Autumn M. Gallegos

Autumn M. Gallegos, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and expert in mind-body interventions for trauma survivors, particularly focusing on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and stress adaptation in underserved populations. Her research integrates community-based participatory methods with biological markers to study cognitive and emotional dysregulation.

• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology
• Postdoctoral work: URMC PRIDE Program (2010-2012), VISN 2 Center of Excellence (2012-2014)

Her research over the past decade has emphasized:

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for trauma survivors
• Stress and sleep disorders in interpersonal violence survivors
• Gerontological mental health (dementia caregiving, aging populations)
• Mobile health interventions for older adults
• Biological correlates of PTSD

Recent publications highlight her focus on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing mindfulness, yoga, and cognitive-behavioral interventions for PTSD, sleep disorders, and dementia caregiving stress. Articles span journals like Clinical Psychology Review, Aging & Mental Health, and Sleep Medicine Clinics.

Scientific Awards:

• Loan Repayment Program (LRP) Awards (2017-2021)
• Outstanding Poster Award (2013)
• Travel Fellowship Award (2013)
• Psychology Research Award (2012)
• Chief Psychology Fellow (2011-2012)

She teaches MBSR courses to URMC faculty/staff and collaborates with the VISN 2 Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention. Her work bridges clinical practice, education, and research to address mental health disparities in traumatized populations.