Preparing the Next Generation of Psychologists to Address the Opioid Crisis
Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council award expands University of Memphis workforce training and strengthens community partnerships to improve behavioral health across the region.
The University of Memphis is expanding its efforts to address one of the nation's most pressing public health challenges through a new award from the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council. The funding will strengthen the University's nationally recognized behavioral health training program, preparing future psychologists with the knowledge and clinical experience needed to prevent and treat opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders across Tennessee.
Substance use disorders continue to have a profound impact on individuals, families, and communities. Although recent declines in overdose deaths suggest that prevention and treatment efforts are making a meaningful difference, the addiction crisis still claims approximately 70,000 lives each year in the United States. Beyond its devastating human toll, drug abuse is estimated to cost the nation $820 billion annually through healthcare expenses, lost productivity, criminal justice costs, homelessness, and other societal impacts. At the same time, many communities continue to face a critical shortage of trained behavioral health providers, underscoring the need to invest in workforce development.
Led by Dr. Meghan McDevitt-Murphy, Professor of Psychology, the new grant builds upon an established interdisciplinary training program supported by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) since 2019. Originally developed to train doctoral students in Clinical Psychology, the program has expanded to include students in School Psychology through partnerships with Memphis-Shelby County Schools and, more recently, doctoral students in Counseling Psychology within the College of Education.
The Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council award will further expand the program by supporting additional doctoral students and strengthening partnerships with community-based behavioral health organizations. Beginning in Fall 2026, nine psychology Ph.D. students will complete immersive clinical training at treatment sites throughout Memphis and Shelby County, gaining hands-on experience delivering evidence-based care for individuals affected by substance use disorders and related behavioral health conditions.
By investing in workforce development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community partnerships, the University of Memphis is helping prepare the next generation of behavioral health professionals while expanding access to high-quality addiction treatment. The initiative reflects the University's commitment to translating research and education into meaningful solutions that improve health outcomes, strengthen communities, and address one of the nation's most significant public health and economic challenges.