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Mental and Behavioral Health

Social Work faculty at WVU conduct cutting-edge research on mental and behavioral health, with a strong emphasis on suicide prevention, substance use disorder, recovery, and evidence-based interventions.

Our work includes suicide risk screening and assessment in outpatient and primary care settings, evaluating best practices for safety plan implementation, and advancing training initiatives to improve suicide prevention efforts.

Research in this area also addresses effective treatment models, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), interpersonal social rhythms therapy (IPSRT), and the Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC) Framework. Our research extends to bipolar and mood disorders, children’s behavioral health, and the identification of risk and protective factors that shape child outcomes. By advancing knowledge on mental and behavioral health, we aim to improve early intervention strategies, treatment accessibility, and the overall well-being of individuals across the lifespan.

Associated Faculty


Bridget Bailey

Assistant Professor

Bridget.bailey@mail.wvu.edu

4310 Field Hall

View Profile: Bailey, Bridget

Savanna Brown

Program Coordinator, Rural Integrated Behavioral Health Training Program

Sbrown51@mail.wvu.edu

View Profile: Brown, Savanna

Mary Christensen

MSW Program Director and Associate Professor

mary.christensen@mail.wvu.edu

4324 Field Hall

View Profile: Christensen, Mary

Megan Gandy

BSW Program Director and Associate Professor

megan.gandy@mail.wvu.edu

4303 Field Hall

View Profile: Gandy, Megan

Kristina M. Hash

Professor

kmhash@mail.wvu.edu

4318 Field Hall

View Profile: Hash, Kristina M.

Rhonda Hayes

Online Instructor, MSW Program

rhayes7@mail.wvu.edu

4330 Field Hall
View Profile: Hayes, Rhonda

Andrew Irish

Assistant Professor

andrew.irish@mail.wvu.edu

4317 Field Hall

View Profile: Irish, Andrew

Deana F. Morrow

Director and Eberly Family Professor for Outstanding Public Service

deana.morrow@mail.wvu.edu

4326 Field Hall

View Profile: Morrow, Deana F.

Carrie W. Rishel

PhD Program Director, Rural Integrated Behavioral Health Training Program Director and Professor

carrie.rishel@mail.wvu.edu

4320 Field Hall

View Profile: Rishel, Carrie W.

Jiyoung Tabone

Associate Professor

jktabone@mail.wvu.edu

4312 Field Hall

View Profile: Tabone, Jiyoung