Heather Metz

Heather Metz is an Associate Tutor and PhD Researcher in the School of Social Work at the University of East Anglia. Her research focuses on the experiences of nonbinary individuals accessing mental health services in England, funded by the South East Network for Social Sciences studentship. She holds a PhD candidature, an MRes from UEA, an MSW from California State University, Monterey Bay, and a BA in Psychology from San Francisco State University.

Education

• PhD (in progress), School of Social Work, University of East Anglia
• MRes, University of East Anglia
• MSW, California State University, Monterey Bay
• BA in Psychology, San Francisco State University

Her research interests center on LGBTQ+ mental health, healthcare access disparities, and clinical social work practices. Heather's work integrates trauma-informed approaches and systemic policy analysis in mental health service delivery.

Professional Experience

• Psychiatric Social Worker (pre-UEA roles)
• Clinical case management and policy implementation in mental health settings including the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation/Department of State Hospitals, Safe Place Runaway and Homeless Youth Program, and Monterey County Behavioral Health.

Awards

• 2015 California Social Work Education Center Research Award for her project "Assessing Trauma in Safe Place Clients: A Descriptive Study".

Grants & FundingRecipient of the South East Network for Social Sciences studentship supporting her PhD research.