Expertise
Research and Academic Interests
- Adolescent substance abuse and risky sexual behaviors
- HIV/AIDS risk reduction among adolescents at risk
- Co-occurring mental health disorders
- Minority populations affected by substance abuse and other mental health disorders
- Hispanic health disparities
- Family therapy processes
- Treatment development, refinement, manualization and fidelity
- Culturally-tailored interventions
She is a licensed psychologist with specializations in family therapy, individual therapy, families affected by substance abuse, and families affected by immigration-related separations. Dr. Mena teaches biostatistical applications for nursing practice. Her research interests range from adolescent substance abuse and risky sexual behaviors, HIV/AIDS risk reduction among adolescents at risk, to minority populations affected by substance abuse and other mental health disorders and culturally-tailored interventions. She has extensive experience in working with minority populations experiencing health disparities and in implementing programs and evaluating their outcomes.
Clinical Specialties
- Family Therapy and individual therapy
- Families affected substance abuse
- Families affected by immigration-related separations
Primary Teaching Areas: Biostatistical Applications for Nursing Practice