Caitlyn Hood

Dr. Caitlyn Hood is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Kentucky, where she serves as a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in evidence-based treatments for mental health and substance use disorders. Her work bridges research and clinical practice through innovative implementation strategies.

Her educational foundation includes:

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the College of Charleston (2014)
• Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from the University of Kentucky (2019)
• PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Kentucky (2022)

Dr. Hood's research program centers on increasing access to evidence-based mental health treatments, with particular focus on traumatic stress, opioid use disorder, and borderline personality disorder. She employs novel delivery models to translate research findings into real-world clinical and community settings, addressing critical gaps in mental health service provision.

Analysis of her recent publications (2023-2025) reveals consistent emphasis on trauma-related mechanisms (particularly shame), substance use patterns in comorbid conditions, and implementation science approaches. Her work frequently utilizes daily process methodologies, mixed-methods designs, and digital health interventions to capture dynamic symptom fluctuations and treatment responses.

She currently directs the Kentucky Opioid Response Effort (KORE), a $36 million SAMHSA-funded initiative through the Kentucky Department of Behavioral Health aimed at expanding evidence-based opioid use disorder services across the state. This major grant underscores her leadership in addressing the opioid crisis through systemic intervention.