Derek Novacek – Youth and Family Institute

Derek Novacek, PhD

POST-DOCTORAL FELLOW

Clinical Expertise
Dr. Novacek has expertise in providing evidence-based treatments including cognitive-behavioral therapy and trauma-focused therapies to help youth with emotional disorders.

Education
University of Notre Dame, BA
Emory University, MA
Emory University, PhD
University of California, Los Angeles, Predoctoral Internship
VA Greater Los Angeles / UCLA, Postdoctoral Fellowship

Training
Dr. Novacek was born and raised in Illinois. He received his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Notre Dame. He went on to complete his master’s and PhD in Clinical Psychology at Emory University. At Emory, his research focused on youth at risk for serious mental illness. He then moved to Los Angeles to complete his clinical internship at the UCLA School of Medicine where he worked with both adolescents and adults. Dr. Novacek then completed a three-year postdoctoral fellowship at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and the UCLA School of Medicine.

Research
Dr. Novacek is a psychologist at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. His research focuses on understanding sociocultural determinants of community integration in homeless-experienced adults to inform the development of culturally responsive rehabilitative interventions. He recently received a Career Development Award to examine stress, inflammation, and resilience among homeless Veterans. He has also conducted research on racial disparities in mental health and identifying signs of serious mental illness in youth. Dr. Novacek has published his research in numerous academic journals as all as presented scientific findings at international conferences.

Teaching
Dr. Novacek regularly gives guest lectures and presentations to students, clinical trainees, and researchers. He has taught courses at Emory University and Pitzer College.

General Approach
Dr. Novacek takes a collaborative, culturally responsive, and evidence-based approach to psychotherapy. Viewing the client as the expert of their life, Dr. Novacek works with them to build a life that aligns with their values and goals.

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Derek Novacek, PhD

POST-DOCTORAL FELLOW

Clinical ExpertiseDr. Novacek has expertise in providing evidence-based treatments including cognitive-behavioral therapy and trauma-focused therapies to help youth with emotional disorders.

EducationUniversity of Notre Dame, BAEmory University, MAEmory University, PhDUniversity of California, Los Angeles, Predoctoral InternshipVA Greater Los Angeles / UCLA, Postdoctoral Fellowship

TeachingDr. Novacek regularly gives guest lectures and presentations to students, clinical trainees, and researchers. He has taught courses at Emory University and Pitzer College.

General ApproachDr. Novacek takes a collaborative, culturally responsive, and evidence-based approach to psychotherapy. Viewing the client as the expert of their life, Dr. Novacek works with them to build a life that aligns with their values and goals.