Life & Work with Cori Gold of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cori Gold.

Hi Cori, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am currently a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist in California, though my journey in this field began long before I earned my degree. Growing up with parents who both worked in helping professions, I developed an early appreciation for service, compassion, and the impact of supporting others through life’s challenges. I began my academic training at the University of Maryland, where I discovered a passion for understanding human behavior within the context of the legal system. As an undergraduate, I interned at Saint Elizabeths Hospital, a psychiatric hospital in Washington, D.C., and at the Pretrial Services Agency for the District of Columbia, where I conducted pretrial interviews with detainees. These formative experiences deepened my commitment to working with individuals living with serious mental illness, particularly within forensic settings.

I then went on to earn my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington, D.C. My first practicum at the D.C. Superior Court was pivotal. There, I evaluated and provided therapy to court-involved youth, which solidified my dedication to serving forensic populations. Seeking to broaden my experience, I then worked at an outpatient community mental health center providing individual and group therapy to adults with severe mental illness and co-occurring disorders. My training continued at Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center, a maximum-security forensic hospital, where I discovered a deep affinity for inpatient forensic work. This led to my first-choice internship match at the Arizona State Hospital, where I divided my time between the forensic hospital and the sex offender treatment program. During this period, I conducted psychological and forensic evaluations and worked closely with patients to help them develop insight into the connection between their mental illness and offending behavior.

After my internship year, I pursued a postdoctoral fellowship in private practice, where I expanded my expertise in forensic assessment. My work included conducting child custody evaluations, violence risk assessments, peace officer suitability evaluations, veteran compensation and pension examinations, and vocational rehabilitation assessments. Today, I serve as a Panel Psychologist for the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, conducting competency to stand trial and psychological evaluations for juveniles, utilizing a range of forensic assessment instruments. Alongside my forensic work, I maintain a private practice providing individual therapy to adults. Across these varied experiences, what has remained constant is my dedication to understanding and supporting individuals at the intersection of mental health and the legal system. My work continues to be guided by compassion, clinical integrity, and a commitment to fostering both accountability and moving forward with purpose.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While the journey has been very rewarding, there were certainly challenges. Graduate training in clinical psychology is inherently rigorous and the process of applying, interviewing, and being selected for practicum sites each year was highly competitive and anxiety-provoking. Each placement served as a stepping stone toward the next opportunity, and ultimately toward internship, which created a continual sense of pressure and uncertainty. The unpredictability often contributed to stress and insomnia. Over time, I learned to apply the same evidence-based strategies I was teaching others, using mindfulness, cognitive techniques, and structured routines to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.

During this same period, I faced profound personal loss. I lost three family members to COVID-19 within a few short months, an experience that shaped my understanding of adaptability and healing. Navigating grief while maintaining academic and clinical responsibilities deepened my empathy for those experiencing loss and strengthened my commitment to supporting others through their most difficult moments. I also experienced the tragic loss of a client to gun violence shortly before he was accepted into a psychiatric treatment program. This event underscored the vulnerabilities of individuals with serious mental illness and the systemic gaps that too often prevent them from receiving necessary care. That experience continues to inform my work and my dedication to advocating for marginalized and underserved populations. While the road was far from smooth, each challenge reinforced my sense of purpose and helped cultivate the resilience, humility, and empathy that guide my clinical practice.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My own experiences contributed to the foundation of my professional focus. In my private practice, I specialize in helping adults manage anxiety, self-doubt, burnout, and negative thought patterns that interfere with sleep, relationships, and life transitions. In addition, my clinical practice includes working with individuals who have caused breaches of trust in relationships or who feel ostracized due to social or reputational consequences, including those who have been or fear being “canceled.” Within this context, I focus on helping clients cultivate self-awareness, take responsibility for their actions, and rebuild a sense of purpose and resilience.

My background in forensic psychology has been instrumental in shaping my clinical approach. I have worked extensively with forensic populations, including individuals charged with serious offenses such as homicide and sexual offenses. These experiences have strengthened my ability to maintain a careful balance between empathy and objectivity, an essential skill for effective clinical judgment. I have learned that creating an environment in which individuals feel genuinely heard and understood, without judgment, is foundational to facilitating insight, accountability, and growth.

As an integrative therapist, I draw upon evidence-based interventions from multiple theoretical frameworks, tailoring each treatment plan to the unique symptoms, circumstances, and goals of the individual. My approach is person-centered, emphasizing collaboration, transparency, and the development of a strong therapeutic alliance. I strive to provide clients with the rationale for each technique and actively involve them in treatment decisions, which promotes engagement and fosters meaningful, lasting change. What distinguishes my work is the combination of clinical rigor and understanding that I bring to every case. Whether conducting forensic evaluations or providing psychotherapy, I remain guided by a commitment to ethical practice, cultural humility, and the belief that with the right support, individuals can develop insight and move forward with increased strength and self-awareness.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
The Happiness Lab, hosted by Dr. Laurie Santos, explores evidence-based ways to increase happiness and resilience. It serves as a reminder to apply psychological research in daily life to manage stress, practice gratitude, and nurture relationships. I also love the podcast Giggly Squad by Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo. Their ability to laugh through life underscores the importance of humor, authenticity, friendship, and maintaining a lighthearted perspective despite life’s challenges.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.drgoldpsych.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcorigold/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cori-gold-psy-d-313479b7/
• Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/cori-gold-santa-monica-ca/1594098

Image Credits
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