About me
Sarah Westen, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Florida. Dr. Westen is currently the Director of Diabetes Behavioral Medicine and Psychology at UF Health and a Board Member on the American Diabetes Association’s Youth Strategies Committee. Dr. Westen is former Chair of the American Psychological Association’s Special Interest Group in Diabetes, Board Member on the JDRF Psychosocial Advisory Committee, and JDRF National Psychology Fellowship recipient. Prior to coming to the University of Florida, Dr. Westen completed a fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as an Intramural Research Training Award recipient. Dr. Westen’s research in diabetes has won multiple recognitions with support through the National Institutes of Health and American Psychological Association.
Clinically, Dr. Westen is interested in the biopsychosocial aspects of chronic illness throughout the lifespan (e.g., coping, family management, transition from pediatric to adult care, treatment of comorbid mental health and behavioral conditions). Dr. Westen is additionally interested in improving care in medically underserved communities for individuals living with diabetes. Her patient-oriented clinical research focuses on factors related to health equity and healthcare equality as well as factors affecting adherence to medical treatment regimens.
My locations
My research
Top areas of exploration
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 , 4 publications
- Cognition , 3 publications
- Depression , 3 publications
- Exercise , 2 publications
Research activity
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My areas of focus
— Dr. Sarah C WestenI take an eclectic approach to treatment, using various evidence-based psychotherapy treatments, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help facilitate personal growth and sustained behavioral change. Celebrating the diversity of individual identity and expression is a central focus of my clinical practice. I aim to understand the unique experiences, thinking patterns, and behaviors we have as individuals, while noting a common desire for growth, change, and connection. My therapeutic approach emphasizes how to best live in the here and now. I aim to create a validating and safe therapeutic space to explore vulnerable topics.