Lisa Najavits

Lisa Najavits is an Adjunct Professor at UMass Chan Medical School's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. She holds positions at both the T.H. Chan School of Medicine and has been actively involved in trauma-informed care, particularly focusing on comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUD). Her work bridges clinical practice, research, and public health initiatives.

• Education: BA in American History from Barnard College, Columbia University; PhD in Clinical Psychology from Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Najavits specializes in Psychology, Psychiatry, Substance-Related Disorders, Traumatology, and Behavioral Sciences. She has developed and evaluated interventions like the Seeking Safety model, emphasizing accessible care for diverse populations including veterans, women, and those with physical disabilities. Her research spans Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Public Health, and Addiction Treatment, with a focus on improving clinical outcomes and addressing comorbidity.

Her publications highlight trends in trauma-informed care, integrated therapies for PTSD/SUD, and cross-cultural adaptation (e.g., in Germany and the Netherlands). She has conducted clinical trials with military veterans and explored peer-led interventions and gender-specific models. A consistent theme is enhancing accessibility and public health relevance in mental health and addiction services.

Dr. Najavits collaborates with researchers like Melissa Anderson and Alexander Wilkins, with her work cited extensively in Mendeley and referenced in policy and clinical guidelines. Her affiliations include Treatment Innovations in Newton Centre, MA, where she applies her expertise in trauma, addiction, and mental health policy.