Sarah C Westen, Ph.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department:
Department of Clinical and Health Psychology
Business Phone:
(352) 273-6029
Business Email:
westens@phhp.ufl.edu
About Sarah C Westen
Sarah Westen, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Florida. Dr. Westen is currently the Director of Diabetes Behavioral Medicine and Psychology at UF Health and a Board Member on the American Diabetes Association’s Youth Strategies Committee. Dr. Westen is former Chair of the American Psychological Association’s Special Interest Group in Diabetes, Board Member on the JDRF Psychosocial Advisory Committee, and JDRF National Psychology Fellowship recipient. Prior to coming to the University of Florida, Dr. Westen 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 National Institutes of Health and American Psychological Association.
Clinically, Dr. Westen is interested in the biopsychosocial aspects of chronic illness throughout the lifespan (e.g., coping, family management, transition from pediatric to adult care, treatment of comorbid mental health and behavioral conditions). Dr. Westen is additionally interested in improving care in medically underserved communities for individuals living with diabetes. Her patient-oriented clinical research focuses on factors related to health equity and healthcare equality as well as factors affecting adherence to medical treatment regimens.
Additional Positions:
Director, Diabetes Behavioral Medicine and Psychology
2020 – Current
·
UF Health
Accomplishments
Loan Repayment Program Award in Health Disparities Research (A Translational Approach to Understanding and Reducing Health Disparities in Type 1 and Insulin-Requiring Diabetes)
2024-2025
·
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Dean’s Recognition for Excellence in Teaching
2024
·
College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida
Nominated; Outstanding Alumni Award in Professional Achievement and Career Service
2024
·
College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida
Dean's Recognition for Excellence in Teaching
2023
·
College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida
Nominated; Outstanding Alumni Award in Professional Achievement and Career Service
2023
·
College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida
Loan Repayment Program Award in Pediatric Research (Psychosocial Factors Affecting Health Engagement and Outcomes in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes)
2022-2024
·
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Dean’s Recognition for Excellence in Teaching
2022
·
College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida
Most Cited Paper Award: Westen, S. C., Warnick, J. L., Albanese-O’Neill, A., Schatz, D. A., Haller, M. J., Entessari, M., & Janicke, D. (2019). Objectively measured adherence in adolescents with type 1 diabetes on multiple daily injections and insulin pump therapy. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 44(1), 21-31.
2021
·
Journal of Pediatric Psychology
Nominated; College and University Undergraduate Teacher of the Year Awards
2021
·
College of Public Health and Health Professions and University of Florida Undergraduate Award nominations
Loan Repayment Program Award in Pediatric Research (Factors Associated with Type 1 Diabetes Adherence and Glycemic Variability)
2020-2022
·
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Loan Repayment Program Award in Pediatric Research (Sleep, Adherence, and Glycemic Control in Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes)
2018-2020
·
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Drotar-Crawford Postdoctoral Research Grant in Pediatric Psychology
2018
·
American Psychological Association Division 54
National Diabetes Psychology Fellowship
2018
·
JDRF
Geoffrey Clark-Ryan Memorial Award for Pediatric Research
2015
·
University of Florida
Mary Jo Kupst Award for Research in Resilience
2015
·
American Psychological Association Division 54
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 2012 Year in Research: Top 5 Most Influential Research Articles Award (co-author)
2013
·
Union College
Teaching Profile
Courses Taught
2019-2021,2024
CLP3911 Introduction to Clinical Research
2019-2024
CLP4302 Introduction to Clinical Psychology
2020-2024
PSY4930 Special Topics in Psychology
2020-2024
CLP6948 Advanced Practicum in Clinical Child Psychology
2021
CLP6940 Supervised Teaching
2022-2024
CLP6943 Core Practicum in Clinical Psychology
2022-2024
CLP6947 Practicum in Intervention
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, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all students.
Board Certifications
-
Licensed PsychologistFlorida Board of Psychology
Clinical Profile
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 factors related to health equity and healthcare equality as well as factors affecting adherence to medical treatment regimens. Dr. Westen is especially interested in improving care in medically underserved communities for individuals living with diabetes.
Areas of Interest
- Adherence to medical regimens
- Clinical Trial Interventions
- Diabetes Technology
- Health Equity
- Sleep Disorders
- Telehealth
- Type 1 Diabetes
Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID)
0000-0001-9891-4529
Publications
2024
“COVID is Not My Concern; Diabetes is”: Understanding COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Underserved Adults with Diabetes Using the 3 Cs Model
Diabetes.
73(1)
[DOI] 10.2337/db24-679-P.
2024
COVID-19 impacts and inequities among underserved communities with diabetes.
Journal of clinical & translational endocrinology.
36
[DOI] 10.1016/j.jcte.2024.100337.
[PMID] 38559803.
2024
Multisite Quality Improvement Program Within the Project ECHO Diabetes Remote Network.
Joint Commission journal on quality and patient safety.
50(1):66-74
[DOI] 10.1016/j.jcjq.2023.08.001.
[PMID] 37718146.
2024
Understanding COVID-19 Impacts Among Underserved Adults with Diabetes Using the Social-Ecological Model
Diabetes.
