Ruth Firmin

Assistant Professor of Psychology

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BA - Cedarville University
MA, PhD - Purdue University at Indianapolis
Clinical Internship - Yale School of Medicine
Postdoctoral Fellowships - UCLA (NIMHT32 training grant for research on psychosis); Brown University School of Medicine

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About:

Prior to joining Gordon faculty in 2024, Dr. Firmin worked as a clinical psychologist at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School and Brown University School of Medicine. Her clinical work and training focused on evidence-based treatments for individuals living with serious mental health conditions, particularly schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. She has also worked with those experiencing trauma and homelessness. Inspired by the resiliency of the individuals with whom she worked clinically, Dr. Firmin’s research focuses on illuminating how individuals with significant mental health challenges stay immune to stigma and its negative consequences.

Her work has been funded by the American Psychological Foundation and utilizes mixed-methods to better understand mental health stigma, stigma resistance, factors that promote resilience, cultural and individual differences related to stigma, and how faith communities can better support those experiencing mental health challenges.