My vision is a world in which all youth have access to mental health support that matches their needs.”
Katie Cohen
PhD Candidate in the Health Sciences Integrated Program
Katie Cohen is a PhD candidate in the Health Sciences Integrated PhD Program (HSIP) in the Feinberg School of Medicine. Her work focuses on improving youth access to mental health care by creating and implementing innovative, evidence-based solutions. She received a Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Predoctoral Fellowship (F31) from the National Institute of Mental Health.
How would you describe your research and/or work to a non-academic audience?
The high levels of mental health concerns among youth constitute a public health crisis, yet fewer than half of those in need can access evidence-based services. My work aims to improve access to care through the creation and implementation of innovative and evidence-based solutions. My dissertation, for example, explores how digital mental health interventions may be provided in schools to expand students' access to immediately available, free, easy-to-use support.
What have been some of the most memorable twists and turns of your career?
I started my PhD in clinical psychology, which focuses on treating individuals with mental health disorders. As much as I enjoyed my clinical work, I realized that my interest was in population-level prevention rather than individual-level treatment. I decided to switch my PhD to social sciences and health, putting me in a unique position: I've done part of a PhD in one field and part in another. While it was challenging to switch programs, it has allowed me to become an expert in public mental health, the intersection between clinical psychology and public health/social sciences.
Tell us what inspired your research and/or work.
As someone with lived experience with mental health concerns, I know how difficult it is for kids to get access to mental health services. We need lots of different kinds of solutions, not just one. My vision is a world in which all youth have access to mental health support that matches their needs.
How do you unwind after a long day?
I go for a run or hang out with my cat!
What books are on your bedside table?
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Devotions by Mary Oliver
Publish Date: December 2, 2025