Amanda O'Hearn, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry (Psychology) at the University of Rochester School of Medicine since September, 2001. She is a graduate of Gallaudet University's Clinical Psychology doctoral program. Prior to being recruited to the DWC to direct clinical services and launch her academic research career, she completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Miami's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Outpatient Program.

Dr. O'Hearn has greatly expanded the clinical services available at the DWC, initiating services to children and launching DBT and other forms of group psychotherapy for a range of deaf adults. She has attended numerous DBT training programs, including the two-week intensive program as well as other advanced practice DBT seminars focusing on services to children and adolescents. In addition to her own clinical practice, Dr. O'Hearn supervises the clinical work of social worker Sharon Haynes, Counselors Susan Chapel and Julianne Gold-Brunson, and the interns enrolled in our Program for Deaf Trainees.. Dr. O'Hearn's dissertation was on the topic of deaf women's satisfaction and adherence to prenatal medical advice and is being prepared for publication.