Sarah Woolf-King

Sarah Woolf-King is an Assistant Adjunct Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine. She is a licensed clinical psychologist (CA PSY28178) whose research bridges psychology and health, with a strong focus on substance use, HIV, and mental health in families affected by congenital heart defects.

Her educational background includes a B.S. in Psychology from Arizona State University (2002), an M.S./Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Syracuse University (2010), an M.P.H. in Epidemiology from UC Berkeley (2011), a clinical internship in Behavioral Medicine at VA Palo Alto (2010), and a T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship at UCSF’s Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (2013).

Dr. Woolf-King’s research centers on two primary areas: (1) the impact of alcohol use on HIV treatment and prevention, particularly among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) and in East African populations, and (2) the mental health needs of parents of children with critical congenital heart defects (CHD). Her work employs diverse methodologies, including daily data collection, qualitative interviews, randomized trials, and biomarker validation (e.g., PEth). She aims to develop integrated behavioral interventions to improve health outcomes for individuals and families coping with chronic illness.

Her recent publications (2023–2025) reflect a consistent focus on alcohol use in the context of HIV, with studies on counseling interventions, digital screening, remote biomarker collection, and behavioral mechanisms. There is also growing attention to mental health in vulnerable populations, including college students and parents of children with genetic or cardiac conditions. Her work is increasingly interdisciplinary, combining psychology, epidemiology, public health, and global health.

Scientific Awards:

• Hellman Fellow, Hellman Fellows Fund (2015–2017)
• Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01), NIH/NIAAA (2013–2018)
• Loan Repayment Program in Clinical Research, NIH/NIAAA (2011–2016)
• Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (F31), NIH/NIAAA (2008–2010)
• Mentored Scientist Award in HIV/AIDS, UCSF CFAR (2012–2014)

Dr. Woolf-King has served as Principal Investigator on NIH-funded projects, including an R34 grant for a brief ACT intervention for HIV-positive hazardous drinkers and a K01 grant on alcohol and sexual risk behavior. She collaborates extensively with researchers at UCSF and in East Africa, particularly Uganda. While her adjunct title suggests a part-time or non-tenure-track role, she maintains an active research program with significant grant support and a robust publication record. There is no indication of retirement or former staff status.