Athena Kheibari

Athena Kheibari is an Assistant Professor at the Wayne State University School of Social Work. She holds a PhD in Social Work from the University of Kentucky (2019), an MA in Social Psychology from Ball State University (2014), and a BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan-Dearborn (2012). Her academic journey and research focus on suicide, stigma, and health disparities, with a strong emphasis on forensic and behavioral health applications.

Research Interests include:

• Social determinants of suicidal behavior and stigma
• Terror Management Theory applications
• Forensic social work and legal system integration
• Health disparities among minority populations

Teaching encompasses courses on:

• Human Behavior in the Social Environment
• Foundations of Ethics and Values in Social Work
• Behavioral Health and the Criminal/Legal System
• Special Topics in Social Work

Scientific Awards include:

• Social Sciences Research Support Program Award (2023)

Recent Publications highlight trends in:

• Suicide prevention during public health crises
• Stigma measurement and cross-cultural analysis
• Opioid use disorder treatment modalities
• Forensic social work and criminal justice reform
• Death anxiety and self-esteem dynamics