Biography
Lara Coughlin, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan Addiction Center in the Department of Psychiatry. Her research focuses on developing and adapting interventions to improve outcomes for those with substance use disorders based on behavioral economic frameworks. Her research aims to improve access to empirically-based substance use prevention and treatments, especially in underserved populations.
Areas of Interest
- Treatment development for substance use disorders based on behavioral economic frameworks
- Using adaptive interventions to improve substance use disorder outcomes
- Improving access to treatments for rural and other underserved populations
Clinical Interests
- Substance use disorder treatment
- Contingency Management
- Cognitive behavioral therapies
- Motivational Interviewing
News

Education and peer support cut binge-drinking by National Guard members in half, study shows
With hazardous alcohol use threatening military readiness, randomized trial finds tailored education and peer support leads to sustained drop in risky drinking

Expert: Stigma, access to blame for mental health care being hard to reach in rural areas
Dr. Lara Coughlin is quoted in this article

Cannabis health risks, benefits call for informed residents
In this article, Dr. Lara Coughlin is quoted for risks associated with marijuana and the effects it has on young adults.

More Than Half of People Using Cannabis for Pain Experience Multiple Withdrawal Symptoms
Minority experience worsening of symptoms over time, especially younger people.

Depression Care Suboptimal for Patients With Comorbid Substance Use Disorders, Study Finds
Drs. Coughlin, Pfeiffer and Lin's research featured in the American Psychiatric Association's Psychiatric News Alert
Credentials
- Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Michigan, Addiction Center
- APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Internship, Durham VA Medical Center
- Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Virginia Tech
- M.S., Clinical Psychology, Virginia Tech
- B.S., Psychology, Davidson College