Sarah C Westen, Ph.D.
Clinical Associate Professor
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About Sarah C Westen
Sarah Westen, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Florida. Dr. Westen is Director of Diabetes Behavioral Medicine and Psychology at UF Health.
Dr. Westen has a history of leadership in various national and international roles. She is currently on the Planning Committee for the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Latest Innovations & Technologies in Type 1 Diabetes Program (and served as Program Chair in 2021-2023), Member of the ADA Youth Strategies Committee (and served as Chair of the ADA Psychosocial Sub-Committee of the Youth Strategies Committee in 2021-2023); and, Member of the Georgia Center for Diabetes Translation Research (GCDTR). Historically, Dr. Westen also served as Program Chair of the ADA Mental Health Case Study Continuing Education Program; Sub-Committee Member of the ADA Scientific Sessions New Technology Sub-Committee Planning Group; Chair of the Diabetes Special Interest Group of the American Psychological Association, Member of the Diabetes Consortium in Psychosocial Screening, and a member of the JDRF (now Breakthrough T1D) Psychosocial Advisory Committee; and, Member of the Grant Review Board for the Stanford Diabetes Research Center.
Dr. Westen is a Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) National Psychology Fellowship recipient. Prior to coming to the University of Florida, she completed a fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as an Intramural Research Training Award recipient.
Dr. Westen’s research in diabetes has won multiple recognitions with support through the NIH and American Psychological Association.
Clinically, Dr. Westen is interested in the biopsychosocial aspects of chronic illness throughout the lifespan. Her patient-oriented clinical research focuses on factors related to health-engagement, coping, and adjustment in medical treatment regimens.
Accomplishments
Teaching Profile
Courses Taught
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CLP3911 – Introduction to Clinical Research
College of Public Health and Health Professions
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CLP4302 – Introduction to Clinical Psychology
College of Public Health and Health Professions
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PSY4930 – Special Topics in Psychology
College of Public Health and Health Professions
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CLP6948 – Advanced Practicum in Clinical Child Psychology
College of Public Health and Health Professions
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CLP6940 – Supervised Teaching
College of Public Health and Health Professions
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CLP6943 – Core Practicum in Clinical Psychology
College of Public Health and Health Professions
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CLP6947 – Practicum in Intervention
College of Public Health and Health Professions
Teaching Philosophy
My approach to teaching involves creating an engaging, rigorous, creative, and innovative curriculum based on theory, research, and practice. I emphasize the importance of organization and structure in my teaching approach (e.g., weekly modules) with clearly articulated guidelines for student feedback and grading (e.g., rubrics posted alongside assignments, detailed assignment instructions). To evaluate student learning and success, I use a combination of approaches which take into consideration unique individual differences in learning style. My pedagogical methods include using blended learning whenever possible to enrich student learning, a combination of individual and group coursework, and class discussion to engage critical thinking. My goal as an instructor is to create a safe learning environment that fosters open and honest dialogue. I contribute to creating a respectful and welcoming environment for all students.
Board Certifications
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Licensed PsychologistFlorida Board of Psychology
Clinical Profile
Dr. Westen’s primary specialty areas include the biopsychosocial aspects of chronic illness throughout the lifespan (e.g., coping, adjustment, family management, transition of care, health engagement, and optimizing quality of life). Her patient-oriented clinical research focuses on factors related to health-engagement, coping, and adjustment in medical treatment regimens. Dr. Westen has a specialty focus in type 1 diabetes. Her clinical interests also include the treatment of internalizing disorders, including depression and anxiety, throughout the lifespan.
Specialties
- Psychology
Subspecialties
- Clinical Child / Pediatric Psychology
- Clinical Health Psychology
Areas of Interest
- Adjustment Disorder
- Adolescent depression
- Depression
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Children
- Illness Anxiety Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Type 1 Diabetes
Research Profile
Dr. Westen’s patient-oriented clinical research focuses on biopsychosocial factors related to health engagement.Dr. Westen’s research in diabetes has won multiple recognitions with support through the NIH and American Psychological Association.
Areas of Interest
- Adherence to medical regimens
- Clinical Trial Interventions
- Diabetes Technology
- Telehealth
- Type 1 Diabetes
Publications
Academic Articles
Presentations
Grants
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Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Diabetes for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC)
Active
- Role:
- Co-Investigator
- Funding:
- AMER DIABETES ASSOCIATION
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Conceptualization of a Social Determinants of Mental and Behavioral Health (SDMBH) Screening Protocol in the Progression of Autoantibodies to Overt Type 1 Diabetes: An Exploratory Study to Advance Translation and Health Equity Using Technology
Active
- Role:
- Principal Investigator
- Funding:
- GEORGIA CTR FOR DIABETES TRANSLATION RES via NATL INST OF HLTH NIDDK
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Understanding T1D and Insulin-Requiring Diabetes in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC): A National Needs Assessment
Active
- Role:
- Co-Investigator
- Funding:
- HELMSLEY CHARITABLE TRUST, LEONA & HARRY
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Project ECHO Teleclinics for Rural Providers
- Role:
- Co-Investigator
- Funding:
- FL DEPT OF HLTH
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Project ECHO T1D: HCT Trial
- Role:
- Co-Investigator
- Funding:
- STANFORD UNIV via HELMSLEY CHARITABLE TRUST, LEONA & HARRY
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Diabetes Journey: From systematic screening to intervention
- Role:
- Co-Investigator
- Funding:
- CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSPITAL MED CTR via NATL INST OF HLTH NIDDK
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Sleep, Adherence, and Glycemic Control in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes
- Role:
- Principal Investigator
- Funding:
- AMER PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSO
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Sleep, Adherence, and Glycemic Control in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes
- Role:
- Co-Investigator
- Funding:
- BREAKTHROUGH T1D – formerly JDRF Intl
Education
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JDRF National Diabetes Psychology Fellowship
JDRF; University of Florida
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Pediatric Psychology Fellowship
University of Florida Department of Clinical and Health Psychology
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Pediatric Psychology Residency
University of Florida Health Science Center
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PhD; Clinical and Health Psychology
University of Florida
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MS; Clinical and Health Psychology
University of Florida
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Intramural Research Training Award Postbaccalaureate
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
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BS; Neuroscience
Union College
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Neuroscience and Psychology BS
Union College
Contact Details
- Business:
- (352) 273-6029
- Business:
- westens@phhp.ufl.edu
- Business Mailing:
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PO Box 100165
GAINESVILLE FL 32610 - Business Street:
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1225 CENTER DRIVE
DEPARTMENT OF CLINICAL AND HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
GAINESVILLE FL 326100165