Dr.Gates began her career with a BA in psychology from UCSB. She then went to graduate school at the University of Vermont where she achieved a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.She was awarded a NIMH Fellowship for her graduate work. Both PhD program and internship were APA approved. After working as a crisis counselor and adult psychologist at Orange County Community Health Center, she moved to California where she was licensed as a Clinical Psychologist in 1982. She has been in full or part-time private practice since that time. She has been an owner of Loma Vista Psychology Group in Ventura since 1985. She has had a reputation of being able to work with people who are seriously mentally ill as well as those who are experiencing temporary difficulties in their lives or their relationships.