Daniel Cavanaugh

Dr. Daniel Cavanaugh is a Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the BSW Program at Oregon State University's College of Education. He holds a Ph.D. and MSW in Social Work from Michigan State University. His expertise spans clinical social work, youth and family mental health services, and innovative therapeutic approaches.

Dr. Cavanaugh's research focuses on mental illness prevention, LGBTQ+ equity in healthcare, and the application of outdoor and adventure-based therapies. He leads the Wild Hearts program for at-risk youth and co-hosts the Adventure Therapy Collective Podcast. His professional involvement includes roles with the Association for Experiential Education, particularly in accreditation standards review.

He has prior faculty experience at Washington State University and the University of Washington, with a career dedicated to community mental health, school-based interventions, and adventure therapy settings.