73(1)
[DOI] 10.2337/db24-1422-P.
2023
1410-P: Impacts of COVID-19 on Underserved Communities with Diabetes
Diabetes.
72(Supplement_1)
[DOI] 10.2337/db23-1410-p.
2023
700-P: Outcomes of a Diabetes Support Coach Intervention Implemented during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Diabetes.
72(Supplement_1)
[DOI] 10.2337/db23-700-p.
2023
Project ECHO Diabetes Cost Modeling to Support the Replication and Expansion of Tele-mentoring Programs in Non-research Settings
Diabetes Therapy.
14(3):509-518
[DOI] 10.1007/s13300-022-01364-3.
[PMID] 36680682.
2023
Sociodemographic factors associated with major depressive episodes and suicidal ideation among emerging adults with diabetes in the U.S.
Frontiers in endocrinology.
14
[DOI] 10.3389/fendo.2023.1276336.
[PMID] 38144571.
2023
The Promising Success of Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Diabetes: Case Series
JMIR Diabetes.
8
[DOI] 10.2196/46050.
[PMID] 37535407.
2022
960-P: Multisite Quality Improvement Initiative within the Project ECHO Diabetes Virtual Network
Diabetes.
71(Supplement_1)
[DOI] 10.2337/db22-960-p.
2022
COVID-19 Pandemic Effects on Caregivers of Youth With Type 1 Diabetes: Stress and Self-Efficacy.
Diabetes spectrum : a publication of the American Diabetes Association.
35(4):461-468
[DOI] 10.2337/ds21-0092.
[PMID] 36561657.
2022
Learning experience design of an mHealth self-management intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
Educational technology research and development : ETR & D.
70(6):2171-2209
[DOI] 10.1007/s11423-022-10160-6.
[PMID] 36278247.
2022
Tele-education model for primary care providers to advance diabetes equity: Findings from Project ECHO Diabetes
Frontiers in Endocrinology.
13
[DOI] 10.3389/fendo.2022.1066521.
[PMID] 36589850.
2022
Using Peer Power to Reduce Health Disparities: Implementation of a Diabetes Support Coach Program in Federally Qualified Health Centers.
Diabetes spectrum : a publication of the American Diabetes Association.
35(3):295-303
[DOI] 10.2337/dsi22-0004.
[PMID] 36082018.
2021
549-P: Understanding PCP Perspectives in a Project ECHO T1D Program Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research
Diabetes.
70(Supplement_1)
[DOI] 10.2337/db21-549-p.
2021
A retrospective multisite examination of depression screening practices, scores, and correlates in pediatric diabetes care.
Translational behavioral medicine.
11(1):122-131
[DOI] 10.1093/tbm/ibz171.
[PMID] 31764981.
2021
Barriers to Technology Use and Endocrinology Care for Underserved Communities With Type 1 Diabetes
Diabetes Care.
44(7):1480-1490
[DOI] 10.2337/dc20-2753.
[PMID] 34001535.
2021
Democratizing type 1 diabetes specialty care in the primary care setting to reduce health disparities: project extension for community healthcare outcomes (ECHO) T1D.
BMJ open diabetes research & care.
9(1)
[DOI] 10.1136/bmjdrc-2021-002262.
[PMID] 34244218.
2021
Multisite Examination of Depression Screening Scores and Correlates Among Adolescents and Young Adults With Type 2 Diabetes.
Canadian journal of diabetes.
45(5):411-416
[DOI] 10.1016/j.jcjd.2021.01.011.
[PMID] 33722492.
2020
1169-P: Democratizing Type 1 Diabetes Specialty Care in the Primary Care Setting: Project ECHO T1D
Diabetes.
69(Supplement_1)
[DOI] 10.2337/db20-1169-p.
2020
334-OR: Project ECHO T1D Tackles Complexity of Diabetes Cases in Primary Care
Diabetes.
69(Supplement_1)
[DOI] 10.2337/db20-334-or.
2020
830-P: Screening for Depressive Symptoms in Adolescent Type 2 Diabetes Point to a Need for Improvement in Clinical Processes and Resources
Diabetes.
69(Supplement_1)
[DOI] 10.2337/db20-830-p.
2020
Use of Ecological Momentary Assessment to Measure Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose Adherence in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes.
Diabetes spectrum : a publication of the American Diabetes Association.
33(3):280-289
[DOI] 10.2337/ds19-0041.
[PMID] 32848350.
2019
805-P: Barriers and Facilitators of Participation in Clinical Trials among Youth and Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes and Their Caregivers
Diabetes.
68(Supplement_1)
[DOI] 10.2337/db19-805-p.
2019
Designing Online and Mobile Diabetes Education for Fathers of Children With Type 1 Diabetes: Mixed Methods Study
JMIR Diabetes.
4(3)
[DOI] 10.2196/13724.
[PMID] 31389338.
2019
Mother and Father Controlling Feeding Behaviors and Associations With Observed Mealtime Family Functioning.
Journal of pediatric psychology.
44(10):1174-1183
[DOI] 10.1093/jpepsy/jsz060.
[PMID] 31429911.
