Gwen Vogel Mitchell

Dr. Gwen Mitchell, PsyD, is an Associate Professor and Co-Director of the International Disaster Psychology: Trauma & Global Mental Health program. With an extensive career in clinical psychology spanning two decades, Dr. Mitchell possesses a wealth of experience in the global mental health and humanitarian aid domains. She dedicated over 10 years to the humanitarian aid sector in post-conflict and refugee camp environments. Her expertise extends to providing expert testimony in critical areas such as immigration, asylum, post traumatic stress, child abuse, intergenerational trauma, and stress responses.

Dr. Mitchell's international work background encompasses significant contributions with reputable organizations, including Doctors Without Borders/Medicines San Frontieres, The Center for Victims of Torture, United Nations and Open Society. Her work has encompassed clinical services, consultation as well as training in areas such as trauma counseling, mental health, child development, gender-based violence, and victim support services. In addition to her fieldwork, Dr. Mitchell was instrumental in the development of mental health policies for Liberia and has offered expert consultation to several NGOs in the domain of mental health and trauma. Her expertise has been disseminated through presentations at various domestic and international conferences, as well as co-authoring publications covering areas such as post-traumatic stress in refugees and migrants, post-traumatic growth (PTG), counseling applications with people of African ancestry, the impact of war on civilians, therapeutic photography, moral distress in humanitarian aid workers, re-entry trauma, and group counseling with vulnerable groups in Myanmar. In her current role, Dr. Mitchell assumes responsibility for overseeing both the clinical and academic aspects of the IDP program. Additionally, Dr. Mitchell is member of the Society for the Study of Culture and Psychiatry (SSPC) and holds a position on its Executive Committee.