Home
University Profile
Tracy Stecker, Ph.D.
Psychologist & Mental Health Services Researcher
Dr. Tracy Stecker is a distinguished psychologist and mental health services researcher whose groundbreaking work focuses on understanding and improving help-seeking behaviors among individuals living with mental illness. With dual appointments as Co-Research Director at the VA and Assistant Professor at the College of Nursing at the Medical University of South Carolina, Dr. Stecker brings both clinical expertise and academic rigor to her research endeavors.
Her specialized research addresses one of the most critical challenges in mental health care: bridging the gap between those who need treatment and those who actually seek it. She concentrates particularly on military personnel returning from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as civilian populations experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders, and suicidality. Through her innovative cognitive-behavioral interventions, Dr. Stecker works to dismantle the barriers—whether psychological, social, or systemic—that prevent individuals from accessing life-saving mental health care.
Research Focus & Expertise
Military Mental Health
Developing targeted interventions to increase behavioral health treatment engagement among service members returning from combat zones
PTSD & Trauma
Creating evidence-based approaches to support individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress and related symptoms
Help-Seeking Behaviors
Understanding and addressing the psychological and social factors that influence mental health treatment engagement
Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions
Designing and testing innovative CBT-based approaches tailored to diverse populations and delivery methods
Funded Research Projects
Dr. Stecker's research excellence has been recognized through substantial funding from the nation's leading mental health and military research institutions. Her portfolio demonstrates a commitment to addressing the most pressing challenges facing veterans and civilians affected by trauma and substance use.
1
Department of Defense Study
Leading a comprehensive investigation to increase behavioral health treatment seeking among at-risk service members returning from warzones. This study addresses the critical window of vulnerability immediately following deployment, when intervention can have the most significant impact.

Funded by the Department of Defense
2
NAC Treatment Efficacy
Co-investigating the therapeutic efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for treating alcohol use disorders and comorbid PTSD in Veterans. This innovative pharmacological approach offers promise for addressing the complex interplay between substance use and trauma-related symptoms.

Funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
3
Suicide Prevention Messaging
Developing strategic public messaging campaigns designed to encourage help-seeking behaviors among Veterans at high risk for suicide. This critical work combines psychological insights with communications expertise to save lives.

Funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs
4
Phone-Delivered CBT Evaluation
Evaluating the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy delivered by phone to promote alcohol-related care and reduce drinking behaviors. This accessible approach removes geographical and logistical barriers to treatment.

Funded by the National Institute of Mental Health
Impact & Mission
Through her comprehensive body of work, Dr. Stecker aims to fundamentally improve mental health outcomes by systematically identifying and removing barriers to treatment. Her research recognizes that effective mental health care requires more than clinical efficacy—it demands interventions tailored to the unique needs, circumstances, and challenges faced by military and civilian populations affected by trauma and substance use.
Her approach is characterized by cultural sensitivity, evidence-based methodology, and an unwavering commitment to translating research findings into practical, accessible interventions that can be implemented in real-world settings. By understanding the specific obstacles that prevent individuals from seeking help—whether stigma, accessibility, awareness, or readiness for change—Dr. Stecker develops targeted strategies that meet people where they are and guide them toward healing.
"Removing barriers to treatment and tailoring interventions to unique needs."
Academic & Clinical Affiliations
VA Appointment
Co-Research Director
Department of Veterans Affairs
Leading collaborative research initiatives focused on veteran mental health and suicide prevention
Academic Position
Assistant Professor
College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina
Teaching and mentoring the next generation of mental health researchers and practitioners
Dr. Stecker's contributions to the field of mental health services research represent a vital bridge between scientific discovery and practical application. Her work not only advances our understanding of help-seeking behaviors but also creates tangible pathways for those struggling with mental illness to access the care they need and deserve.