Biography

Dr. Karla Arroyo, Ph.D., LCSW, CPSS, is an Associate Professor in the Master of Social Work program at Utah Valley University and a practicing mental health counselor. She earned a Ph.D. in Social Work and a Master of Social Work from the University of Utah, a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana in Mexico City, and an Associate of Science in Business from LDS Business College.
With more than 20 years of professional experience, Dr. Arroyo has served Latino communities through clinical counseling, higher education, research, policy development, executive leadership, and community advocacy. Her expertise includes behavioral health, trauma-informed care, domestic violence, substance use treatment, immigration-related evaluations, and culturally responsive social work practice.
Dr. Arroyo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS), Certified Family Peer Support Specialist, and a certified provider in sexual assault and domestic violence treatment. She is also trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing, Moral Reconation Therapy, Thinking for a Change, and several evidence-based interventions for children, families, and individuals experiencing trauma and behavioral health challenges.
Dr. Arroyo has held leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, taught at several institutions of higher education, conducted research on intimate partner violence and behavioral health, and presented on topics related to mental health, social work education, and interdisciplinary practice. Her work is dedicated to advancing equitable services, strengthening communities, and preparing the next generation of social work professionals.

Education

Teaching

Presentations