Elizabeth Risch, Ph.D.

I am a Clinical Psychologist on faculty at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. For two decades, my clinical work, research, and education efforts have centered on best practices for supporting youth and families who have experienced trauma. I have a strong commitment to providing equitable access to services for ALL families. Social justice is inherently tied to my work in child trauma healing and this focus is incorporated in all of my endeavors. I provide leadership in health equity through serving as a core faculty member of the Social Determinants of Health Curriculum for Pediatric Residents and co-chair the Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion committee within the Department of Pediatrics, as well as serve on the Racial Equity Subcommittee in the Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. I thrive in being able to wear multiple hats and in continually growing and learning. I am a Nationally Approved trainer for Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) and co-developer of the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS). As Co-Director of Oklahoma’s statewide dissemination of trauma focused assessment and treatment for youth, I am able to share this expertise so that all youth accessing mental health services in the community receive screening for trauma impacts and most effective treatment. Within our trauma specialty clinic at OUHSC, I provide counseling to families and support growth and skill development of new clinicians through supervision. The meaningful and challenging nature of this work demands a focus on one’s own wellness for a sustained career. As a Nationally Approved trainer in Components for Enhancing Career Experience and Reducing Trauma, a model for preventing burnout and secondary traumatic stress in helping professionals, it has been an honor to share knowledge and skills with other professionals in how to sustain their careers. One of my greatest joys. However, my true greatest joy and what keeps me grounded is my family, especially my three feisty and fun boys. I love our adventures and exploring nature, playing games, and letting them teach me everything I don’t know about how the world works!