I am a clinical psychologist with a specialization in the psychosocial treatment of severe, persistent mental illness. My research interests include needs assessment and evaluation of inpatient and outpatient programs that serve people with psychotic disorders. In particular, I am interested in developing and evaluating behavioral interventions that will help people manage their persistent symptoms and collaborate effectively with care providers. Some of my recent collaborations with graduate and undergraduate students have focused on understanding the effects of coercion on motivation and engagement in substance abuse treatment, and on effective mental health treatment in prisons. Currently, I serve as Psychology Graduate Coordinator and teach a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses related to ethical mental health practice.

Select Publications

MacKain, S.J. & Messer, C.E. (2004). Ending the inmate shuffle: An intermediate care program for inmates with a chronic mental illness. Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice, 4, 87 – 100.