معرفی
Kristina DePue is an Associate Professor of Counselor Education in the Human Development, Family Science and Counseling Department within the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of Central Florida, an M.Ed. in Human Development and Counseling from Vanderbilt University, and a B.A. in Sociology from Vanderbilt University. Prior to her current position, she served as an assistant professor at the University of Florida with an Affiliate appointment in UF Psychiatry.
Dr. DePue's research is primarily focused on two interconnected areas: (a) chemical and process addictions, with particular attention to the role of negative experiences in behavioral change; and (b) counselor development and supervision, examining how both counseling trainees and clients change during the therapeutic process. Her work on the "bottoming out experience" (BOE) in addiction began as her master's thesis and has evolved into a significant research program examining how negative experiences accumulate during addiction and relate to behavioral outcomes. She also investigates public stigma and implicit bias as barriers to treatment for individuals with addiction, particularly focusing on underserved populations including those with criminal justice histories and gender minorities with Opioid Use Disorder. Additionally, DePue studies technology-based interventions to reduce substance use harm among college students.
Analysis of Dr. DePue's publication record from 2014-2024 reveals several key trends in her research. Her work demonstrates a strong focus on addiction counseling, with particular emphasis on the intersection of substance use disorders and mental health issues. She has consistently explored the experiences of marginalized populations within addiction treatment, especially transgender individuals and those with criminal justice involvement. Methodologically, her research employs both qualitative and quantitative approaches, with increasing use of structural equation modeling in recent years. Her scholarly contributions span clinical practice, counselor education, and program development, with practical implications for improving treatment access and effectiveness.
Dr. DePue is actively involved in professional organizations including the American Counseling Association, where she serves on multiple editorial review boards. She has held various leadership positions for the International Association of Addictions and Offender Counselors (IAAOC). Her work on the Journal of Addictions and Offender Counseling demonstrates her commitment to advancing the field through scholarly publication.
