Dr. Heather Staufenberg is a licensed clinical psychologist, serving as the Assistant Director of Bureau Operations for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), Psychological Services Bureau. While her primary duty is overseeing the daily operations of the Bureau, she also continues to carry a clinical caseload, create and lead trainings pertinent to law enforcement personnel as a POST-certified instructor, and engage in industrial/organizational consultation. She previously held the title of Law Enforcement Psychologist, focusing primarily on clinical work with Department employees and families and industrial/organizational consultation with Scientific Services Bureau and Special Victims Bureau. 

Prior to joining the LASD family, Dr. Staufenberg worked in various private, public, and non-profit settings providing assessment, evaluation, crisis intervention, short-term stabilization, and long-term therapy. She also worked as a correctional officer for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Through her various experiences, Dr. Staufenberg has gained an understanding of the law enforcement culture and the stress experienced by law enforcement personnel and their families. She is also clear on the value and necessity of maintaining optimal health and wellness.

Dr. Staufenberg earned a MA in forensic psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, as well as a PsyD in clinical psychology (with a focus on forensic psychology) from William James College. She completed a forensic post-doctoral fellowship at Harbor UCLA, allowing her to work in LASD's jail facilities for both men and women. 

Dr. Staufenberg's professional interests include using evidence-based treatments to assist people who have experienced trauma, helping people live a meaningful life while accepting life's challenges, and encouraging people to find and maintain a healthy work-life balance for the purpose of optimal health and wellness. 

PSY, California, United States, 23979, Active, 2010, January 2024, 1427255256

2015 - Ongoing

Assistant Director, Bureau Operations, LA County Sheriff's Department, Los Angeles, California, United States