Oswaldo Moreno, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Training, Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program
Honors in Psychology Coordinator
Counseling Psychology
Tenured
Faculty
Education
- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Clark University
- M.S. in Clinical Psychology, Clark University
- M.T.S. in Religious Studies and Social Science, Harvard University
- B.S. in Psychology, Arizona State University
Research Interests
Dr. Moreno's research interests are centered at the intersection of clinical health science, social determinants of health, and mental health disparities. Specifically, Dr. Moreno focuses on understanding how social determinants—including structural and systemic factors—contribute to physical and mental health outcomes such as stress, internalizing disorders, and addictive behaviors. Dr. Moreno’s work explores the role of healthcare behaviors and examines the unique challenges faced by marginalized populations in accessing culturally responsive mental health services.
Dr. Moreno's research aims to develop, disseminate, and evaluate culturally appropriate treatments that address these barriers. Additionally, Dr. Moreno emphasizes the psycho-social- cultural dimensions that shape individuals and mental health, coping strategies, help-seeking behaviors, and overall well-being. Dr. Moreno believes these factors are critical for developing multicultural frameworks designed to reduce healthcare disparities and promote mental health in communities with greater need.
Currently, Dr. Moreno directs La Esperanza Research Program, which is working on the Latino Behavioral Health Initiative, The Study on Reducing Psychological and Behavioral Health Disparities for Latine Communities, and the Study on Culturally Enhancing a Group-Based Program for Latinx Youth. His research team is also conducting a Study on Family and Cultural Factors on Latine Adolescent Tobacco Use and the Effects of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems among Latine Smokers.
Areas of Expertise:
- Clinical Health Psychology
- Community Health
- Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology
- Health Disparities and Health Inequalities
- Latinx/e Immigrant Health
- Social Determinants of Health
Select Publications
- Moreno, O., Tirado, C., Avila, M., Bravo, A. J., Garcia-Rodriguez, I., Romo, S., Rodriguez, J., Matos, C., Hernandez, C., Ramos, M. S., Fuentes, L., Muñoz, G., Gutierrez, D., & Corona, R. (2024). Results from a pilot efficacy trial of a motivational interviewing substance use intervention for Latinx/e youth. Journal of Counseling & Development, 102(2), 198-209. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12505
- Moreno, O., Derlan Williams, C., Muñoz, G., Santana, A., Hernandez, C., de Jesus Elias, M., Chartier, K., Hood, K., Johnson, K., Middleton, T. J., Montemayor, B. N., The Spit for Science Working Group, Vassileva, J., Dick, D. M., & Amstadter, A. B. (2024). Interpersonal ethnic–racial discrimination and tobacco products: The moderating role of critical action. Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1037/cdp0000646
- Garcini, L. M., Barrita, A., Cadenas, G. A., Domenech Rodríguez, M. M., Galvan, T., Mercado, A., Moreno, O., Paris, M., Rojas Perez, O. F., Silva, M., & Venta, A. (2023). A decolonial and liberation lens to social justice research: Upholding promises for diverse, inclusive, and equitable psychological science. American Psychologist. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0001255
- Moreno, O., Rosales, R., Munoz, G., Zelaya, D., Figuereo, V., & Bravo, A.J. (2023). Workplace and school microaggressions on anxiety: The role of cultural values among Hispanic Americans. International Journal of Intercultural Relations. doi: 10.1016/j.ijintrel.2023.101774
- Galvan. T., Venta, A., Silva, M., Mercado A., Moreno, O., & Garcini, L. (2023). Applying an anti-racist framework to reduce disparities and promote psychological well-being in unaccompanied immigrant minors. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. doi: 10.1016/j.jaac.2023.01.023
- Moreno, O., *Sosa, R., *Hernandez, C., Cadenas, G., & Nienhusser., H.K. (2022). Immigration status, mental health, and intent to persist among Immigrant college students. Journal of Diversity in Higher Education. doi: 10.1037/dhe0000456
- Hernandez, R., Willis, K., Moreno, O., & Corona, R. (2022). Does religious commitment mediate the association between acculturative stress and Latinx young adults’ tobacco use? Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology. doi: 10.1177/00220221221093814
Affiliations
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- APA Division: 38 - Society for Health Psychology
- APA Division: 45 - Society for the Psychological Study of Ethnic Minority Issues
- APA Division: 36 - Society for the Psychological Study of Religion
- Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)
- Council of Clinical Health Psychology Training Programs (CCHPTP)
- National Latinx Psychological Association (NLPA)
Courses
- Abnormal Psychology, undergraduate level
- Cross-Cultural Psychology, undergraduate level
- Diversity Dialogue: Intersectionality, graduate level
- Multicultural Counseling Practicum, graduate level
- Personal Awareness in Multicultural Counseling, graduate level
Awards
- Presidential Citation Award for Outstanding Service, National Latinx Psychological Association, 2024
- Rising Star Award, Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Hispanic SIG, 2024
- Melba J.T. Vasquez Early Career Award for Outstanding Scientific Contributions and the Application of this Knowledge toward the Improved Mental and Physical Well-Being of People of Color, American Psychological Association Minority Fellowship, 2024
- Dr. Edwin J. Nichols Cultural and Diversity Grant Award, 2024