Judy Ho Gavazza

Associate Professor and IRB Chair

Psychology Division, Graduate School of Education and Psychology

West Los Angeles

310.568.5604

Biography

Dr. Judy Ho, Ph. D., ABPP, ABPdN, is a triple board certified and licensed Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychologist, a tenured Associate Professor at Pepperdine University, and published author, penning “Stop Self-Sabotage,” published by HarperCollins in August 2019; a book detailing a scientifically driven six-step program which has been translated into 7 additional languages around the world. Her second book, which she co-authored with Max Dubrow, entitled "I’ll Give it to Your Straight-ish: What Your Teen Wants You to Know," is published by Flashpoint and contains Dr. Judy's evidence-based tips to help parents raise healthy and resilient teenagers. Dr. Judy maintains a private practice in Manhattan Beach, CA, where she specializes in comprehensive neuropsychological assessments and expert witness work. She regularly appears as an expert psychologist on television, podcasts, radio, and contributes to other media, including print and electronic periodicals. She was a co-host on the syndicate daytime television talk show “The Doctors,” co-host of CBS’s Face the Truth, and host of The SuperCharged Life podcast, which focuses on scientific, tangible tips for physical and mental wellness, and strategies for motivation and productivity, produced by Stage 29 Podcast Productions.

Dr. Judy Ho is an avid researcher and is a two-time recipient of the National Institute of Mental Health Services Research Award. She hosts an active research program to improve mental health care for high-need populations and is the chair of the Institutional Review Board at Pepperdine University. Her treatment approaches integrate the scientific principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. She often speaks at national and local events including research, clinical, and corporate conferences and workshops for organizations and schools.

Dr. Judy received her bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Business Administration from UC Berkeley, and her masters and doctorate from SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology. She completed a National Institute of Mental Health sponsored fellowship at UCLA's Semel Institute.

Education

PhD, MS, University of California San Diego / San Diego State University
BA, BS, University of California, Berkeley

Research
Media

Research and Scholarship

Dubrow, M. & Ho, J. (2021). I’ll Give It to You Straightish: What Your Teen Wants You to Know. Flashpoint Publications.
Ho, J. (2019). Stop Self Sabotage: Six Steps to Unlock Your True Motivation, Harness Your Willpower, and Get Out of Your Own Way. Harper Wave, an imprint of Harper Collins, New York, NY.
Ho, J., Moss, N., & Yeh, M. (2014). Assessment of Childhood Behavioral Disorders. In L. T. Benuto, N. Thaler, & B. D. Leany (Eds.), Guide to Psychological Assessment with Asian Americans.
Ho, J., Moss, N., & Yeh, M. (2014). Special Considerations. In L. T. Benuto, N. Thaler, & B. D. Leany (Eds.), Guide to Psychological Assessment with Asian Americans.
Ho, J. (Ed.) (2013). Immigrants: Acculturation, Socioeconomic Challenges and Cultural Psychology. New York, NY: Nova Publishers.
Ho, J., Rogers, G., & Anderson, K. (2013). African Immigrants: Mental Health Status and Barriers in Professional Mental Health Service Use. In Ho, J. (Ed.). Immigrants: Acculturation, Socioeconomic Challenges and Cultural Psychology. New York, NY: Nova Publishers.
Barton, J., Kaplan, A., Moss, N., Ho, J. (2013). Corporal Physical Punishment Today: The History, Effect and Long-Term Implications. In Castro, N. (Ed.), Psychology of Punishment: New Research.
Yeh, M., Aarons, G.A., Ho, J., Leslie, L., McCabe, K., & Hough, R.L. (2013). Parental Etiological Explanations and Longitudinal Medication Use for Youths with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Administration and Policy in Mental Health.
Ho, J., Lau, A., Yeh, M., McCabe, K. (2012). Perceptions of the acceptability of parent training among Chinese immigrant parents: Contributions of cultural factors and clinical need. Behavior Therapy.
Ho, J., & Daniels, S. (2011). Acculturation and mental health care for Latino and Asian youth. In T. M. Johnson (Ed.), Acculturation: Implications for Individuals, Families, and Societies. Nova Science Publishers: Hauppauge, NY.
Ho, J., McCabe, K., Yeh, M., & Lau, A. (2009). Evidence-based treatments for conduct disorder among ethnic minorities. In R. C. Murrihy, A. D. Kidman, & T. H. Ollendick (Eds.), Clinical Handbook of Assessing and Treating Conduct Problems in Youth (p. 455-488). Springer Publishing: New York, NY, in press.
Ho, J., Yeh, M., McCabe, K., & Hough, R. L (2006). Parental cultural affiliation and youth mental health service use. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 36, 529-542.
Ho, J., Liang, J., Martinez, J., Huang, C., & Yeh, M. (2006). Racial and ethnic disparities in mental health care for youth. In E. V. Metrosa (Ed.), Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health and Health Care (p. 149-204). Nova Science Publishers: Hauppauge, NY.
Yeh, M., Forness, S., Ho, J., McCabe, K., & Hough, R. L. (2004). Parental etiological explanations and disproportionate racial/ethnic representation in special education services for youth with emotional disturbance, Behavioral Disorders, 29, 348-358.

Media Appearances

Dr. Judy Ho is a licensed and board-certified clinical psychologist and an assistant professor of psychology. She is a two-time recipient of the National Institute of Mental Health National Services Research Award and an examination board member of the American Board of Professional Psychology. Dr. Ho conducts neuropsychological assessments and serves as an expert witness in a variety of forensic settings including civil and criminal court proceedings. She delivers evidence-based therapies to youth and adults, and teaches in the doctoral and masters level psychology programs at Pepperdine University.

Dr. Ho's CREATE research lab hosts her program of research aimed at 1) improving mental health service delivery and outcomes for ethnically diverse youth populations in low-income community settings and 2) exploring creative, innovative interventions to better engage clients in the therapeutic process and to reduce stigma to professional mental health care.

Dr. Ho has provided expert commentary on various television programs, including CNN Tonight, Dr. Drew on Call, Nancy Grace and The Doctors

Dr. Judy Ho offers her clinical and forensic psychology expertise for a variety of media outlets, including: television programs, radio & podcasts, magazine and print interviews, blogs / e-articles and books.

Areas of Expertise

Depression and anxiety issues
Childhood and adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Eating disorders
Dementia