Deborah C. Beidel

Deborah C. Beidel is the Trustee Chair and Pegasus Professor of Psychology and Medical Education at the University of Central Florida (UCF). She serves as Executive Director of UCF RESTORES, a clinical research center focused on advancing PTSD treatment through innovative methods. Her academic background includes a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and a post-doctoral fellowship at the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic.

Her research emphasizes PTSD and anxiety disorders, particularly leveraging virtual reality (VR) technology to improve treatment accessibility. Current projects include Department of Defense-funded trials for combat-related PTSD in active military personnel and developing VR tools for veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors. She has secured over $31 million in research funding and authored 350+ publications.

Dr. Beidel’s work bridges clinical practice and research, addressing mental health needs of military personnel, first responders, sexual assault survivors, and mass shooting victims. Her leadership in “bench to bedside” initiatives ensures research translates directly into clinical impact.

• Awards: Fellow of APA, APS; Diplomate in Clinical & Behavioral Psychology (ABPP)
• Funding: $10.6M JWMRP grant (2018-2024) comparing PTSD therapies in active duty soldiers