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Biography

Abigail C. Angkaw, Ph.D. received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Cincinnati in 2009. She completed her predoctoral internship in the UCSD/VA San Diego Psychology Internship Program, specializing in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and comorbid substance use disorders. Dr. Angkaw is a Clinical Professor in UCSD's Department of Psychiatry, National Mental Health Director for Psychosocial and Behavioral Interventions within the Office of Mental Health in VA Central Office, and Principal Investigator (Without Compensation) in Research Service at VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS).

Research Interests

Dr. Angkaw is active in PTSD and addiction research, and collaborates with several researchers affiliated with the VASDHS Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH). Her primary clinical research interests include an examination of psychopathology models for PTSD and co-occurring conditions, including substance use disorders and aggression. She is particularly interested in the development and empirical validation of prevention and intervention programs for PTSD and comorbid conditions as well as research focused on improving the delivery of mental health treatment.

Clinical Focus

Dr. Angkaw has clinical interests in evidence-based psychotherapies, PTSD, addiction, consultation, clinical administration, clinical leadership, and program development and improvement. She is currently National Mental Health Director for Psychosocial and Behavioral Interventions in VA Central Office and was most recently the Deputy ACOS for Mental Health Outpatient Operations at VA San Diego and a Consultant with the PTSD Consultation Program through the VA National Center for PTSD. Dr. Angkaw has held several previous local, regional, and national roles: VASDHS facility PTSD Program Director, VA VISN 22 PTSD Mentor, VA Prolonged Exposure Consultant, Mental Health Section Chief, Program Director for the La Jolla PTSD Clinical Team and OEF/OIF/OND PTSD Clinical Team, and a staff psychologist in the VA Alcohol and Drug Treatment program. She teaches graduate students, interns, postdoctoral residents, and medical students through VA San Diego and UCSD School of Medicine.