Sapna Mendon

Sapna J. Mendon is a doctoral candidate at the University of Southern California School of Social Work. Her research interests include implementation science and mental health services research. Using mixed-methods study designs, qualitative comparative analysis, and social network analysis, Ms. Mendon studies the adoption and penetration of evidence-based child mental health programs across state-run agencies, as well as the sustainment of evidence-based prevention programs across the United States.

Ms. Mendon previously served as the Director of Program Evaluation at the New York State Psychiatric Institute for OnTrackNY, a statewide initiative developed to provide coordinated specialty care services to young adults experiencing a recent onset of psychosis. She also served as a clinical trainer, providing training and resources for clinicians across the state and nationwide. Her research has focused on early intervention services, suicide prevention, healthcare disparities amongst ethnic minorities, and translational research.

In clinical practice, Ms. Mendon has worked extensively with underserved populations, at-risk youth who were previously incarcerated, and victims of sexual abuse. Following her work in community-based agencies, she broadened her scope of practice to include patients with serious mental illness, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress. Her clinical experience includes working with individuals and groups, as well as working with families affected by mental illness.

Ms. Mendon is expected to complete her PhD in social work by spring 2019. She holds a master’s of social work from New York University, and a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of California, Riverside.