About
Dr. Keith L. Marshall, PsyD, M.H.D., C.A.T.C.-V, SUDCC-IV-CS, CAMC
CEO & Award-Winning Author
www.dedicatedtreatment.com
AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Dr. Keith L. Marshall, PsyD, M.H.D., is the Founder, CEO, and Clinical Supervisor of Dedicato Treatment Center, a California Department of Health Care Services–Certified Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program specializing in co-occurring mental health conditions. Under his leadership, Dedicato Treatment Center has earned The Joint Commission’s highest level of accreditation, placing it among approximately twenty-three percent of treatment centers nationwide recognized for excellence, transparency, and best practices.
Dr. Marshall is also a two-time International Impact Book Award recipient, honored with Outstanding Literary Achievement Award and the Author of the Year 2026 for both From Dumpster to Doctor: A True Story of Perseverance from Fear to Freedom and Factors of Transformation: Be the Change You Want. His writing has been recognized by the literary review industry gatekeepers Clarion Foreword and Kirkus reviews, for its powerful contribution to transformational literature, blending lived experience, disciplined thinking, and clinical insight to inspire accountability, resilience, and intentional change.
Before entering the profession, Dr. Marshall overcame more than twenty-three years of crack cocaine addiction, homelessness, incarceration, and repeated exposure to violence. He survived being shot in the head, stabbed multiple times, beaten, and left for dead. For a season of his life, he hid behind dumpsters in shame—an image that would later become symbolic of both survival and rebirth. After confronting early childhood sexual and physical abuse, trauma, and substance use disorder, he made a decisive commitment to rebuild his life through faith, accountability, education, and disciplined action.
Academically, Dr. Marshall earned a Specialist Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Studies from Glendale College, followed by bachelor’s and master’s degrees in human development from Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, California. He later earned his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. In addition to his clinical training, he earned Certificate in Corporate Board Governance at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School’s Aresty Institute of Executive Education.
In addition to his academic and executive training, Dr. Marshall holds multiple advanced certifications in addiction counseling, clinical supervision, anger management, and professional fitness training. These credentials reinforce his integrated philosophy that lasting transformation must address the mind, body, and spirit, aligning psychological healing, disciplined physical wellness, and spiritual accountability as essential pillars of sustainable recovery and human development.
His academic work includes extensive research in human development and substance use disorders, notably his master’s thesis, Exploring Psychopathology and Low Self-Esteem and Its Correlation with Adolescent Substance Abuse, and his doctoral dissertation, Human Developmental Risk Factors Associated with Adolescent Substance Use Disorders.
In June 2023, Dr. Marshall was honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service, recognized alongside distinguished figures including the late cultural icon and multi-Emmy and Oscar-winning actor Lou Gossett Jr., multi-Grammy Award–winning artist Pastor Donnie McClurkin, and other nationally recognized leaders. The event was moderated by Dr. George E. Holmes, who has served five United States Presidents.
Today, Dr. Marshall is a nationally recognized clinician, author, transformational speaker, and advocate for whole-person recovery whose life stands as living proof that redemption, discipline, and purpose can rebuild what trauma once attempted to destroy.
Featured Work
FROM DUMPSTER TO DOCTOR: A TRUE STORY OF PERSERVERANCE FROM FEAR TO FREEDOM
"A brutally honest and inspirational story of a man turning his life around." -Kirkus Indie Reviews
"A poignant memoir...about recovering from childhood trauma and a long-term drug addiction." -Clarion Foreword Reviews
2026 International Impact Book Awards Winner - "Outstanding Literary Work" and " Author of the Year 2026
From Dumpster to Doctor is a gripping autobiography by Dr. Keith L. Marshall, PsyD, M.H.D., chronicling his harrowing journey from trauma and addiction to redemption and success. The book paints a vivid picture of homelessness and despair, reflecting society's perception of individuals trapped in cycles of suffering. Dr. Marshall opens up about his past, exposing painful memories of childhood abuse, addiction to crack cocaine for over two decades, abandonment, homelessness, incarceration, and near-death experiences, including being shot in the head and stabbed multiple times. His story is one of unimaginable hardship and survival.
Despite his dark past, Dr. Marshall finds hope, forgiveness, and transformation, inspiring readers to confront their own hidden fears and unresolved trauma. His miraculous survival led him to a profound spiritual awakening, shifting his perspective on life. Instead of relying on religious rituals, he embraced a personal connection with his Creator and focused on changing self-destructive behaviors. His journey proves that even the most broken lives can be rebuilt with perseverance, self-awareness, and a commitment to change.
Today Dr. Keith L. Marshall, PsyD, M.H.D. is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology, CEO of Dedicato Treatment Center, and author. He holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Human Development, along with multiple certifications in addiction treatment and counseling." His book challenges readers to reflect on their existence and the universal reality of mortality. He believes that self-forgiveness and redemption are within reach for anyone willing to face their struggles and embrace change. By sharing his story, he reassures others that healing is possible and that as long as there is life, there is a chance to overcome past trauma and build a better future.
In June 2023, Dr. Keith L. Marshall, PsyD, M.H.D. was honored with the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Services. He received this esteemed recognition alongside renowned figures, including the late cultural icon and multi-Emmy and Oscar-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr., multi-Grammy Award-winning artist Pastor Donnie McClurkin, model and activist Michelle Roxan, political activist Jan Perry, and Angeles Echols Brown, founder of EYM. The event was moderated by Dr. George E. Holmes, a distinguished figure who has had the honor of serving five United States Presidents from 1996 to 2023.
