Paul Springer

My research focuses on addressing mental health disparities for underserved and hard to reach populations. More specifically, my research examines disparities in mental health accessibility in rural and global populations in two ways: (1) utilizing Community Based Participatory Research methodologies that brings community members together to identify and address local challenges. This is done by harnessing local resources so communities can better meet their own mental health needs, and (2) the application of high-quality mental healthcare through the innovative use of technology (i.e., telemental and mobile technologies). My research has led to global partnerships in Brazil and presentations of my research throughout the world, including in countries such as Jordan, Brazil, China, Portugal, and England.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in working with individuals, couples and families who have experience loss and trauma. I have advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and use this approach in working with my clients. I also have extensive experience working with individuals in recovery through the criminal justice system. I am a Clinical Fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor.  For years, I have maintained a small private practice where I specialized working with couples. As a supervisor, I support students in developing the requisite relational skills to practice as effective couple and family therapists.

Springer, P., Franzen-Castle, L., Gratopp, E., & Schmader, B. (2023).  What is a healthy community? Refugee youth’s perspective on freedom, safety, and trust: a photovoice project. International Journal of Systemic Therapy, 34(1), 41-62.  https://doi.org/10.1080/2692398X.2022.2135344

Eddy, B. P., Springer, P. R., Sibley, D. S., Turns, B., Fife, S. T., (2022).  Keeping the ledger balanced during pregnancy. International Journal of Systemic Therapy, 33(2), 87-108. https://doi.org/10.1080/2692398X.2022.2041345

Sarmento, C.S., Dias, D., Borge, L., Aguiar, T., Scheeren, P., Barbosa, P. V., & Springer, P. R. (2022).  A percepção de pacientes e terapeutas sobre psicoterapia durante a pandemia COVID-19. Anais Da XV Mostra Cientifica do Cesuca. ISSN-2317-5915.

Springer, P. R., Bischoff, R. J. Taylor, N. C. & Leow, C. (2021). Competency based training in the supervision of relational telemental health. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 47(2), 375-391. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12513

Springer, P. R., Falceto, O., Bischoff, R. J., Barros, E., Scheeren, P., Taylor, N. C., Cargnin, D. (2021). A pilot study of a family systems oriented telemental health model in rural Brazil. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 47(2), 533-458. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12500

Taylor, N. C., Springer, P. R., Bischoff, N. C. & Smith, J. (2021). Relational interventions in telemental health. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 47(2), 455-472. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12520

Tippens, J., & Springer, P. R. (2021). Pandemic inequities: Refugees’ health in the rural U.S. during COVID-19.  Journal of Rural Mental Health, 44(2), 102-107. https://doi.org/10.1097/FCH.0000000000000292

Turns, B., Springer, P. R., Eddy, B., & Sibley, D. S. (2021). “Your Exile is Showing”: Integrating sandtray with internal family systems therapy.  American Journal of Family Therapy, 49(1), 74-90. https://doi.org/10.1080/01926187.2020.1851617