Andrea K. Wittenborn

Dr. Andrea K. Wittenborn is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Michigan State University (MSU), with an additional appointment in the Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine. Previously, she served as Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech and Director of the Couple and Family Therapy Ph.D. Program at MSU. Her work focuses on depression interventions, emotionally focused therapy, and personalized treatment approaches. She has been funded by NIH and other organizations, publishing extensively on couple therapy, mental health, and systemic interventions.

Education includes a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies (Marriage and Family Therapy specialization) from Purdue University, a doctoral internship in Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania/Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and prior degrees from Southeast Missouri State University and Purdue.

Research interests emphasize interpersonal mechanisms of depression, culturally adapted therapies, and teletherapy innovations. Over 50 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters highlight her contributions to couple/family therapy efficacy, LGBTQ+ inclusivity in treatment, and global mental health initiatives.

Professional service includes roles on the AAMFT Board, editorial boards, and licensing as a marriage and family therapist with AAMFT supervision certification. Awards recognize her research and student mentorship excellence.

Current initiatives include randomized controlled trials on EFT outcomes, training paraprofessionals in relationship education, and advancing diversity in therapy research. She oversees the Couple & Family Therapy Clinic and collaborates on projects like the Youth Equity Project.