Dr. Nakamura works to educate university students, administrators, and communities on diversity, multiculturalism, intersectionality, race, immigration and LGBTQ issues through lectures, workshops, and presentations.
My work
Dr. Nadine Nakamura earned her BA in Psychology with a specialization in Asian American Studies from UCLA and earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University. She is a Professor at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego. Dr. Nakamura’s research focuses on understanding the unique needs of LGBTQ people of color, LGBTQ immigrants and asylum seekers, as well as LGBTQ international issues. She has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, as well as a co-edited book titled LGBTQ Mental Health: International Perspectives and Experiences. Dr. Nakamura has received funding from the American Psychological Association’s Minority Fellowship Program, the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the Canadian Institute of Health Research, and the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues. She has provided diversity trainings, workshops, and presentations to various organizations and audiences both nationally and internationally.
Awards & Recognition
Fellow of the American Psychological Association
Awarded the American Psychological Association Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity Outstanding Achievement Award in 2020.
Awarded the National Multicultural Conference and Summit’s Rising Star Award in 2017.
Awarded the American Psychological Association Minority Fellowship Program Early Career Achievement Award in 2014.
Co-chair of the Asian American Psychological Association’s Leadership Fellows Program.
Member of the APA Minority Fellowship Program’s Training Advisory Committee.
APA representative to the International Psychology Network for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex Issues.
Served as co-chair of the APA LGB Guidelines Revisions Task Force.
Served on the APA Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity.
Served on the APA Presidential Task Force on Immigration.
“Dr. Nakamura is the type of mentor every graduate student needs—whether the student is brilliant in their work or struggling to feel like they can do the work—she is always there to support and encourage! I can only imagine what it would have been like for me in my graduate program if I did not meet my mentor. She is a rock star! She has wonder-woman power! She is a mother and she finds the time to be mentor-mother to me and so many other women in the department. Without my mentor, I would have given up on graduate education two semesters in. But I met my mentor and realized that she believed in me more than I believed in me! La Verne is fortunate to have faculty like this woman. She’s authentic, true to herself and family, is smart and has the record to prove it. All while navigating a contentious and political department. When I grow up (because I have now graduated), I want to be just like her be in the face of it all she has taught me that women of color have persisted!”