Kamilla Venner

Dr. Kamilla Venner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of New Mexico (UNM), specializing in Clinical Psychology with a focus on culturally responsive substance abuse treatment for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations. She earned her Ph.D. from UNM in 2001 and has dedicated her career to advancing evidence-based interventions adapted for Indigenous communities. Her research emphasizes reducing health disparities through culturally tailored treatments, motivational interviewing, and community engagement.

Dr. Venner’s work addresses barriers to help-seeking behaviors among AI/AN individuals with substance use disorders, leveraging partnerships with tribal communities to ensure interventions are contextually appropriate. She has developed programs such as Drum-Assisted Recovery Therapy for Native Americans (DARTNA) and explored digital platforms like Facebook groups to support recovery. Her research also examines the impact of systemic factors like the opioid crisis and pandemics on Indigenous health outcomes.

Her courses include Diversity and Multicultural Issues in Psychology, Evidence-Based Treatment of Addictions, and Clinical Interviewing Practicum. She actively mentors graduate students in research and clinical training. Dr. Venner is affiliated with the Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions (CASAA) at UNM, contributing to interdisciplinary efforts to address substance use disorders.

Her publications highlight themes of cultural adaptation, community-based participatory research, and implementation science to bridge gaps between evidence-based practices and Indigenous healthcare needs. She remains committed to fostering health equity through collaborative, culturally grounded solutions.