Francisco Sánchez

Francisco (Cisco) J. Sánchez is an Associate Professor in the School of Counseling and Counseling Psychology and the Associate Dean for Student Success and Inclusive Excellence in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts (CISA) at Arizona State University (ASU). In this role, he leads initiatives to enhance student retention and engagement across the college; to advance inclusive excellence and equity-driven programs; and to partner with faculty and staff to create a culture of belonging where students, staff, and faculty can thrive.

Prior to this appointment, Dr. Sánchez served as the Director of Undergraduate Training of ASU’s Counseling and Applied Psychological Science (CAP) undergraduate program. CAP is one of the largest and most distinctive undergraduate counseling programs in the country, spanning three campuses and ASU Online, with over 1,200 declared majors and more than 3,500 students enrolled each semester. Under his leadership, the program expanded rapidly, adding three concentration areas—Sport & Performance Counseling, Counseling Military Members & Veterans, and Sexuality & Gender Issues in Counseling (launching Fall 2026)—and introducing innovative courses to meet the evolving needs of students.

Dr. Sánchez’s research explores the impact of gender norms on mental health and well-being while also examining the biopsychological foundations of sexual orientation and gender identity. Beyond ASU, Dr. Sánchez is deeply engaged with the American Psychological Association (APA). He currently serves on the APA Board of Convention Affairs and the APA Amicus Curiae Expert Panel. He also holds editorial positions on three prominent journals in the field: Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, Journal of Counseling Psychology, and Journal of Latinx Psychology. Internationally, Dr. Sánchez has provided expert testimony on gender-related issues in elite athletics before sport governing bodies; and he continues to consult on questions of sex development and inclusion in sport.

Dr. Sánchez was honored as a Fellow of the American Psychological Association in recognition of his contributions to research on sexual orientation and gender diversity. He is also a Fellow of five APA divisions: Division 44 (Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity), Division 45 (Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity and Race), Division 17 (Society of Counseling Psychology), Division 12 (Society of Clinical Psychology), and Division 29 (Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy).

Dr. Sánchez attributes his career successes to the mentorship and guidance of numerous esteemed colleagues, including his PhD mentors at The University of Iowa (Drs. John S. Westefeld and William Ming Liu), his postdoctoral mentors at UCLA (Drs. Eric Vilain, Arthur P. Arnold, and Letitia Anne Peplau), and his pre-tenure mentors at the University of Wisconsin and the University of Missouri (Drs. Bruce E. Wampold, Janet S. Hyde, and Lisa Y. Flores).

In his personal life, Dr. Sánchez enjoys traveling and exploring National Parks with his loved ones, cherishing the opportunity to connect with history and nature while creating lasting memories.