Beth Auslander, Ph.D.

Biography

Dr. Auslander is a Licensed Psychologist and Professor of Health Service and Clinical Psychology. She received her doctorate from Florida State University, completed an internship at Baylor College of Medicine and a LEAH (Leadership and Education in Adolescent Health) fellowship at Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine.  From 2002-2025, she served on the faculty in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and from 2015-2025 directed the mental health program of a non-profit school-based health clinic (SBHC) that partnered closely with UTMB. 

In terms of her clinical experience, Dr. Auslander has worked with individuals of all ages across the lifespan and specializes in the care of adolescents. Having worked in a multitude of settings (e.g., medical clinics, schools, non-profit community-based organizations, juvenile facilities), she has treated youth and adults presenting with a wide variety of developmental and mental health challenges and has learned to adapt her practice and communications with colleagues to fit the setting. Dr. Auslander takes a strengths-based, client-centered approach to care that is rooted in her knowledge of mental health research. As such, she is well-versed in several evidence-based assessment tools and treatments. She is a strong advocate for collaborative, comprehensive care models that remove barriers to promote equitable access to mental health care.

Dr. Auslander is dedicated to educating the next generation of mental health providers and increasing mental health awareness. She has taught learners from different disciplines and training levels and has given educational talks on various psychological topics to key stakeholders within her community.  She provides a safe place for learners to grow their skills and utilizes creative strategies and tools to facilitate learning. 

Dr. Auslander's main area of research has been within the field of adolescent sexual health, exploring risk and protective factors of adolescent sexual behaviors and acceptability of new STI prevention methods. She also has conducted studies in the areas of eating disorder prevention and children's risk and resilience post natural disasters. Her research has been funded by both NIH and industry sponsors and has resulted in numerous publications and conference presentations. 

Dr. Auslander's five core values (i.e., integrity, creativity, humility, growth, and collaboration) form a compass that guides her actions in clinical work, research, education, and community service.

Curriculum Vitae

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Areas of Expertise

• Child/adolescent mental health
• School-based health models
• Adolescent sexual health
• Vaccine acceptability

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Publications

Sample Peer Reviewed Publications

1. Auslander BA, Short MB, Succup PA, Rosenthal SL.  Associations between Parenting Behaviors and Adolescent Romantic Relationships. Journal of Adolescent Health 2009; 45:98-101.
2. Lai BS, Auslander BA, Fitzpatrick SL, Podkowirow V.  Disasters and depressive symptoms in children: A systematic review.  Child and Youth Care Forum. 2014; 43, 489-504.
3. Lai BS, La Greca AM, Auslander BA, Short MB. Children’s symptoms of posttraumatic stress and depression after a natural disaster: Comorbidity and risk factors. Journal of Affective Disorders 2013;146:71-8.
4. La Greca AM, Lai BS, Joormann J, Auslander BA, Short, MB. Children’s risk and resilience following a natural disaster: Genetic vulnerability, posttraumatic stress, and depression. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2013; 151:860-7.
5. Rohde P, Auslander BA, Shaw H, Raineri K, Gau J, Stice E. Dissonance-based eating disorder prevention with middle school girls:  Results from two randomized pilot trials. International Journal of Eating Disorders. 2014; 47:483-494.
6. Auslander BA, Meers JM, Short MB, Zimet GD, Rosenthal SL. A qualitative analysis of the vaccine intention–behaviour relationship: Parents' descriptions of their intentions, decision-making behaviour and planning processes towards HPV vaccination.  Psychology and Health. 2018; 34, 271-288.  
7. Rickert VI, Auslander BA, Cox DS, Rosenthal SL, Rupp RE, Zimet GD. School-based HPV immunization of young adolescents: Effects of two brief health interventions. Human Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics. 2015; 11, 315-21.

1. Auslander BA, Rosenthal SL, Blythe MJ. Understanding sexual behaviors of adolescents within a biopsychosocial framework. Adolescent Medicine: State of the Art Review 2007; 18:434-48.
2. Auslander BA, Rosenthal SL. Intimate romantic relationships in young adulthood:  A developmental perspective. In J.E. Grant, M.N. Potenza (Eds.), Young Adult Mental Health. Oxford University Press, 2009.

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