Farrell, Leah Ph.D.

Dr. Leah Farrell is currently a Research Associate Fellow in the department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia. She obtained her Ph.D. and M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. She obtained her M.A. in Health Behavior Studies and Health Education from Columbia University in New York City, New York and her B.A. in Psychology from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. She completed her internship in clinical psychology at the Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia.
Dr. Farrell’s research interests are currently focused on adapting empirically supported behavioral health treatments for delivery via various technologies such as the Internet, telephones, etc. Her hope is that innovative technologically-based adaptations of behavioral treatments will expand access to consumers who might otherwise not seek or receive traditional face-to-face treatments for a variety of reasons (e.g., cost, travel distance, stigma, and availability). Prior to her fellowship, Dr. Farrell was involved with research teams at Columbia University, Virginia Tech, and the University of Virginia on studies that developed and tested behavioral interventions designed to: prevent and treat addictive behaviors, promote adherence to medications for HIV/AIDS, promote safer driving behaviors, and prevent alcohol-exposed pregnancy.
Dr. Farrell’s clinical interests are broadly related to behavioral health and the use of empirically supported treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. She also enjoys teaching and mentoring.
In her free time, Leah enjoys travelling near and far, cooking with fresh and local foods, running, and spending time with friends and family.