Joe Puentes, PsyD, received his doctorate in Clinical-Community Psychology from the University of La Verne in La Verne, CA. He completed his pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the University Counseling Center at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN. There he received specialized training in alcohol and drug assessment and treatment and in Sport and Performance Psychology. Dr. Puentes spent the first five years of his career as a staff psychologist at Sonoma State University’s Counseling and Psychological Services before transitioning to his current full time work in private practice in Santa Rosa.

Dr. Puentes’ professional interests beyond working in his therapy practice are teaching and supervising graduate students, working in the community to promote mental health and social justice and consulting with athletes, coaches and teams. He works from Cognitive Behavioral, Client Centered and Strengths Based approaches.

Outside of his work, Joe appreciates being in nature, spending time with friends and family, and watching and playing sports. He loves to hike and plays baseball recreationally in Sonoma County. Dr. Puentes is originally from Illinois and is a life long Chicago Cubs Fan.