Heather Kruse

Heather Kruse, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Kansas Medical Center School of Medicine. She is a licensed psychologist in Kansas and Missouri, specializing in health psychology with a focus on cancer care settings. Dr. Kruse is located at the NCI-Designated Cancer Center where she provides clinical services to cancer patients and their families.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Clinical Psychology (Health Psychology Emphasis), University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2013
• MA in Psychology, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2009
• BA in Psychology, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2006 (summa cum laude)
• APA Accredited Internship, Center for Behavioral Medicine & Truman Medical Centers, 2012-2013
• Clinical Psychology Residency, Center for Behavioral Medicine, 2014

Dr. Kruse's research and clinical work centers on health psychology applications in oncology settings, with particular emphasis on patient advocacy, quality of life issues for cancer patients, prevention of caregiver burnout, and clinical distress assessment. Her work bridges clinical practice with research on psychosocial aspects of serious illness. She has co-authored presentations for major scientific conferences including the American Psychological Association, Society for Behavioral Medicine, and American Psychosocial Oncology Society.

Dr. Kruse has received recognition for her contributions to suicide prevention work through the 2017 Jan Peterson Recognition Award at the KU Cancer Center. She serves on the hospital-wide Suicide Prevention Task Force and trains providers in screening for suicidal ideation and crisis intervention.

Professionally, Dr. Kruse divides her time between clinical duties treating cancer patients and their families, supervising psychology trainees, and teaching. She is an active member of several professional organizations including the Kansas Psychological Association (serving as Secretary since 2021), American Psychological Association, and American Psychosocial Oncology Society. Her clinical work spans multiple locations including the Marillac Campus, Medical Pavilion, University of Kansas Hospital, and Westwood Medical Pavilion, serving patients across the lifespan from children to older adults.