Lisa Christian, PhD
Physician, Professor
Psychology
Conditions and expertise
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Mental Health
- Psychology
- Cognitive Therapy
- Women's Health
Locations
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Academics and research
Department: Psychiatry
About
- Gender
- Female
Biography
As a clinical health psychologist, I specialize in women’s mental health during pregnancy, postpartum and parenthood at The Ohio State University’s Women’s Behavioral Health center.
My approach to clinical care focuses on cognitive behavioral therapy. I work with women to help them capitalize on their strengths and build new skills and coping resources to promote resilience. My research focuses on the effects of stress on physiology and health in women during pregnancy and postpartum, which also informs my treatment.
I enjoy working at Ohio State because I’m able to contribute value in multiple ways, via research and clinical work as well as education roles within the Ohio State College of Medicine. The opportunities for collaboration with varied and accomplished experts across many fields is highly rewarding.
Conditions and expertise
- Cognitive Therapy
- Mental Health
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Psychology
- Women's Health
Locations
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Credentials
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Ohio State University at Columbus, Columbus, OH
8/1/2001 - 5/1/2008
Academics and research
I am the director of the Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Stress, Behavioral Immunology and Health Laboratory. Our research examines how exposures to chronic stress, mood disorders, anxiety and sleep disturbances interact in a bidirectional manner with the immune and neuroendocrine system to affect physical and mental health. Our studies use psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) research approaches to examine how stress affects individuals who caregive for a spouse with dementia, people coping with cancer, pregnant women, and people exposed to chronic stress or discrimination related to race/ethnicity, sexual minority status or financial strain. An ultimate goal of these studies is to address health disparities and inform behavioral interventions by identifying key pathways by which stress affects health.
I am a professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health in The Ohio State University College of Medicine, and I am a member of the Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, where I have been a faculty member since 2008. I received my PhD in clinical health psychology from The Ohio State University after completing an internship at the University of Florida Health Science Center.
My research has been funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR). I also serve as the medical student advocate within the Ohio State College of Medicine, helping to create a positive learning environment.
I appreciate the commitment to innovation here at the College of Medicine, and the resources that are readily available to allow me to pursue highly complex research.
Research interests
- Aging
- Education
- Psycho Oncology
- Quality of Life
- Racial Groups
Current Research Projects
- The CHAMP Study: Couples Health after Transplant in Multiple Myeloma Patients: The CHAMP Study is being conducted to understand how undergoing a stem cell transplant to treat multiple myeloma impacts the physical and emotional health of the patient and spousal caregiver.
- The CARE Study: Caregiving for a Spouse with a Memory Disorder - The CARE Study is being conducted to understand how the stresses of caring for a spouse or partner with a memory disorder affects the immune system, as well as risk for depression and anxiety problems.
- The National Couples’ Health and Time Use Stress Biology Study: NCHAT-BIO – The National Couple’s Health and Time Study (NCHAT) collects information on daily experiences, stress, and family experiences. Dr. Christian recently received a new RO1 from the National Institute on Aging to continue her work on this project.
Awards and Honors
Executive Committee, The Institute of Brain, Behavior, and Immunology, 2025-present
Fellow of the American Psychosomatic Society, 2022
Fellow of the Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research (ABMR), 2020
The FAME Committee Member of the Month – Center for Faculty Advancement, Mentoring, and Engagement (FAME), 2019
The 2017 FAME Career Development Award for Researchers, 2017
Academic information
- Department:
- Psychiatry
- Division:
- Health Psychology
Leadership titles
- Director of the Stress, Behavioral, Immunology and Health Disparities Research Program
More about my research
News and media
My news coverage
Consulting and Related Relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 11/3/2025, Dr. Christian has reported no relationships with companies or entities.