09/23/2025
that in September 2001, the field of psychology lost one of its most pioneering figures?
Dr. Martha Bernal (1931–2001) passed away on September 28, 2001, leaving behind a legacy of rigorous research and institutional contributions that continue to shape psychological science today.
Dr. Bernal was the first Latina to earn a PhD in psychology in the United States (Indiana University, 1962). Her early work focused on behavioral interventions for children with conduct disorders, contributing significantly to the development of evidence-based practices in child clinical psychology.
In later years, she advanced the field through her work on ethnic identity development, emphasizing the importance of context in psychological assessment and treatment. At a time when such topics were rarely part of mainstream discourse, her work laid the foundation for more culturally attuned models of psychological development and clinical care.
She also helped establish critical institutional frameworks within the American Psychological Association, such as the Board of Ethnic Minority Affairs, and contributed to the development of training standards that incorporated cultural competence in both research and practice.
Dr. Bernal’s passing marked not only the loss of a brilliant scientist but also a respected educator and mentor whose impact continues through the work of those she trained and inspired.
Her legacy reminds us that rigorous science and contextual understanding are not mutually exclusive—but essential partners in improving mental health care.
American Psychological Association
