Dr. Nogales immigrated to the United States in 1979 and completed her doctorate degree in psychology at the United States International University, San Diego. She opened her private practice in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, supervising a clinical programs for fifteen professionals in mental health since 1982. She is a clinical psychologist and founder of Nogales Psychological Counseling, Inc. and Clinical Director of the nonprofit organization, Casa de la Familia, established for victims of crime, such as rape, sexual assault, child sexual and physical abuse, domestic violence and human trafficking.

She is also the President of ALMA, Association for Latino Mental Health Awareness in Orange County, dedicated to erradicating the stigma associated with mental illness.

Currently, Dr. Nogales serves on the board of the California Women's Commision on Addictions as the President and is an active board member of Las Comadres para las Americas and Women’s Transitional Living Center.

Dr. Nogales also had a regular segment "Solo Para Adultos" in the News, Channel 34 and at KLVE Radio, Univision. She is a frequent participant in many radio and TV shows.

In addition, she has written for the last sixteen years in La Opinión (Los Angeles), the country's #1 spanish language newspaper, and La Raza (Chicago), La Prensa (New York) and her bi-monthly column in the magazine Para Todos.

In 1998, she wrote Dr. Ana Nogales' Book on Love, Sex and Relationships, A Guide for the Latino Couple, co-authored with Laura Golden Bellotti (Broadway Books, A Division of Bantam Doubleday Dell, NY), the first book ever to address the specific needs and idiosyncrasies of Latino Couples. Dr. Nogales teamed up again in 2003 with Laura Golden Bellotti and wrote Latina Power! Using the Seven Strengths you already have to create the success you deserve (Simon & Schuster, USA and Puerto Rico and Grijalbo, in Latin America).

She also produces a series of self-help audio cassettes called “Auto-Ayuda Psicológica”. The tapes address many of the topics that are discussed during her radio and television appearances, such as "Combating Depression", "Managing Anxiety" and "Understanding the Opposite Sex". These tapes reach individuals who are, for whatever the reason; unable to attend psychological sessions but still want the benefit of Dr. Nogales' knowledge and expertise.

Dr. Nogales has been a featured presenter at workshops and conferences all over the United States, including at the Omega Institute, The Women's Foundation, as well as in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Buenos Aires.

In recognition of the critical role she has played in California, her life story and her many accomplishments are being featured at the exhibit Latinas: The Spirit of California at the California Museum for History, Women and the Arts, in Sacramento. 

She has also been honored with the “Humanitarian Award” by Soka Gakkai International, USA in 2006. In 2004, she received the Paloma Award from the organization FLAMA (Future Leaders of America) for her "Inspirational Leadership to Serving the Community" and the Mentorship Award from the organization Dialogue on Diversity for "Career Contributions, through Writing, Teaching and Counseling". Most recently, she was awarded the Latina Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the Latina Business Women Association on June 2, 2007.

Dr. Nogales is committed to combating racism and discrimination, and has been appointed to the APA Presidential Virtual Working Group on Anti-Semitic, Anti-Jewish and Other Religions, Religion-Related and/or Religion Derived Prejudice and Discrimination Task Force.