The CMHP Research Lab conducts high quality team-based mixed methods and qualitative analyses (e.g., interviews, open-ended survey responses, etc.). The CMHP Research Lab is led by Dr. Heather Kelley, co-leader of the Center for Mental Health Promotion (CMHP) and qualitative expert on the TRECI team.
The CMHP Research Lab utilizes a variety of analytical approaches and works in a wide variety of content areas. We conduct both phenomenological (i.e., in-depth analyses of a groups’ lived experience) and evaluation (e.g., program acceptability and perceived efficacy) analyses.
Interested in partnering with the CMHP lab to complete an analysis? Set up a consultation with Dr. Kelley to determine the approach that is best for your project.
Contact the CMHP Research Lab
Learn more about the CMHP Lab’s approach to research:
Meet Our Student Researchers!
Interested in joining the CMHP Research Lab?
Shanna Peterson is a sociology student with a certificate in gerontology and an incoming master’s of social work student. She previously earned a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture and worked as a landscape designer in Utah and North Carolina before shifting toward a career that aligned more closely with her strengths in service and advocacy. Her long-term goal is to serve and advocate for the aging population in any capacity.
Emma Horning is a senior at Utah State University, majoring in Human Development and Family Studies and Sociology. Emma plans to attend graduate school and hopes to become a researcher focused on parent–child relationships and their influence on emerging social-emotional skills.
Gwen Tuttle is a junior in the Human Development and Family Studies program here at Utah State. She is also working towards a minor in Mental Health Awareness and Advocacy as well as a certificate of proficiency in Equine Assisted Services. Her long-term goal is to become a Marriage and Family Therapist and eventually obtain a Doctorate degree in the field.
Bradyn Brown is a sophomore studying Human Development and Family Studies hoping to obtain a PhD in MFT after receiving a masters in the same field. His ultimate life goal in life is to have a large family and open his own MFT practice to support that family.
Peer-reviewed Publications from the CMHP Research Lab
Published:
Kelley, H. H., *Julian, A., *Strand, L., & Aller, T. B. (2025). “It’s a Circus”: Family Caregivers’ Perceptions on Accessing Mental Health Care for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 18(3), 323–337. https://doi.org/10.1080/19315864.2024.2424759
Aller, T. B., Kelley, H. H., Klimczek, K. C., Covington, B., & Levin, M. E. (2025). A longitudinal pilot evaluation of Valued Living: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based digital mental health intervention for autistic adults. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2025.100961
Under Review:
Kelley, H. H., Knudsen, F., Levin, M., Aller, T. B., Davis, C. H., & Fauth, E. B. (2025). Compassion Compass: Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an ACT-based intervention for individuals with dementia. [Manuscript submitted for publication to Dementia: The International Journal of Social Research and Practice]. Institute for Disability Research, Policy, and Practice, Utah State University.
Kelley, H. H., Aller, T. B., & Levin, M. E. (2025). Motivations for enrolling in an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) based digital mental health intervention. [Manuscript submitted for publication to Behavior Modification] Institute for Disability Research, Policy, and Practice, Utah State University, Logan, UT.
*Denotes a student from the CMHP Lab.