Lily Christon

Dr. Lily Christon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). She specializes in lifespan behavioral medicine, focusing on pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations, particularly those with chronic medical conditions. Her work emphasizes quality-of-life improvement, pre-surgical psychosocial evaluations, and evidence-based screening and assessment. Dr. Christon is affiliated with the Behavioral Medicine Clinic, Cystic Fibrosis Center, and Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) Program at MUSC, where she integrates clinical care, research, and education.

Education:

• PhD in Clinical and Developmental Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University (2011)
• APA-Accredited Internship in Clinical Child/Adolescent and Pediatric Psychology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) School of Medicine (2013)
• Postdoctoral Fellowships:
  • Clinical Psychology, UNC-CH (2014)
  • Cardiovascular Behavioral Medicine Clinical Research, MUSC (2015–2018)

Research & Clinical Focus:

• Enhancing health, adjustment, and quality of life for individuals with chronic conditions
• Psychosocial evaluations and interventions for patients undergoing major surgeries
• Specialization in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and stress management

Teaching & Mentorship:

• Supervises postdoctoral fellows, predoctoral psychology interns, and psychiatry residents
• Contributes to interprofessional education for medical students and residents