
As a support coordinator, Hajara sees how grateful those seeking help are to connect with someone who understands their struggles while offering support and resources.
Hajara, thank you for the tireless work you do for us help seekers. If you want to connect with Hajara you can contact her at hajux@yahoo.ca
If you are interested in supporting parents, consider it volunteered at PSI today.
