Ora Nakash

Professor Ora Nakash is a leading academic in mental health research and clinical intervention, currently serving as the Director of the Doctoral Program at the School of Social Work. Her work focuses on addressing mental health disparities among marginalized populations, particularly Palestinian-Arab minorities, Bedouin communities, and low-income youth. She emphasizes culturally-sensitive clinical practices to improve access to mental health services and has spearheaded randomized control trials funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. Her research spans mental health literacy, trauma effects, and healthcare equity.

Key research interests include adolescent mental health, parental involvement in treatment, and strategies to reduce health disparities through provider training. She actively mentors doctoral students and post-docs, many of whom have secured prestigious grants under her guidance. Her recent projects explore how adolescents navigate mental health information and the role of peer support systems for refugees and immigrants.

Publications highlight her interdisciplinary approach, analyzing sociopolitical trauma, clinician-patient trust, and ethical challenges in mental healthcare. Her work often bridges clinical practice with systemic issues, advocating for inclusive policies to support vulnerable groups.