Dr. Barrera's research lab focuses on using technology as a tool to address perinatal mental health needs of local and global communities of pregnant and postpartum birthing persons with an emphasis on depression prevention. Dr. Barrera's lab aims to culturally adapt digital tools for three main tasks: to assess psychological and psychosocial needs, to provide evidence-based resources, and to conduct intervention studies using the Mothers and Babies Course. 
 
Dr. Barrera is a California-licensed clinical psychologist. She is currently a professor in and Director of the PAU PhD Clinical Psychology Program. Read what alumni have said about her mentorship style.

She is a past Board Member of the non-profit organization 2020 Mom (now the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health) and is used her expertise and knowledge to serve as a Clinical Advisor at Canopie and EmmaWell.