Joseph McGuire

Joseph McGuire is a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where he serves as a licensed clinical psychologist and principal investigator. His clinical and research work focuses on pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, Tourette Disorder, and hair-pulling disorder. He leads a research program that integrates neurobiological insights with clinical practice to develop and refine evidence-based behavioral interventions.

• PhD, University of South Florida
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, UCLA

Dr. McGuire’s research centers on translational approaches to improve treatment outcomes for children and adolescents with neuropsychiatric disorders. His primary interests include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), habit reversal training (HRT), and the role of fear and extinction learning in treatment response. He has a growing focus on digital mental health, including virtual reality exposure and gamified interventions. His work frequently involves meta-analyses and clinical trials to evaluate treatment efficacy and mechanisms of change.

His recent publications (2024–2025) reflect a strong emphasis on Tourette Syndrome and OCD, with increasing exploration of digital therapeutics, assessment tools, and implementation science. He investigates how digital tools can enhance engagement, adherence, and access to care, particularly for youth. His research also examines predictors of treatment response, barriers to care, and the psychometric validation of clinical scales.

• Chancellor's Award for Postdoctoral Research, UCLA
• Emotional Health Research Excellence Award, Macquarie University
• Career Development and Leadership Program Award, Anxiety and Depression Association of America
• Senior Researcher Award, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
• Child Intervention, Prevention, & Services (CHIPS) Fellowship, NIH
• Friends of Semel Institute Travel Grant, UCLA
• Conference Poster Travel Grant Award, Trichotillomania Learning Center
• Elsie Ramos Memorial Student Researcher Award, ABCT
• Poster Presentation Award, International OCD Foundation
• Professor Charles D. and Carol Spielberger Endowed Fund Award, University of South Florida

Dr. McGuire has been a principal investigator on numerous clinical trials, often funded by the NIH and other institutions. He mentors junior researchers and collaborates widely across institutions, including UCLA, Johns Hopkins, and international consortia. His program regularly recruits participants for studies on OCD, anxiety, and tic disorders, with a strong emphasis on improving access and personalizing treatment. He advises on research design and data analysis in multi-site studies, particularly in the areas of behavioral interventions and digital health.

He is affiliated with the Center for OCD, Anxiety, and Related Disorders for Children at Johns Hopkins and works closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated care. His lab focuses on behavioral assessment, treatment development, and implementation research, with ongoing projects in virtual reality, digital apps, and caregiver involvement in therapy.