Kelly Clary, PH.D.

Background

Dr. Kelly Clary researches developmental and cultural factors, causes, and consequences affecting high-risk health behaviors. She particularly focuses on substance use among at-risk populations, such as veterans, military-connected individuals. In addition, she develops, implements, and evaluates culturally informed, evidence-based interventions to address health disparities like substance use and suicide. Dr. Clary’s work integrates her clinical experience in psychiatric hospitals and emergency departments with training in motivational interviewing and expertise in conducting assessments and brief interventions for substance use and mental health.   

She has led/co-led over 10 funded grant projects, ranging from $1,500 to $1,885,787, supported by entities including Texas State University, University of Illinois Veterans Center, American Psychological Foundation, Health Resources & Services Administration, National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Over the past 3 years, Dr. Clary has published more than 25 articles, mentored over 15 students, and presented at more than 20 peer-reviewed conferences. She holds all three degrees from the School of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

About Faculty Fellows Projects

Dr. Kelly Clary's research projects focus on mental health, suicide prevention, and substance use among veterans and military-connected populations. She also contributes to THRC’s research on strengthening the resilience and mental health of flood recovery volunteers, helping develop community-informed strategies that support people responding to disasters and other high-stress situations.