Patrick Kennedy is a Graduate Research Assistant at HBRT who is currently earning his Master’s of Science in Social Work on the clinical track at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work. Aside from his involvement in the Be Well Texas: Treatment and Recovery Grant Program, he co-facilitates trainings for graduate students and health professionals in brief motivational interventions within medical settings. During his first practicum, he successfully designed, implemented, and evaluated a motivational interviewing training program for case managers working with houseless and incarcerated veterans. He has garnered extensive clinical social work experience using brief interventions across various populations and settings, such as residential treatment centers for people with co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders, disciplinary alternative schools with minority adolescents, correctional facilities, and nonprofits. His research interests lie at the intersection of substance use, the Transtheoretical Model of Change, integrated behavioral health, health behavior change, and brief interventions.
Patrick earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. After graduating with his master’s degree, Patrick plans on earning his LCSW, pursuing a PhD in social work, and continuing his commitment to mitigating health disparities through research, training, and clinical social work practice.
