Mackenzie Shanahan

Mackenzie Shanahan, Ph.D.

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Mackenzie Shanahan, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Email

mackenzie.shanahan@bcm.edu

Positions

Assistant Professor: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Baylor College of Medicine

Investigator: Behavioral Health Program
Michael E DeBakey
Houston, Texas United States

Education

Postdoctoral Fellowship at Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center: 08/2024 - Houston, Texas United States; Health Services Research

PhD from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis: 08/2022 - Indianapolis, Indiana United States; Clinical Psychology

BA from University of Kentucky: 05/2016 - Lexington, Kentucky United States; Psychology

Residency at University of Florida Health Science Center: 07/2022 - Gainesville, Florida United States; Medical/Health Psychology

Certifications

Licensed Psychologist: Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Professional Interests

Pain psychology
GI psychology
Values-based behavioral interventions (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Patient Priorities Care)
Positive Psychology (e.g., Hope, Optimism, Meaning in life, Acceptance)

Professional Statement

Dr. Shanahan is a clinical health psychologist and research health scientist. Her research aims to empower resilience in patients with chronic and mental health conditions through the use of pragmatic, values-based behavioral interventions (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). Her work also aims to identify positive psychological factors (e.g., hope, optimism, meaning making, acceptance) associated with adaptive adjustment to chronic health conditions. Her work in these areas has primarily focused on patients with chronic pain and gastrointestinal disorders.