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Email

mackenzie.shanahan@bcm.edu

Positions

Assistant Professor

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
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Investigator

Behavioral Health Program
Michael E DeBakey
Houston, Texas United States

Education

Postdoctoral Fellowship at Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center

08/2024 - Houston, Texas United States

Health Services Research

PhD from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

08/2022 - Indianapolis, Indiana United States

Clinical Psychology

BA from University of Kentucky

05/2016 - Lexington, Kentucky United States

Psychology

Residency at University of Florida Health Science Center

07/2022 - Gainesville, Florida United States

Medical/Health Psychology

Certifications

Licensed Psychologist

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Professional Interests

• Pain psychology
• GI psychology
• Values-based behavioral interventions (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Patient Priorities Care)
• Positive Psychology (e.g., Hope, Optimism, Meaning in life, Acceptance)

Professional Statement

Dr. Shanahan is a clinical health psychologist and research health scientist. Her research aims to empower resilience in patients with chronic and mental health conditions through the use of pragmatic, values-based behavioral interventions (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). Her work also aims to identify positive psychological factors (e.g., hope, optimism, meaning making, acceptance) associated with adaptive adjustment to chronic health conditions. Her work in these areas has primarily focused on patients with chronic pain and gastrointestinal disorders.

Websites

Selected Publications

• Dindo, L. & Shanahan, M. L. "." Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2025;48(3):493-504. Pubmed PMID:
• Shanahan ML, Fischer IC, Hirsh AT, Stewart JC, Rand KL. "." Ann Behav Med. 2021;55(9):815-832. Pubmed PMID:
• Ross EJ, Shanahan ML, Joseph E, Reynolds JM, Jimenez DE, Abreu MT, Carrico AW. "." Ann Behav Med.. 2024;58(12):779-788. Pubmed PMID:
• Shanahan ML, Rand KL, Galloway A, Matthias MS. "." J Pain. 2024;25(7):104487. Pubmed PMID: