Linda A Teplin

Linda A. Teplin, PhD, is the Owen L. Coon Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University, holding joint professorships in Medical Social Sciences, Medicine (Infectious Diseases), and the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. She serves as Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and leads the Health Disparities and Public Policy Program. Her work focuses on mental health, juvenile justice, and public policy, particularly through the Northwestern Project, a landmark longitudinal study of delinquent youth. Dr. Teplin’s research spans over three decades, addressing disparities in mental health outcomes, HIV/AIDS risks, and firearm violence among marginalized populations.

She earned her PhD in Sociology from Northwestern University in 1975. Key roles include membership in the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and leadership in initiatives like the National Judicial Task Force on Mental Illness in Courts. Her awards include the APHA Excellence Award (2024) and AAAS Fellowship (2023).

Research highlights include tracking 2,000+ detained youth since 1995, revealing elevated mortality rates and psychiatric disorder persistence. Recent studies address firearm involvement trajectories, HIV risk among sexual minorities, and the impact of incarceration on psychosocial outcomes. Grants include a $10.2M NIH award to study health disparities in detained youth.

Professional service includes the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study and the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. Her work bridges clinical research, policy, and public health to address systemic inequities in justice and healthcare systems.