Kimberly Balsam

Kimberly Balsam, PhD is a Professor at Palo Alto University, where she serves as Director of the LGBTQ Area of Emphasis and the Center for LGBTQ Evidence-Based Applied Research (CLEAR). She has held academic roles at the University of Washington School of Social Work (2007-2012) and maintains active clinical practice in cognitive behavioral therapy and couples therapy.

Education:

• PhD in Clinical Psychology, University of Vermont (2003)
• MS in Counseling Psychology, University of Oregon (1994)
• BA in Psychology, University of Oregon (1991)

Research & Clinical Interests: Her work centers on the health and well-being of LGBTQ populations, emphasizing trauma, minority stress, and intersectionality. Current projects include the Compassion Cultivation Training with LGBTQ adults, transgender parenting, and gender diversity studies. She leads the RISE lab, focusing on intersectional experiences of sexual and gender minorities.

Recent Publication Trends: Her recent peer-reviewed articles explore LGBTQ health disparities, relationship dynamics, mental health interventions, and gender minority stress. Subfields include same-sex marriage implications, health literacy, trans community connectedness, and longitudinal studies of legal recognition.

Scientific Awards:

• Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award, APA Division 44 (2010)
• Fellow, APA Division 44

Grants & Leadership: Continuously funded by NIH since 2003, she received an R01 grant for a 10-year longitudinal study on couple well-being (R01HD069370). She served as Past President of APA Division 44 and co-chairs its Task Force on Racism.