Measurement-Based Care (MBC) is increasingly recognized as a critical approach to delivering high-quality, evidence-based behavioral health services. When clinicians can track progress in real time, they’re able to strengthen therapeutic relationships, tailor care to individual needs, and ultimately achieve better outcomes. As more organizations move toward implementing MBC, thought leaders and clinical experts are shaping how these practices are applied in diverse settings.
Our upcoming session, Advancing Child & Youth Behavioral Health with Measurement-Based Care, will explore the impact of MBC in child and youth services, a field that has very unique challenges and needs. In order to do so, we’re bringing together a panel of experts in the child and youth behavioral health space, including Dr. David FitzGerald, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic at the University of Connecticut Department of Health (Uconn Health). Ahead of the session, we wanted to introduce Dr. FitzGerald and give you some background on some of the incredible things he’s accomplished throughout his career. Let’s jump in!
Meet Dr. David FitzGerald
Dr. FitzGerald has built his career at the intersection of clinical psychology, education, and integrated health care. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Psychology, followed by a PhD in Counseling and Developmental Psychology from the University of Notre Dame. Today, at UConn Health, he serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry as well as being Director for the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic, where he trains and mentors the next generation of behavioral health providers in evidence-based, outcome-driven care.
His expertise spans health psychology, behavioral medicine, and the integration of mental health services into medical settings, where MBC has become a powerful tool for enhancing treatment effectiveness. His early work providing evidence-based treatment outcome assessments for several landmark comparative treatment trials in child psychiatry and psychology solidified his interest in MBC. In his clinical work and supervision, Dr. FitzGerald emphasized the importance of client voice and measurable outcomes, ensuring that data and life experiences can guide treatment decisions.
In addition to his academic and clinical roles, Dr. FitzGerald is committed to advancing the field through clinical training. He provides mentorship across multiple disciplines, actively contributing to the Clinical Psychology Internship Program and the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Postdoctoral Psychology Fellowship Program. His leadership has helped UConn Health expand its commitment to training providers in outcome-driven approaches, ensuring that clients receive care that is both evidence-based and personalized.
Dr. FitzGerald’s speaks regularly at professional conferences and often contributes to scholarly publications in psychology and behavioral medicine. His work reflects a consistent dedication to improving patient care, strengthening provider training, and advancing the role of evidence-informed practices like MBC.
About UConn Health
UConn Health is a leading academic medical center dedicated to advancing health through innovative research, first-rate education, and high-quality healthcare. The Department of Psychiatry offers comprehensive, research-based services across inpatient, outpatient, and integrated care settings for children, adolescents, and adults.
In 2023, UConn Health launched an exciting Measurement-Based Care pilot in collaboration with Greenspace Health within its Child and Family Development Program (CFDP). Led by Dr. FitzGerald, the program offers free 8–10 week parenting groups and clinical support services for families of children ages 6–17 experiencing behavioral health challenges. Since the launch of the pilot, the CFDP has streamlined data collection, gained powerful insights to guide treatment planning and program improvements, and has driven the uptake of MBC across other programs and services.
We’re thrilled to have Dr. FitzGerald join us for our upcoming session, where he’ll share his expertise and experience implementing MBC in child and youth services at UConn Health to enhance clinical outcomes and strengthen youth services.
This is a session you won’t want to miss! Register now to attend on September 30th at 1 PM ET: Advancing Child & Youth Behavioral Health with Measurement-Based Care.
