Aida Torres is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) with over 20 years of experience serving communities through public safety, mental health, and youth advocacy. She earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University, and also holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Cal State Long Beach and a B.S. in Sociology from Cal Poly Pomona.
Before becoming an AMFT, Aida spent over two decades as a Crime Prevention Specialist for local government. In that role, she developed and led evidence-based programs that addressed youth violence, delinquency, and social isolation. A 2021 evaluation by Azusa Pacific University credited her efforts with a 56% reduction in juvenile crime. She has successfully managed over $2.8 million in grant funding and worked in partnership with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s and Probation Departments to support underserved youth.
Aida’s clinical work focuses on trauma-informed, culturally responsive therapy with individuals, adolescents, and families. She has training and experience facilitating Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) groups in both residential and outpatient settings, helping clients build emotional regulation skills, improve relationships, and manage distress. Her work is guided by empathy, structure, and a deep respect for each client’s lived experience. Her unique blend of expertise in criminal justice, clinical psychology, and community development enables her to support youth, families, and adults with compassion and cultural sensitivity.
Noted Awards
- Duarte Woman of the Year – California State Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (2019)
- Program Excellence Award for Community Health and Safety – International City/County Management Association (2023)
- Golden Apple Award – Duarte Unified School District (2023)
- Community Outreach Action Team Award – California Teachers Association (2024)
In addition to her clinical and public service work, Aida has served as an adjunct professor in the Criminal Justice Department at Azusa Pacific University. She is also a board member of the Kiwanis Club, where she leads the scholarship program, and previously served as co-chair of the Pasadena NAACP ACT-SO program for nearly a decade.
Aida Torres, AMFT#152958 is under the clinical supervision of Patricia Gieselman, MFT#25498.
