Marissa Hansen
Dr. Hansen's research focuses on the development, adaptation, and implementation of behavioral health interventions for vulnerable adult and older adult populations with co-occurring health and mental health conditions. In her work, there is a particular emphasis on Latinx and other ethnically and racially diverse communities, examining disparities in access to and utilization of mental health services and the correlates of psychological distress. A central aim of this research is to address the mental health needs of trauma-exposed individuals through sociocultural adaptations of evidence-based interventions. Guided by intersectionality and anti-oppressive frameworks, Dr. Hansen's research seeks to optimize care delivery and improve treatment outcomes across diverse populations.
Dr. Hansen has extensive practice experience in community-based care settings as a clinician and conducting program evaluation, development, and management. She teaches Community Practice, Human Behavior, Social Work Leadership and Management, and Assessment Approaches in Social Work Practice.
- B.A., Psychology and Hispanic Literature, Boston University, 1998
- M.S.W., Social Work, University of Southern California, 2001
- Ph.D., Social Work, University of Southern California, 2011
Dr. Hansen specializes in adapting behavioral health interventions to address disparities and improve mental health outcomes for trauma-exposed and ethnically diverse populations, with a focus on Latinx communities.
- Behavioral Health Interventions practice and research
- Mental Health Disparities among diverse adult and older adult populations
- Culturally-grounded practice with vulnerable underserved populations, specifically Latinx communities
- Social Work education with a focus on advancing culturally responsive and socially just pedagogical practices
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- Applied Projects I and II - Integrated Health and Adulthood & Aging Specialization
- Social Work Leadership and Management
