Kelly Roberts

Kelly Roberts is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Family Science at Oklahoma Christian University, where she serves as a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and AAMFT Approved Supervisor. With nearly 20 years of research experience spanning premarital policy, marital relationships, divorce decision-making, and indigenous acculturation, she examines dynamic family systems across the lifespan. Her professional leadership includes past presidency of the Oklahoma Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (OKAMFT) and current national board membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

Her research centers on the psychological and sociocultural dimensions of intimate relationships, particularly investigating help-seeking behaviors prior to divorce, marital commitment uncertainty, and systemic barriers in relationship education. She actively contributes to integrated healthcare initiatives through national taskforces addressing gun violence determinants and developing recommendations for collaborative family healthcare models.

Scholarly analysis of her publications reveals consistent focus on divorce ideation trajectories, socio-economic recruitment challenges in low-income couples programs, and nonverbal communication patterns in distressed relationships. Her work bridges clinical practice with policy implications, notably examining institutional racism in healthcare structures and spiritual dimensions of divorce decisions.

Professional engagement highlights her dual role as legislative liaison for OKAMFT and co-chair of AAMFT taskforces. She remains actively involved in shaping marriage and family therapy standards through her national board position and contributions to the "Family Therapists in Healthcare Settings" interest network.