John Lovern, Ph.D., Program Coordinator

Educational background.
I received an A.A. degree in General Curriculum from Merritt College in Oakland. Next, after transferring, I received a B.A. degree in psychology from the University of California in Berkeley. Finally, I crossed the continent and received M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in clinical psychology from the University of Connecticut in Storrs.

Clinical experience.
I have worked as a licensed clinical psychologist since 1977, and have been providing clinical services since my first internship year of 1971. Before coming to Allan Hancock College in the Fall of 2002, I worked in fulltime private practice of psychology for fifteen years in Orange County, California, where I specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of addictive disorders, eating disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and dissociative disorders (“multiple personalities”).

Agency and community experience.
I have provided services in a variety of settings, including private practice, government service (a Connecticut state psychiatric hospital, the Veterans Home of California, Veterans Hospitals in Connecticut and California, and the Napa County Alcoholism Advisory Board), and in the private sector (clinical supervisor or program director of private hospital-based chemical dependency, eating disorders, and general psychiatry treatment programs; member of the Board of directors of International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals and of a community addictions recovery program).

Teaching experience.
Before becoming a fulltime instructor at Allan Hancock College, I taught part-time throughout my career in community colleges, graduate schools, and a medical school. I have also presented numerous papers and workshops at professional conferences.

Writing and publishing.
I have published one book (on addiction treatment approaches), several book chapters, and a number of journal and magazine articles.

Personal.
I am married and live with my wife and our little brown Chihuahua in Oceano. I have two grown children and three grandchildren. I love riding my recumbent bicycle.