Dr.(Prof.) Carolyn West

Dr. Carolyn West is a distinguished Professor of Psychology in the Division of Social, Behavioral, and Human Sciences at the University of Washington Tacoma. With a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, Dr. West has dedicated her academic career to exploring, understanding, and addressing the complex intersections of violence, sexuality, race, and media. Inspired at the age of 12 by a book on domestic violence, she has spent decades producing research and training materials that address real-world issues—particularly those that affect marginalized and underserved populations. Dr. West’s research centers on the long-term consequences of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. Her scholarship has explored culturally sensitive interventions, the hypersexualization of women—especially Black women—in media, and the psychological and societal impacts of sexual violence. A leader in her field, she is known for developing community-based educational resources and training programs to support domestic violence and sexual assault advocates, with a strong emphasis on culturally informed approaches. She is a passionate and dynamic educator, teaching courses such as Family Violence, Human Sexuality, Psychology of Black Women, Sexual Deviance, and Sex Crimes and Sexual Violence. Her teaching philosophy—rooted in authenticity, dignity, and student voice—combines lecture, media, discussion, and experiential learning to foster engagement and critical thinking. Through her classes, students not only gain academic knowledge but are also empowered to engage with social justice and community activism. Dr. West’s teaching has earned her multiple accolades, including the prestigious University of Washington Distinguished Teaching Award in 2013 and the Outstanding Woman of the Year Award in 2011. She was named a Fellow of the American Psychological Association’s Society for the Psychology of Women in 2004. Her academic contributions extend beyond the classroom. She frequently delivers keynote speeches, conducts professional development workshops, and collaborates with government agencies and community organizations to deliver culturally competent services to survivors of violence. Dr. West's work is consistently informed by her belief in applied psychology as a tool for systemic change. Over the years, she has secured several research grants, including funding from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the University of Washington Foundation. These resources have supported her efforts to examine and combat the psychological effects of violence, and to foster innovation in teaching and advocacy. In addition to her academic and research work, Dr. West maintains a vibrant public presence through her website, community outreach, and published works. She uses these platforms to amplify voices of survivors, challenge systemic inequities, and mentor the next generation of scholars and advocates.

• Clinical Psychology
• Trauma-Informed Teaching
• Curriculum Development
• Public Speaking
• Research Design
• Qualitative Analysis
• Grant Writing
• Workshop Facilitation
• Culturally Sensitive Training
• Community Engagement
• Psychotherapy
• Intersectional Feminism
• Gender Studies
• Program Evaluation
• Violence Prevention Education
View More >>