Cortney R VanHook

Cortney R VanHook is an Assistant Professor at the School of Social Work, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, focusing on mental health disparities among Black boys and men aged 14-29. Their research integrates qualitative and quantitative methods to examine access, initiation, and retention of mental health services (AIRS), alongside secondary investigations into community gun violence among young men of color.

• PhD in Social Work, The University of Pittsburgh
• MSW in Social Work, The University of Pittsburgh
• MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Mercer University
• MPH in Public Health, Mercer University
• BS in Psychology, Georgia State University

Their work applies psychological frameworks like moral development, trauma psychology, and existential theory to deconstruct systemic issues such as police brutality, adverse childhood experiences, and racial identity formation. Recent publications highlight intersections of technology (generative AI) and mental health access, alongside trauma-informed interventions for violently injured Black men.

Key trends in Cortney's 12+ publications since 2012 include:

• Prioritizing mental health equity for Black males
• Addressing trauma from gun violence and systemic racism
• Developing culturally responsive interventions
• Examining structural drivers of health disparities
• Utilizing mixed-methods research designs
• Advocating for policy reforms in healthcare and policing