Kate Cusick

Kate Cusick is a Core Faculty member at the Michigan School of Psychology (MSP), where she teaches graduate-level courses in humanistic, clinical, and existential psychology. She earned her PsyD and MA in Clinical Psychology from MSP and holds a BA from Marquette University. Her academic roles include maintaining program integrity and delivering courses such as Core Concepts in Humanistic and Clinical Psychology, Existential and Phenomenological Psychology, and Foundations of Psychopathology.

Her educational background includes:

• PsyD in Clinical Psychology, Michigan School of Psychology
• MA in Clinical Psychology, Michigan School of Psychology
• BA, Marquette University

Dr. Cusick’s research and clinical interests center on existential psychology, trauma, chronic pain, disordered eating, and LGBTQ+ mental health. She integrates experiential and narrative teaching methods, emphasizing multicultural sensitivity and real-world clinical application. Her work explores identity formation, relational dynamics, and somatic manifestations of psychological distress.

Her recent publications and presentations focus on intersectional identities, sexual satisfaction in LGB adults, body image, and existential concerns in marginalized populations. These works reflect a strong commitment to humanistic values, qualitative inquiry, and social justice in mental health.

Her scientific contributions include peer-reviewed articles and conference presentations, particularly through the American Psychological Association and Society for Humanistic Psychology. Notable works examine asexual and transgender identity experiences, racial socialization in Black adolescents, and predictors of sexual satisfaction in LGB populations.

Dr. Cusick is actively involved in mentoring and teaching development, having presented on academic career pathways in psychology. She is a licensed psychologist in Michigan and a member of the American Psychological Association (Division 32), Michigan Psychological Association, and Psi Chi. She brings extensive clinical experience into her pedagogy, enhancing student learning through real-world case integration and fostering autonomy and critical thinking.

She is affiliated with the School of Psychology at MSP and contributes to the Department of Clinical Psychology through instruction, scholarship, and professional service. Her work supports the training of future clinicians grounded in humanistic and existential principles.