Travis Labrum

Travis Labrum is an Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Social Work. He holds a PhD in Social Welfare from the University of Pennsylvania and teaches courses in Direct Practice specialization. His research focuses on family relationships in serious mental illness (SMI), elder mistreatment, and caregiving dynamics. He coordinates the Mental Health Certificate program and emphasizes student development as a first-generation college graduate.

Education:

• PhD in Social Welfare, University of Pennsylvania
• MSW, University of Utah
• Undergraduate Degrees, University of Utah

Research Interests:

• Support systems for families of individuals with psychiatric disorders
• Conflict resolution in caregiving relationships
• Representative payeeship mechanisms for mental health recipients
• Elder abuse prevention strategies

Funded Projects:

• Steven H. Sandell Grant (2021-2022): Investigated satisfaction and challenges in representative payeeship for mental health beneficiaries

Advising & Grants: Supervises MSW students in clinical settings and guides graduate research on caregiving dynamics. Current projects examine financial agency in payeeship systems and firearm involvement in family conflicts.

Professional Background: 9 years of clinical experience at community-based mental health centers, including roles as therapist, supervisor, and field instructor.