Brian A. Feinstein

Brian A. Feinstein is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science's College of Health Professions. He joined RFUMS in 2020 after serving as a Research Assistant Professor at the Institute for SGM Health and Wellbeing at Northwestern University. Dr. Feinstein is a licensed clinical psychologist in Illinois and serves as an Associate Editor for Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity.

Dr. Feinstein obtained his PhD in Clinical Psychology from Stony Brook University in 2015 after completing an APA-accredited internship at the University of Washington School of Medicine. He then completed an NIH-funded postdoctoral fellowship (F32) at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University from 2015-2018, followed by a Research Assistant Professor position at Northwestern's Institute for SGM Health and Wellbeing from 2018-2020.

His research focuses on sexual and gender minority (SGM) health disparities, with particular emphasis on bisexual, pansexual, and queer (bi+) populations who experience unique health challenges compared to both heterosexual and gay/lesbian individuals. Dr. Feinstein examines identity-specific risk and resilience processes related to mental health, substance use, sexual health, and relationship functioning in SGM populations. His work investigates stigma-related stress and coping mechanisms while developing and testing interventions to improve SGM health outcomes. The SHAG Lab employs diverse methodologies including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches; cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experience sampling methods; individual and dyadic analyses; and surveys, interviews, and clinical trials.

Dr. Feinstein currently mentors five PhD students in the clinical psychology program and will be reviewing applications for the 2026/2027 academic year, particularly encouraging those with research interests in SGM health, especially bi+ and/or adolescent populations. He is actively involved in professional activities including organizing the conference 'Digital Mental Health & LGBTQ+ Youth: Bridging Industry, Research & Clinical Care' scheduled for September 29, 2025 at Santa Clara University.

He directs the Sexuality, Health, and Gender (SHAG) Lab at RFUMS, which is dedicated to advancing understanding of health disparities affecting SGM populations across the lifespan and developing interventions to improve health and wellbeing in these communities. The lab's work is fundamentally informed by a commitment to social justice and health equity.