About Me
As a clinical psychologist, I primarily work to support mental health patients with a military background, and have a special emphasis on treating and researching trauma and suicide. I want to help those suffering from a trauma-related disorder get their life back. Trauma often impacts people’s social relationships, causing them to withdraw from others and isolate. I use evidence-based care that specifically targets their symptoms to bring rapid relief and positive change to their lives. I’m certified in both cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure, two evidence-based treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
I’m passionate about serving those who have been willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I myself served on active duty for four years with the Navy as a clinical psychologist and continue to do so as an active reservist. Following separation from the Navy in 2018, I joined the National Center for Veterans Studies (NCVS) at University of Utah as a research assistant professor. I also served as the director for training within the center. Transitioning out of the military is never an easy process. However, by joining the NCVS I was able to continue working on the research efforts I had initiated while in the Navy. Now I get to continue this work at The Ohio State University.
My research interests center around applied interventions for the reduction of suicide in a military population as well as improving upon current treatments for PTSD. In collaboration with my colleagues, I have helped to translate proven suicide prevention interventions to a military population as well as improve the early identification of suicidal individuals in military primary care settings. One recent study examined the effectiveness of text messaging as a form of Caring Contacts, one of only two interventions shown to prevent death by suicide in randomized controlled trials. A study after that examined the effectiveness of the Suicide Cognitions Scale (SCS) as an indirect measure of suicide risk to alert primary care providers.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with family outdoors, including camping, hiking and skiing.
Highlights
- Member of APA Division 19, Military Psychology
- Member of APA Division 56, Trauma Psychology
- Certified as a consultant for prolonged exposure
- Director of Training, National Center for Veterans Studies, 2019 – 2020
- Interim Clinical Investigations Department Head, Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, 2018
- Recipient, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, 2018
Procedures and Conditions I Treat
- Psychology
- Mental Health
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders
- Anxiety
- Depression
Education and Training
Education History
Graduate
Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University, La Mirada, CA
8/1/2008 - 8/31/2014
Academic Information
My Department
Psychiatry
My Division
Health Psychology
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 09/30/2024, Dr. Baker has reported no relationships with companies or entities.
