Dr. Michael Meinzer
Dr. Meinzer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Director of the Young Adult and Adolescent ADHD Services (YAAAS) Lab at UIC. His research focuses on adverse outcomes (e.g., depression, early pregnancy, substance use, delinquency) that are particularly prevalent among individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) during adolescence and early adulthood. Dr. Meinzer is interested in examining the mechanisms behind ADHD and comorbid psychopathology and subsequently developing tailored programming to address these difficulties. He is particularly interested in engaging community partners to adapt and implement tailored programming in non-clinical settings (e.g., schools).
Dr. Meinzer received his Ph.D. in Clinical Science of Child and Adolescent Psychology from Florida International University where received the Graduate Excellence in Clinical Science Award and was honored as a “World’s Ahead Graduate.” He completed his clinical internship at The Medical University of South Carolina and a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Maryland, College Park with Dr. Andrea Chronis-Tuscano.
Prior to arriving at UIC, Dr. Meinzer was an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Maryland College, Park. There he co-founded and co-directed the SUCCEEDS College ADHD Clinic. Dr. Meinzer is a 2016-2017 NIMH CHIPS fellow and the 2016 recipient of the Young Scientist Research Award from CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD). He is a Principal Investigator of an NIMH-funded R34 (MH117086) to implement a modified behavioral activation intervention for adolescents with ADHD and co-morbid mood difficulties in several Baltimore City Public High Schools.
Since joining the faculty at UIC, Dr. Meinzer has embedded himself in the UI Health System and Greater Chicago community. He has current research project aimed at reducing anxiety and depression in adolescents in a Chicago Public High School and an upcoming collaboration focused on suicide prevention in the Elmhurst School District. Additionally, Dr. Meinzer and his students have pursued collaborations with UI Health by examining hospital records and staff perspectives to understand mental care utilization among, barriers to care, and improve service delivery.
Dr. Meinzer serves as the Associate Head of the Department of Psychology at UIC (Elect) and the Secretary of the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (Division 53 of the American Psychological Association). He is also a Consulting Editor of Clinical Research Digest, the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, and the Journal of Attention Disorders.
Of note, Dr. Meinzer is currently writing a book with Oxford University Press entitled Mastering the Transition to College: The Ultimate Guidebook for Parents and Teens with ADHD. This book is informed by his research, clinical experience working with college students with ADHD, and role as a faculty member at UIC. Mastering the Transition… is designed to engage parents in the transition to emerging adulthood and prepare them for the difficult conversations to have with their teen as they enter their college years.
Dr Meinzer’s Research Interests:
ADHD and associated comorbidities
Intervention development
Implementation of evidence-based treatments in non-clinical settings (particularly schools)
Alcohol/substance use
Adolescence
Emerging adulthood
College mental health