Beth Boyd

Beth Boyd serves as Faculty Director of the Clinical Psychology Program and Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of South Dakota. With over 30 years of experience since joining the USD Disaster Mental Health Institute in 1993, she maintains active roles in disaster response, research, and cultural competence training with particular focus on Native American communities.

• Ph D, Clinical Psychology, University of Houston, 1992
• MA, Clinical Psychology, University of Houston, 1988
• BA, Psychology, University of Houston, 1984

Boyd's research centers on culturally responsive disaster mental health services, community-based participatory research with Indigenous populations, and youth suicide prevention in Native communities. Her work emphasizes tribal community-initiated projects including needs assessments and program evaluations, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative culturally competent methodologies. She has developed crisis response teams and community healing initiatives across numerous national and international disaster sites.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on Indigenous mental health across disaster contexts, with growing integration of decolonizing frameworks and cultural humility principles since 2018. Her work spans clinical intervention adaptation, community resilience building, and academic career support for marginalized groups, reflecting dual commitment to practice innovation and systemic change in psychology.

• President's Legacy Award (2022)
• Dr. Duane Mackey “Waktaya Naji” Award (2019)
• Distinguished Career Contributions to Service Award (1999)
• Theodore H. Blau Early Career Award (1998)

Boyd directs the University of South Dakota Graduate Psychology Education Program (USD-GPEP) funded by HRSA (2022-2025), building on earlier Bush Foundation grants for diversity initiatives. Her advising focuses on culturally competent clinical training, with particular emphasis on mentoring students working in Indigenous communities. She serves on national committees including SAMHSA's Cadre of Consultants for Disaster Technical Assistance.

As a leader in the Disaster Mental Health Institute, Boyd collaborates with tribal communities through crisis response teams and community healing projects. Her work integrates traditional cultural teachings with evidence-based practices, emphasizing community ownership of research and intervention development.