About Dr. Jessica Borelli

Dr. Jessica Borelli (an expert on family relationships and psychology) smiles at the camera

Jessica Borelli received her Ph.D. in psychology from Yale University in 2008. She completed her clinical internship in general child psychology at UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. After completing an NIH-funded postdoctoral fellowship, she became an Assistant Professor at Pomona College, where she earned tenure. In 2016 she joined the faculty at University of California, Irvine, where she is now a full professor and Associate Director of Clinical Training within the Department of Psychological Science.

Borelli is also the Clinical Director of Compass Therapy, a private practice with offices in southern California (Newport Beach, Claremont, West Los Angeles). Dr. Borelli’s research focuses on parent-child relationships and children’s mental health. She has published more than 150 peer-reviewed journal articles and her work has been funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and private foundations.

She is passionate about finding ways to help families build on their strengths, and has spent the past 7 years working with low-income Latine families in Santa Ana. Borelli has been honored by the American Psychological Association for her work with children and families, as well as her work in the community. Dr. Borelli is an award-winning, dynamic classroom instructor (https://faculty.sites.uci.edu/borelli/), whose favorite classes are Attachment Relationships and Child and Family Psychotherapy.

Borelli enjoys sharing her passion and enthusiasm when speaking to parents, children, and professionals about topics related to mental health and well-being. She appears on radio and television to share her work and discuss topics related to mental health and relationships.

Follow Dr. Jessica Borelli’s work on social media!

By helping people slow down and be open to experiencing the feelings that originate in being cared for (or from caring for others), we can shift their perspective of themselves, the world, and their place in it.”

Dr. Jessica Borelli

A Child Psychology & Family Relationships Expert

  • A Visionary in Parent-Child Relationships

    Dr. Borelli's passion lies in understanding and enhancing parent-child relationships and children's mental health. Her prolific career boasts over 150 peer-reviewed journal articles, funded by prestigious institutions such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and private foundations.

  • Academic Prowess and Clinical Expertise

    Completing her clinical internship in general child psychology at UCLA's Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Dr. Borelli further honed her skills through an NIH-funded postdoctoral fellowship. Rising through the academic ranks, she earned tenure as an Assistant Professor at Pomona College before joining the esteemed faculty at the University of California, Irvine, where she now holds the position of a full professor and Associate Director of Clinical Training within the Department of Psychological Science.

  • Compassionate Clinical Director

    As the Clinical Director of Compass Therapy, a private practice with offices in southern California, including Newport Beach, Claremont, and West Los Angeles, Dr. Borelli brings her expertise directly to the community. Explore Compass Therapy to discover how her insights translate into transformative clinical experiences.

  • A Trusted Voice in Mental Health

    Dr. Borelli's influence extends beyond academia. She shares her passion and enthusiasm as a sought-after speaker on radio and television, engaging with parents, children, and professionals on topics related to mental health and well-being.

    Discover the mind behind the research, the heart behind the clinical practice, and the voice advocating for healthier families and communities. Join Dr. Jessica Borelli on her journey of making psychology accessible and transformative.

  • Published Author

    Dr. Jessica Borelli, an accomplished published author, has made significant contributions to psychology and family well-being. With acclaimed works like Nature Meets Nurture and the groundbreaking Relational Savoring (2024), she distills complex concepts into transformative insights. With over 150 peer-reviewed articles, her impactful writing resonates with professionals and the wider community, enriching our understanding of human relationships.

  • Community Impact and Recognition

    Dedicated to making a difference, Dr. Borelli has spent the past seven years working closely with low-income Latine families in Santa Ana. Her commitment has earned her accolades from the American Psychological Association, recognizing her outstanding contributions to children, families, and the community at large.

A child points to a computer screen

Let’s Connect!

Looking to learn more about Dr. Jessica Borelli?

Whether you're seeking valuable content, interested in ordering a book, or exploring speaking engagements and research opportunities, the journey begins here.