Hi, I’m Clara! I am Program Development Manager at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, a nonprofit Community Mental Health Agency, and home to the nation’s oldest Suicide Prevention Center. I work closely with clinical teams and senior leadership to design and implement innovative programs that address mental health, suicide prevention, and health-related social needs. I also specialize in the development of e-learning and on-demand training programs for clinical and healthcare staff.

My background in Medical Sociology and Health Services Research informs my approach to building programs that bridge research and practice. Before transitioning to my current role, I was a Research Fellow at City University of London’s School of Health Services Research & Management. There, I conducted research on healthcare disparities, mental health care, and clinical communication, using mixed methods to identify opportunities for improving service provision and practitioner training. My work often focused on understanding barriers to care, particularly in high-stakes crisis mental health settings.

I hold a PhD in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles, where my doctoral research examined how clinicians and patients navigate sensitive conversations about health behaviors. This work explored the dynamics of clinical communication, including how framing and context influence the acceptance of medical advice. I continue to draw on these insights in my professional work, translating research findings into practical strategies for improving mental health services.