Joanna Bettmann Schaefer, PhD, LCSW
Research Director
Education:
PhD, Smith College for Social Work, Clinical Social Work, 2005
MSW, University of Utah, 1999
BA, Dartmouth College, English and Environmental Studies, 1993
Grew Up In:
Massachusetts
In Wilderness Therapy Since:
1994
Areas of Expertise:
Research, Wilderness Therapy Outcomes, Attachment Theory
Dr. Joanna has worked in the wilderness therapy field since 1994 as a field guide, therapist, researcher and director. She is a founder and co-owner of Open Sky. Dr. Joanna received her Masters in Social Work from the University of Utah Graduate School of Social Work in 1999. She subsequently worked full time as a field therapist and assistant clinical director at Aspen Achievement Academy in Loa, Utah. Dr. Joanna earned her PhD from Smith College School for Social Work, graduating in 2005. Her dissertation research explored shifts in the attachment relationships of adolescents in a leading wilderness therapy program.
During her doctoral study, Dr. Joanna worked as a senior social worker and received advanced clinical training at the University of Utah’s Counseling Center. Along with her work at Open Sky, Dr. Joanna is the Director for the College of Social Work at the University of Utah and she holds a position as an Assistant Professor where she teaches clinical practice and psychological theory courses to graduate students. She also maintains a private practice in Salt Lake City.
Working with both Open Sky and the University of Utah, Dr. Joanna continues to research wilderness therapy outcomes as well as attachment issues in a variety of populations. Recent publications include articles in peer-reviewed journals including Clinical Social Work Journal and Journal of Therapeutic Schools and Programs. She has presented her research at numerous national and state conferences.
A licensed clinical social worker since 2001, Dr. Bettmann Schaefer loves working with adolescents and families in wilderness settings. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, photography and spending time with family and friends in the outdoors.
