The School of Behavioral Health and the Department of Psychology are delighted to announce that Lorraine T. Benuto, PhD, MA has joined the faculty. Dr. Benuto earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2009 and went on to spend more than a decade and a half at University of Nevada, Reno first as a postdoctoral fellow and subsequently as faculty from 2009 to 2025. That long tenure gave her the runway to build a career that bridges rigorous scholarship with direct clinical impact.
As a bilingual clinical psychologist and educator, Dr. Benuto's work centers on behavioral health equity, culturally responsive intervention, trauma, and community partnerships—areas that speak directly to SBH's mission of preparing clinicians who can meet people where they are. She has built a substantial research record along the way, with 81 peer-reviewed publications and $3.4M in external funding to her name, and she has used that platform to mentor the next generation: many of her former students now serve vulnerable communities in their own clinical and research careers.
Dr. Benuto's leadership extends well beyond the classroom and lab. She is currently in the middle of a three-year term as President of the National Latinx Psychological Association, a role that reflects the trust she's earned across the field. We're excited for the depth of experience, mentorship, and vision she brings to the department. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Lorraine Benuto!