2019
Objectively Measured Adherence in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes on Multiple Daily Injections and Insulin Pump Therapy.
Journal of pediatric psychology.
44(1):21-31
[DOI] 10.1093/jpepsy/jsy064.
[PMID] 30184209.
2018
“It Was All Trial and Error”—The Perspective of Parents of Emerging Adults with Type 1 Diabetes during the Transition to Independence
Diabetes.
67(Supplement_1)
[DOI] 10.2337/db18-719-p.
2018
Examination of Accuracy of Self-Reported Blood Glucose Using mHealth Data Collection
Diabetes.
67(Supplement_1)
[DOI] 10.2337/db18-846-p.
2018
Poor Adherence in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Associated with Distress, Fear of Hypoglycemia, and Executive Functioning
Diabetes.
67(Supplement_1)
[DOI] 10.2337/db18-847-p.
2018
Transition Education for Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: Pilot Feasibility Study for a Group Telehealth Intervention
JMIR Diabetes.
3(4)
[DOI] 10.2196/10909.
[PMID] 30401674.
2017
Parent fear of hypoglycemia predicts frequency of adolescent blood glucose monitoring
Diabetes.
66(Suppl 1)
2015
Telehealth interventions to reduce management complications in type 1 diabetes: A review.
World journal of diabetes.
6(3):371-9
[DOI] 10.4239/wjd.v6.i3.371.
[PMID] 25897348.
2014
Systematic review and meta-analysis of comprehensive behavioral family lifestyle interventions addressing pediatric obesity.
Journal of pediatric psychology.
39(8):809-25
[DOI] 10.1093/jpepsy/jsu023.
[PMID] 24824614.
2014
The role of overweight perception and depressive symptoms in child and adolescent unhealthy weight control behaviors: a mediation model.
Journal of pediatric psychology.
39(3):340-8
[DOI] 10.1093/jpepsy/jst091.
[PMID] 24344072.
2013
Self-Reported Recent Life Stressors and Risk of Suicide in Pediatric Emergency Department Patients.
Clinical pediatric emergency medicine.
14(1):35-40
[PMID] 23908600.
2012
Exergaming and older adult cognition: a cluster randomized clinical trial.
American journal of preventive medicine.
42(2):109-19
[DOI] 10.1016/j.amepre.2011.10.016.
[PMID] 22261206.
2012
Neuropsychological benefits of stationary bike exercise and a cybercycle exergame for older adults with diabetes: An exploratory analysis
Journal Of Diabetes Science And Technology.
6(4):849-857
2012
Neuropsychological benefits of stationary bike exercise and a cybercycle exergame for older adults with diabetes: an exploratory analysis.
Journal of diabetes science and technology.
6(4):849-57
[PMID] 22920811.
2010
Cognitive health benefits of strengthening exercise for community-dwelling older adults.
Journal of clinical and experimental neuropsychology.
32(9):996-1001
[DOI] 10.1080/13803391003662702.
[PMID] 20408001.
Grants
Aug 2023
ACTIVE
Understanding T1D and Insulin-Requiring Diabetes in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC): A National Needs Assessment
Role: Co-Investigator
Funding: HELMSLEY CHARITABLE TRUST, LEONA & HARRY
Jul 2023
– Jun 2024
Project ECHO Teleclinics for Rural Providers
Role: Co-Investigator
Funding: FL DEPT OF HLTH
Jul 2019
– Jun 2024
Project ECHO T1D: HCT Trial
Role: Co-Investigator
Funding: STANFORD UNIV
via HELMSLEY CHARITABLE TRUST, LEONA & HARRY
Jun 2019
– Mar 2024
Diabetes Journey: From systematic screening to intervention
Role: Co-Investigator
Funding: CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSPITAL MED CTR
via NATL INST OF HLTH NIDDK
Jan 2019
– Jul 2019
Sleep, Adherence, and Glycemic Control in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes
Role: Principal Investigator
Funding: AMER PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSO
Jul 2018
– Jun 2019
Sleep, Adherence, and Glycemic Control in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes
Role: Co-Investigator
Funding: BREAKTHROUGH T1D – formerly JDRF Intl
Education
JDRF National Diabetes Psychology Fellowship
2018-2019
·
JDRF; University of Florida
Pediatric Psychology Fellowship
2017-2018
·
University of Florida Department of Clinical and Health Psychology
Pediatric Psychology Residency
2016-2017
·
University of Florida Health Science Center
PhD; Clinical and Health Psychology
2012-2017
·
University of Florida
MS; Clinical and Health Psychology
2012-2015
·
University of Florida
Intramural Research Training Award Postbaccalaureate
2010-2012
·
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
BS; Neuroscience
2009
·
Union College
Neuroscience and Psychology BS
2005-2009
·
Union College
Contact Details
Phones:
- Business:
- (352) 273-6029
Emails:
- Business:
- westens@phhp.ufl.edu
Addresses:
- Business Mailing:
-
PO Box 100165
GAINESVILLE FL 32610 - Business Street:
-
1225 CENTER DRIVE
DEPARTMENT OF CLINICAL AND HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
GAINESVILLE FL 326100165