Marcia Ford

Marcia Ford is a Professor at the Brown School of Washington University in St. Louis. She specializes in behavioral health policies and services, with a focus on community mental health systems of care for children and youth. Her career spans clinical and leadership roles in state and national behavioral health sectors.

Education

• Graduate of the Brown School
• Licensed clinical social worker

Research Interests

Marcia Ford’s research centers on improving behavioral health treatment quality and accessibility for children and youth through system-wide frameworks. Key areas include:

• Behavioral health leadership and workforce development
• Child and youth behavioral health treatment
• School-based wellness programs
• Trauma-informed treatment and organizations
• Policy and program development supporting systems of care

Leadership and Professional Achievements

• Chief Operating Officer at Hawthorn Children’s Psychiatric Hospital, where she improved patient safety and quality of care
• Instrumental in securing Sanctuary Certification for Hawthorn, establishing it as a trauma-informed treatment organization
• Children’s Director at the Missouri Department of Mental Health, overseeing youth behavioral health services
• Director of the Part-Time MSW Program at the Brown School, expanding access for working professionals

Advising and Mentorship

Marcia Ford has mentored students as a field instructor and adjunct faculty member. She now leads the Part-Time MSW Program, integrating her clinical and leadership expertise into the curriculum.

Prior Affiliations

Before joining the Brown School full-time, she held clinical and management positions in residential, acute, and outpatient behavioral health settings across Missouri.