Anita R. Tucker

Anita R. Tucker is a Full Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Social Work at the University of New Hampshire's College of Health and Human Services. She serves as the Co-Coordinator of the Outdoor Research Collaborative, a grant-funded research center focused on outdoor behavioral healthcare. Her academic career has been dedicated to advancing experiential therapeutic practices, particularly in outdoor and adventure therapy.

Dr. Tucker earned her Ph.D. in Social Work from Boston College, an M.S.W. in Social Work from the University of Michigan, and a B.A. in Political Science & Government from Dartmouth College. Her educational background has provided a strong foundation for her interdisciplinary approach to social work practice and research.

Her research interests center on the use of experiential practices such as outdoor and adventure therapy to promote health and wellbeing, particularly for adolescents and young adults. She has made significant contributions to understanding how wilderness therapy can address mental health issues, substance abuse, trauma, and developmental challenges. Her work bridges social work practice with outdoor education, creating evidence-based approaches that have transformed therapeutic interventions in natural settings.

Dr. Tucker's publications reveal a strong focus on making adventure therapy accessible and effective for diverse populations, including underserved youth, individuals with autism spectrum disorder, and women experiencing homelessness. Her recent work has expanded into sport social work, exploring the intersection of athletics and mental health services.

• Heart of Adventure Therapy Award from the Association for Experiential Education
• Distinguished Researcher Award from the Association for Experiential Education
• Distinguished Career Research Award from UNH's College of Health and Human Services

Dr. Tucker has secured multiple grants supporting her research in outdoor behavioral healthcare and serves as a mentor to numerous students and early-career researchers in the field. She has published over 55 peer-reviewed papers and two textbooks, establishing herself as a leading authority in adventure therapy research. Her work with the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Center demonstrates her commitment to translating research into practical applications that improve therapeutic outcomes.

She directs the Outdoor Research Collaborative, which brings together researchers, clinicians, and educators to advance evidence-based practices in outdoor behavioral healthcare. This initiative has fostered numerous partnerships across academic, clinical, and community settings, expanding the reach and impact of adventure therapy interventions.