Rate My Professor Rebecca Allen

Dr. Allen's primary research concentration is clinical geropsychology, with a secondary focus in clinical health psychology. Her interests encompass clinical training issues such as substance and opioid use disorders, empowering underserved communities through partnerships to address health and mental health disparities, interventions to reduce stress for caregivers of those with advanced chronic or terminal illnesses, and cultural dynamics (race/ethnicity, rural/urban) influencing healthcare and financial decision-making. With over 150 publications, key works include the edited book Perspectives on Behavioural Interventions in Palliative and End-of-Life Care (Routledge, 2018); "Substance use screening in geriatric primary care: Cultural issues and alcohol consumption in the Deep South" (Clinical Gerontologist, 2024); "Pet ownership is associated with greater cognitive and brain health in a cross-sectional sample across the adult lifespan" (Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 2022); and "Preparation and planning for future care in the Deep South: Adapting a validated tool for cultural sensitivity" (The Gerontologist, 2019). Her contributions advance ethical interprofessional practices, dignity interventions, and advance care planning diversity. Dr. Allen has received the University of Alabama President's Faculty Research Award (2019) and the Excellence in Community Engagement Award (2016).