Alumni Spotlight:
Q&A with Dr. Francesca Luizza
California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University
PsyD in Clinical Psychology, San Diego Campus
Professional Information
Licensed Clinical and Forensic Psychologist at Francesca Luizza, PsyD and Todd D. Pizitz, PhD, Inc. in San Diego, CA
Q: How did your Alliant experience prepare you for your career?
A: My experience at CSPP prepared me to specialize in forensic psychology due to the practicum sites and networking opportunities. I was trained and mentored by several renowned forensic psychologists and professors that I met through CSPP San Diego. One mentor that I still work with today took me under his wing and taught me how to build my own forensic private practice and helped me network with attorneys in the San Diego area. If it wasn’t for CSPP, I would have never met my amazing mentors and gotten the opportunities to train at forensic practicum sites.
Q: What you enjoy most about your work?
A: I feel grateful to be able to provide mental health treatment to individuals who may have never had the chance to have it and am privileged to be able to join my patients on their journey of vulnerability and growth. On the business side of things, I am enjoying being my own boss and providing myself the opportunity to live comfortably and participate in trainings and networking events that will further help me build my career as a forensic psychologist.
Q: What inspires you to make a positive difference in the world?
A: The desperate need for empathy, love, care, and kindness in our world.
Q: Do you have advice for current students interested in your field?
A: My best advice for students who want to pursue a career in forensic psychology would be to create relationships with professors and psychologists in the community or in school that can help guide you in the right direction towards training opportunities and/or psych assistant jobs that involve working with individuals in the criminal justice system. I would suggest applying to practicum sites that focus on assessment and sites at prisons, hospitals, jails, and/or clinics that work with the forensic population. Overall, don’t give up. There are times where you will feel emotionally and physically exhausted and ask yourself, “Is this worth it?” The day I received my license number, I applied for my business license and began my dream career in private practice. This was my “this was worth it” moment. You will have yours too. Just remember to be proud of yourself, be kind to yourself, and above all, believe in yourself.
Learn more about Dr. Francesca Luizza at: www.francescaluizzapsyd.com
If you would like to share your reflections in an Alliant alumni spotlight, please click here or email alumni@alliant.edu.
