About Dr. Aguilar

Dr. Luis Efren Aguilar, Psy.D., CBIS, CCTP, is a bilingual (English/Spanish) and bicultural licensed clinical psychologist in California (PSY 34659), specializing in neuropsychology. As an immigrant and first-generation college student, Dr. Aguilar holds a strong commitment to helping underserved and underrepresented communities. He is especially passionate about guiding students from similar backgrounds toward pursuing higher education and achieving their full potential.

With a deep dedication to comprehensive and culturally responsive care, Dr. Aguilar tailors every assessment, intervention, and treatment plan to reflect the unique needs, experiences, and goals of each individual. Recognizing that no two people are the same, he approaches care with a compassionate and personalized mindset, ensuring that clients feel understood, supported, and empowered. His bilingual and bicultural background allows him to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, providing a space where individuals from diverse backgrounds can receive care that is both effective and deeply meaningful.

Dr. Aguilar’s expertise in neuropsychology and psychotherapy is rooted in a holistic perspective, recognizing the intricate connections between cognitive functioning, emotional resilience, and behavioral patterns. By celebrating the uniqueness of every individual, he fosters an environment where clients feel empowered to embrace their strengths, overcome challenges, and thrive—whether in recovery, competition, or daily life.

Expertise & Training

Dr. Aguilar earned his Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University, San Francisco, and completed his APA-accredited internship at the Sierra Nevada VA Healthcare System. He then pursued a rigorous two-year postdoctoral fellowship in Clinical Neuropsychology at UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, refining his expertise in assessing and treating complex neurocognitive disorders.

In addition to his independent work, he also serves as a clinical staff member at UCLA’s Hispanic Neuropsychiatric Center of Excellence, where he contributes to the Bilingual and Spanish Interdisciplinary Clinical Training Program (BASIC-T), a Los Angeles Department of Mental Health (DMH) + UCLA Public Partnership for Wellbeing initiative.* He is also involved in forensic psychological work—conducting evaluations in areas such as workers’ compensation and personal injury—through his role within a separate private practice setting focused on complex medico-legal cases.

As a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), Dr. Aguilar specializes in cognitive remediation and executive functioning training, helping clients enhance cognitive performance, optimize daily functioning, and regain independence. His expertise spans neurocognitive disorders, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), strokes, epilepsy, and psychiatric conditions, as well as neurodevelopmental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Additionally, as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), he is highly skilled in treating trauma-related disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), helping individuals rebuild a sense of control, resilience, and well-being.

Serving Those Who Serve

Dr. Aguilar holds a deep respect for civil servants, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and military service members and their families. His firsthand experiences—participating in ROTC during his undergraduate studies and receiving the F. Edward Hébert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship (HPSP) for the U.S. Army—have fueled his commitment to destigmatizing mental health and fostering psychological resilience in high-stress professions.

Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Aguilar has trained as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) (though he no longer practices), and serves as a Psychological First Aid responder. His dedication to community service reinforces his mission to support individuals and families during times of crisis and recovery.

The Athlete’s Mindset & Mental Performance

Dr. Aguilar also has a passion for working with athletes, recognizing the unique mental demands of high-performance fields. Having played competitive sports, he intimately understands the discipline, commitment, and resilience required to excel in sports. He draws parallels between athletes and service members, both of whom embrace a "warrior mentality"—sacrificing, pushing limits, and demonstrating unwavering dedication to their craft.

Whether working with athletes recovering from concussions, service members navigating trauma, or professionals optimizing their mental performance, Dr. Aguilar provides specialized care tailored to enhance resilience and maximize potential.

More Than A Clinician

Outside of his clinical and academic work, Dr. Aguilar values balance and connection. He enjoys staying physically active—whether it’s going to the gym, hiking, or spending time outdoors with his two small dogs, Chubby and Freud. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he follows the Los Angeles Dodgers, Lakers, and both of the city’s football clubs with pride and passion. These personal habits support his own work-life balance, a value he regularly promotes in his clinical work as part of fostering long-term well-being for the individuals and families he has the privilege of supporting.

Professional Affiliations

American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN)
American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM)
American Psychological Association (APA)
APA Member of Div. 40: Neuropsychology Division
California Psychological Association (CPA)
Hispanic Neuropsychological Society (HNS)
International Neuropsychological Society (INS)
Los Angeles Psychological Association (LAPCA)
National Latinx Psychological Association (NLPA)
National Organization of Neuropsychology (NAN)
Sports Neuropsychology Society (SNS)

*The views, opinions, and content expressed on this platform are my own and do not reflect the official policies, positions, or endorsements of UCLA Health, UCLA, DMH, or any of their employees, affiliates, or governing entities.

Compassionate Care, Uniquely Delivered