Bio

DSC_2649Mary Alvarez, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist in private practice.  Her office is located in Austin, Texas.  Dr. Alvarez has been in private practice since 1995 and her practice is both clinical and forensic in nature.

Dr. Alvarez is committed to providing the highest quality clinical and forensic services to her clients. Dr. Alvarez remains current in the research concerning the types of psychological disorders that she treats, as well as the relevant research concerning the types of forensic evaluations and services that she conducts. Dr. Alvarez also attends continuing education conferences throughout each year.

Dr. Alvarez is a member in good standing in both the American Psychological Association and the Texas Psychological Association.

Dr. Alvarez’ educational background includes:

  • B.A. degree in psychology from the University of Northern Iowa
  • M.A. degree in experimental psychology from the University of Texas-El Paso
  • M.A. degree in developmental psychology from the University of Houston
  • Ph.D. degree in developmental psychology with an emphasis in cognitive and neurodevelopment from the University of Houston

Dr. Alvarez’ scientific contributions to the field of psychology include:

  • Alvarez, M. and Barrientos, G. (1987).  Bulimic behavior as a function of stressful environmental events.  Master’s Thesis, University of Texas-El Paso.
  • Alvarez, M. and Naus, M. (1991).  The effects of rehearsal training on memory in children with ADHD.  Master’s Thesis, University of Houston.
  • Alvarez, M. and Hiscock, M. (1995).  Concurrent task performance of children with ADHD:  Effects of stimulant medication and reward.  Doctoral Dissertation, University of Houston.
  • Bernet, W. and Alvarez, M. (2024).  From Normal to Lethal: The Continuum of Parental Denigration and Parental Alienation.  Book Chapter in Global Perspectives on Parental Acceptance and Rejection.

Dr. Alvarez has been a speaker and presenter on many occasions throughout her career. She has spoken on topics such as ADHD diagnosis and treatment; memory recall and therapy; memory, trauma, and therapy; assessing suspected child abuse; children’s memories, recall, the effects of suggestibility, and parental influence. Currently, Dr. Alvarez presents to clinicians and attorneys the science and research concerning parental alienation, its identification, and treatment.  Below are the professional organizations to which Dr. Alvarez has presented:

  • The American Psychological Association
  • The Texas Psychological Association
  • The Texas Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
  • The Galveston County Bar Association
  • The Juvenile Law Section of the Harris County Bar Association
  • Various family law sections of the Texas Bar Association
  • Parental Alienation Study Group (an international group of professionals)