Ana Julia Bridges

Ana Julia Bridges is a Professor in the Department of Psychological Science at the University of Arkansas, within the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. She serves as the Director of Clinical Training for the doctoral program in clinical psychology and directs the Diversity Research and Enhanced Access for Minorities (DREAM) lab. Her work is deeply rooted in reducing mental health disparities among underserved populations, including Latinx communities, incarcerated women, and rural residents.

• PhD in Clinical Psychology, University of Rhode Island
• MS in Psychology, Illinois State University
• BS in Psychology, University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign

Dr. Bridges' research centers on culturally responsive clinical practices that improve access to and retention in mental health care. Her work spans integrated behavioral health, trauma treatment, acculturation, and the impact of pornography on sexual behavior. She emphasizes methodological rigor and community partnerships to develop and evaluate interventions tailored to vulnerable groups.

Her recent publications highlight a strong focus on health equity, with studies on racial microaggressions, barriers to care for Latinx patients, and trauma-informed group therapy in correctional settings. She employs both quantitative and qualitative methods, often in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams across institutions.

• APA Minority Fellowship Program Board Member
• Elected to CUDCP Board
• Outstanding Poster Award, APA Division 38 (2023)
• Mentoring awards for supporting underrepresented students

Dr. Bridges actively mentors graduate and undergraduate students, many of whom have secured prestigious fellowships and research grants. She supervises clinical training at Community Clinic and the Northwest Arkansas Community Correction Center. Her lab collaborates with institutions like NYU, Virginia Tech, and Medical University of South Carolina, and is involved in NIH- and USDHHS-funded projects, including a randomized trial of the SHARE therapy for incarcerated women.

The DREAM lab conducts research on integrated care, Spanish-language diagnostic tools, and culturally adapted CBT, maintaining strong ties with community partners such as Federally Qualified Health Centers and correctional facilities to ensure real-world impact.