Holly Oxhandler

Holly K. Oxhandler is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development at Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. Her work focuses on integrating clients’ religion/spirituality into mental health care, emphasizing ethical and evidence-based practices. She earned her PhD, MSW, and BS from the University of Houston.

• Education: PhD (2014), MSW (2011), BS (2007) in Psychology
• Key Roles: Associate Dean for Research, Associate Professor, and co-host of the CXMH podcast

Her research explores spiritual integration in clinical settings, scale development (e.g., RSIPAS), and barriers/facilitators for mental health providers. She has secured major grants, including a $5.2M award from the John Templeton Foundation for competency training programs.

Publications span journals like Spirituality in Clinical Practice and Social Work, with a focus on client attitudes, provider competencies, and faith-based interventions. She also authored The Soul of the Helper, emphasizing self-care and sacred awareness in caregiving.

Teaching includes courses on spirituality in practice, research methods, and evidence-based practice across BSW, MSW, and PhD programs.