Pamela Rakhshan Rouhakhtar

Dr. Pamela Rakhshan Rouhakhtar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), affiliated with the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. She holds a PhD from UMBC (2021) and leads the Equity in Psychosis-Spectrum Services (EQUIPS) Lab, located at Sondheim 402. Her research focuses on psychosis spectrum assessments, advanced quantitative methods in early psychosis, and environmental/psychosocial factors influencing psychosis presentation and treatment. Courses taught include Research Methods in Psychology (PSYC 311), Schizophrenia (PSYC 455), and Developmental Psychopathology (PSYC 607).

Dr. Rouhakhtar’s work emphasizes reducing healthcare disparities through equitable screening and intervention strategies. Her lab explores topics like telepsychiatry efficacy, stigma reduction, and community-based mental health training. Current research also addresses racial and socioeconomic factors impacting mental health outcomes among at-risk populations. Professional activities include graduate training in Human Services Psychology, though she is currently not accepting new advisees.

Key areas of expertise include:

• Psychosis spectrum disorders
• Clinical assessment methodologies
• Mental health equity initiatives
• Early intervention strategies
• Therapist-client relationship dynamics

Her recent work critiques systemic biases in psychosis screening and examines how stigma impacts treatment engagement. Ongoing projects focus on optimizing care delivery through digital tools and community partnerships.