Alanna Updegraff

Alanna Updegraff serves as Professor & Director of the Psychological Clinic in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Kent State University's Kent campus. Her teaching responsibilities include undergraduate courses in Child Psychology and Abnormal Psychology, alongside graduate Clinical Supervision.

Her clinical and research expertise centers on:

• Adoption-related psychological outcomes
• Depression and anxiety disorders in youth
• Externalizing behaviors in children/adolescents
• Family systems dynamics
• Child and adolescent mental health interventions

Dr. Updegraff's research focuses on evidence-based treatments for youth mental health, particularly cognitive-behavioral approaches for depression. Her 2008 implementation study examining real-world application of CBT versus standard care demonstrates her commitment to bridging clinical research and practice. Her work consistently addresses family context in treatment outcomes across developmental stages.

As Director of the Psychological Clinic, she oversees clinical training operations and community mental health services, integrating research with practical application in child/adolescent behavioral health.