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.
Learn more about the CMHP Lab’s approach to research:
Meet Our Student Researchers!
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. 
Hope Torales-Davila is a junior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Mental Health Awareness and Advocacy. She is involved in Psi Chi and the REACH Peers Program. Hope plans to pursue a Psy.D. or Ph.D. in Clincal Psychology with the goal of becoming a therapist or professor. Her academic interests include mental health, psychological disorders, and neurodiversity.
Ellie Bocchino is a junior at Utah State University studying Human Development and Family Studies. She is also pursuing a minor in Psychology and plans to attend graduate school for Marriage and Family Therapy. Her long-term goal is to help individuals and families as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
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. 
Corey Rutherford is a junior majoring in Psychology and Cultural Anthropology with a minor in Music Studies. He is involved in the Honors Program, Psi Chi, and the REACH Peers Program. Corey is exploring both clinical and research pathways with the goal of pursuing a PhD in psychology. His academic interests focus on stress, cognition, and the influence of social and cultural contexts on mental health.
Hayley Bachman is a Senior at Utah State University, majoring in Psychology, and Minoring in Mental Health Awareness and Advocacy. Hayley plans to get her Master of Social Work this following fall. Hayley’s career goal is to start a private practice offering therapy after grad school.
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.