Marina Zaher Nakhla, Ph.D. is a registered psychological associate working under the supervision of Sandra Mary Abraham, Psy.D. She earned her doctorate from the SDSU/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in neuropsychology. Her training includes externships at the VA San Diego Healthcare System and UC San Diego, internship at the VA West Los Angeles Healthcare Center, and a one-year postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology and health psychology at OC neuroPSYCH, affiliated with Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian.
Dr. Nakhla’s areas of expertise include depression and anxiety, adjustment to medical illness or disability, chronic pain, insomnia, stress management, and life transitions. She also has experience with individuals presenting with cognitive concerns, including mild neurocognitive disorder and mild dementia. Her therapeutic approach is collaborative, skills-based, and values-oriented, drawing from evidence-based practices and informed by her background in neuropsychology and health psychology.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Nakhla has been actively involved in advocacy and diversity initiatives. She has served as a patient ambassador for amputees, spoken on disability and mental health awareness, and provided resources to the limb loss and Middle Eastern communities. Her advocacy has been highlighted by the NIH NIGMS Blog, Hanger Clinic, and CBC Egypt. She was recognized as a Disability Champion by the Egyptian Ministry of Emigration and Expatriate Affairs.