Maria Luz Martinez, PhD, LCSW
she/her
Mental Health Clinical Supervisor
School Threat Assessment and Response Team (START)
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
About
Dr. Maria Luz Martinez is a clinical psychologist and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She supervises the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health School Threat Assessment Response Team (START). START provides threat assessment, intervention, and risk management for students of all ages at risk for targeted school violence. Dr. Martinez supervises and coordinates program activity in partnership with educational and law enforcement agencies.
Dr. Martinez is a member of the Department's Mental Health Alert Team (MHAT) which provides the mental health response to barricades and SWAT call-outs for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles County. Her role includes interviewing third parties to gather information critical to arriving at negotiated solutions.
Dr. Martinez is also a member of the Department's Special Prevention Unit (SPU). SPU works with local and federal law enforcement agencies in managing high profile persons-of-concern. This is a coordinated effort that includes the behavioral analysis of individuals targeting high profile individuals or institutions. Dr. Martinez provides consultation on threat assessment cases to private corporations and security firms.
