Darla Dunlop

Darla Dunlop, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Psychology Department at Mount Saint Mary’s College. She holds a BS in Nursing from Northeastern University, an MS in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Boston University, and a PhD in Social-Clinical Psychology from the Wright Institute. Her career spans 17 years in clinical mental health roles, adjunct teaching, and nonprofit development before transitioning to full-time academia.

Dr. Dunlop’s research focuses on mental health stigma, graduate student well-being, and innovative teaching methods. She coordinates clinical practicum experiences for Marriage and Family Therapy students and teaches courses like Psychopharmacology and Crisis and Trauma. Her work also includes developing programs in nonprofit management and the PsyD program at MSMU.

Her recent presentations highlight educational innovations (e.g., flipped classrooms, team-based learning) and advocacy for women’s mental health. She has published on malpractice insurance for psychologists, crisis intervention in nursing education, and systemic issues affecting women veterans in California.

• Education:
  • PhD, Social-Clinical Psychology, Wright Institute
  • MS, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Boston University
  • BS, Nursing, Northeastern University
• Key Roles:
  • Clinical Training Coordinator for MFT graduate students
  • Adjunct-to-Full-Time Faculty Transition Leader
  • Program Developer for Nonprofit Management and PsyD initiatives

Her courses reflect interdisciplinary expertise, blending clinical practice, policy, and pedagogy. She emphasizes real-world application, using case studies to bridge theory and practice.