Prof. Jennifer Wolff, Ph.D., has received this year's Distinguished Research Contributions Award from the Acute, Intensive, & Residential Services (AIRS) special interest group of the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (SCCAP). The award recognizes a post-degree psychologist who has made significant research contributions that advance the care of youth receiving treatment in acute, intensive, and residential settings. 

“This recognition is particularly meaningful to me because my research has focused on improving care for youth at greatest risk, especially those experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors who require emergency, inpatient, partial hospital, and other intensive services,” Wolff said. “One of my primary goals has been to conduct research that not only advances scientific knowledge but also leads to practical improvements in how we assess, treat, and support young people and their families during some of the most challenging moments in their lives. It is especially gratifying to have this work recognized by colleagues who share a commitment to improving outcomes for youth receiving intensive mental health care.”

Wolff is director of the Adolescent Mental Health Collaborative, director of the Pediatric Biopsychology Core at Bradley Hospital, and a staff psychologist at Rhode Island Hospital. Her research on adolescent psychopathology and treatment has resulted in over 100 peer-reviewed publications, approximately a quarter of which focus on inpatient or intensive treatment services.