Meet Dr. Theo Burnes

Dr. Theo Burnes (he/him/his) is a licensed psychologist (PSY 25544) and a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC600) in the state of California. He received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara in Counseling Clinical and School Psychology. His professional interests include: the psychology of human sexual expression and sex-positivity; teaching and training pedagogy in mental health services; clinical supervision; social justice and advocacy; mental health and wellness for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and questioning (LGBTIQ) individuals; qualitative research epistemologies and ontologies. 

Dr. Burnes is a fellow of the American Psychological Association (in Division 17 and Division 44), and a professor of clinical education at the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education in the Marriage and Family Therapy program. He is a former Associate Editor for the journal Training and Education in Professional Psychology and a former member of the Board of Directors for the California Association for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (CALPCC). Dr. Burnes also maintains a private practice in which he sees a range of clients and also supervises pre-licensed professionals.

Educational History

  • PhD in Counseling/Clinical/School Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara

  • MA in Counseling Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara

  • MS Ed in Psychological Services, University of Pennsylvania

  • BA in Psychology and Spanish, Bucknell University

LICENSURE AND PRACTICE

  • Years of Clinical Experience: 22 Years

  • Years in Private Practice: 10 Years

  • Licenses: California, Clinical Psychologist (PSY 25544); California, Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC600)

Awards & Accolades

  • 2019: Outstanding Publication of the Year Award, Section on Supervision and Training, Division 17, American Psychological Association

  • 2018: Awarded outstanding contribution to The Counseling Psychologist, Division 17, American Psychological Association

  • 2018: Awarded status of Fellow, Division 44, American Psychological Association

  • 2017: Awarded status of Fellow, Division 17, American Psychological Association

  • 2016: Outstanding Counseling Supervisor, Division 17 Section on Supervision & Training, American Psychological Association

  • 2014: Distinguished Contribution to LGBT Social Justice Advocacy, Division 17 Section on LGBT Issues, American Psychological Association

  • 2010: Association for LGBT Issues in Counseling Service Award, American Counseling Association.

  • 2006: Pegasus Award for Outstanding Public Service Announcement, Cox Cable, Santa Barbara, CA.

  • 2004: Outstanding Independent Artist Award, Poetry.com

  • 2003: Gregory D’Amico Award for Service and Outreach to the LGBTQ Community, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA

  • 2003: University Service Award, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA.

  • 2000: Susan Hensinger Thomas Prize, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA.

  • 2000: Outstanding Defender of Human Rights, Amnesty International.