Amy Elizabeth West

Dr. Amy Elizabeth West is instrumental in shaping the field of clinical pediatrics and psychology through her extensive work at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. As a Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Psychology, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her students and colleagues. Additionally, she holds a secondary appointment as a Professor in the Department of Psychology at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, where she continues to influence the academic community with her research and teaching. Dr. West's primary clinical and research interests lie in the psychosocial treatment outcomes and mechanisms of treatment response in pediatric mood and anxiety disorders. Her work is particularly focused on underserved, ethnic minority populations, where she aims to bridge the gap in mental health care and improve treatment efficacy. Her dedication to these communities is evident in her research, which seeks to understand and address the unique challenges faced by these groups. In addition to her work on treatment outcomes, Dr. West has made significant contributions to the study of developmental psychopathology in children. Her research delves into the complexities of mood and anxiety disorders, exploring how these conditions develop and manifest in young individuals. This work is crucial in developing early intervention strategies and improving long-term outcomes for affected children. Dr. West is also deeply committed to preventing suicidal behavior in youth, a critical area of concern in mental health. Her research in this domain aims to identify risk factors and develop effective prevention strategies to safeguard vulnerable populations. Her efforts in this area are complemented by her work on perinatal mental health, where she investigates the mental health challenges faced by mothers during and after pregnancy. Furthermore, Dr. West has conducted important research on American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) mental health and substance use disparities. Her work in this area seeks to highlight and address the unique mental health challenges faced by AIAN communities, advocating for culturally sensitive and effective interventions. Through her research, Dr. West continues to make a profound impact on the field of psychology and mental health, striving to improve the lives of individuals and communities.