Kristen Gurdak, PhD, LCSW

 

 

Dr. Kristen Gurdak received her PhD in Social Work from New York University, her MSW from Barry University, and her BSW from Florida Atlantic University. She is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-FL) and a Qualified Supervisor with the State of Florida. Her research agenda stems from her experiences working with individuals with lived experiences of homelessness and mental health treatment, evaluating housing programs and behavioral health interventions, and comparing environmental and contextual impacts by using multiple sites cross-country. Dr. Gurdak’s research focuses on reducing stigma and barriers to community integration for those with mental illness through multiple analytic methods including qualitative, quantitative, and social network analysis.

Prior to her appointment at Florida Atlantic University, Dr. Gurdak has collaborated and published her research with the Columbia Department of Psychiatry, the Pathways Housing First Institute, and New York University colleagues examining social determinants of health, mental health, and community for those with mental illness. In addition to her tenure in academia, she has a rich background in mental healthcare, having served in various clinical and leadership roles. Notably, she has held positions such as Director of Outpatient Services and Director of Clinical Services for mental health treatment centers in South Florida. This diverse experience underpins her commitment to bridging the gap between research and real-world application in the field of mental health.