Shelly A. Wiechelt, PhD, LCSW-C, CCDC
Shelly A. Wiechelt, PhD, LCSW-C, CCDC, Associate Professor, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, School of Social Work conducts research on the interplay of shame, trauma, and substance use, engages in translational research, and develops collaborations between researchers and practitioners. Her research includes: a multisite community-based project on assessing trauma in addiction treatment settings; a county-wide assessment of trauma-sensitive care in social service agencies; trauma and substance abuse among women in prostitution; the effectiveness of Seeking Safety on trauma and substance abuse among urban Native Americans, the effects of cultural and historical trauma on substance use among Native Americans; HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and substance abuse prevention among urban American Indians, association between PTSD symptoms and substance abuse among women, and the effects of shame and trauma on substance abuse and recovery among women. Her research highlights the need for practitioners to understand risk and protective factors related to trauma; and for service providers to implement trauma-informed care regardless of the treatment focus. She is a member of the editorial board for Substance Use and Misuse and is the section editor on Gender and Women. She is a member of the review board for the Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions. She is a faculty member of the Middle Eastern Summer Institute on Drug Use and has participated in the institute’s projects in Italy, Spain, and Israel. She participated in the development of curricula on evidence-based practice in mental health; social work practice with children of alcoholics; HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, and hepatitis prevention with Native Americans; and cultural and historical trauma. She has worked extensively as a clinician in both substance use and mental health treatment settings and has taught numerous continuing education workshops to practitioners. She has multiple-peer reviewed publications as well as national and international presentations on her research and practice interests.
