Valerie Loehr, who earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from SMU in 2015, is now an Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center and a Consult Liaison Psychologist at Clements University Hospital. She provides psychological care to medically hospitalized patients, including diagnostic assessments, psychotherapy, and transplant-related evaluations. “It’s a deeply fulfilling position,” she says, “that allows me to integrate mental health care within the broader medical system and advocate for holistic patient wellbeing.”
Valerie describes her training at SMU as both comprehensive and transformative. “Teaching undergraduate courses helped me cultivate strong communication skills, which I now rely on when delivering lectures and supervising trainees,” she explains. “The breadth of practicum experiences allowed me to explore diverse clinical settings and populations, solidifying my professional interests. The program’s research emphasis gave me the tools to both generate and critically engage with scholarly work—skills that continue to inform my clinical and academic contributions today.”
The program’s dual emphasis on rigorous research and robust clinical training drew her in, making it a clear fit. “I wanted to be in an environment where I could be challenged intellectually, explore meaningful research questions, and simultaneously develop the practical skills required to serve patients effectively,” she recalls.
Since graduating, Valerie has continued to deepen her clinical expertise and commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care. She began with an APA-accredited internship at the North Texas VA Medical Center, then completed her postdoctoral training in a full-time role as a graduate psychologist on the Primary Care Mental Health Integration Team. She later joined UT Southwestern, spending five years as a consult liaison psychologist at Parkland Hospital before transitioning to her current role at Clements University Hospital in 2023.
Valerie is particularly passionate about working with individuals experiencing co-occurring substance use and trauma-related disorders. “Being part of their recovery journey is an extraordinary honor,” shares Loehr. “I also find tremendous joy in supervising and mentoring trainees. Supporting the development of future psychologists–and helping them build clinical confidence and professional identity– is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.”
Valerie credits her research mentor, Dr. Austin Baldwin, for shaping her academic journey with thoughtful guidance that refined her research approach and inspired critical, creative thinking. She also names Dr. Buck Hampson, then clinical director, as a key influence on her clinical training. Most memorably, the relationships she built with fellow graduate students became enduring sources of support, collaboration, and lifelong friendship.
Her advice to current SMU psychology students: “Remain curious and open to discovery. Allow yourself to explore unfamiliar paths. You may be surprised where they lead. Don’t hesitate to engage with your professors; they are not only experts but also invested in your growth. Most importantly, trust that your dedication and passion will lead to a fulfilling career where your work can truly make a difference.”