Orion Mowbray
College of Family and Consumer Sciences
Human Development and Family Science, Center on Human Development and Disability
Professor and Executive Director
River’s Crossing
850 College Station Rd.
Athens, GA 30602
Education
| Degree | Field of Study | Institution | Graduation |
|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Psychology and Social Work | University of Michigan | 2013 |
| MSW | Social Work | University of Michigan | 2010 |
| MS | Psychology | University of Michigan | 2010 |
| MA | Sociology | Eastern Michigan University | 2008 |
| BS | Psychology | University of Michigan | 2004 |
Editorial Appointments
| Position | Name of Journal | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Editor in Chief | Journal of Evidence Based Social Work | 2023 - present |
| Associate Editor | Social Work and Mental Health | 2025 - present |
Areas of Expertise
Behavioral Health Systems, Workforce Development, Health Services Research, Implementation Science, Program Evaluation
Current funded projects
State of Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (2026-2027). Modernizing assessment and planning for intellectual and developmental disabilities waiver access in Georgia: Implementation, pilot testing, and statewide demonstration of a tiered assessment process. Total direct costs: $366,905. Role: Principal Investigator.
State of Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (2026-2027). Strengthening Tier 1 and Tier 2 Behavioral Health Capacity in Georgia Schools Through the Trauma and Mental Health Awareness + Core Behavioral Health Skills Training Program. Total direct costs: $249,907. Role: Principal Investigator.
United States Department of Agriculture/National Institute of Food and Agriculture (2025-2027). 2023-46100-41095. Preventing Opioid Misuse and Reducing Stigma in Rural Georgia Communities. Total direct costs: $92,991. Role: Co-Investigator.
State of Georgia Department of Community Supervision (2024-2027). Establishing innovative community supervision through a person-centered model. Total direct costs: $661,139. Role: Principal Investigator.
Bureau of Justice Assistance (2024-2027). 15PBJA-23-GG-05379-NTCP. Virtual reality de-escalation. Total direct costs: $325,125. Role: Co-Investigator.
Current Research
My research focuses on strengthening behavioral health and developmental disability systems through implementation science, workforce development, and applied health services research. I study how evidence-based practices are implemented, sustained, and scaled across healthcare, education, justice, and community settings, with particular emphasis on behavioral health workforce capacity, integrated systems of care, peer support, and access to services for underserved populations. Using mixed methods and community-engaged approaches, my work generates practical evidence that informs policy, improves service delivery, and advances equitable outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.
Job Description
I serve as Executive Director of the David Ralston Institute for Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, where I lead statewide initiatives that strengthen Georgia's behavioral health and developmental disability systems through research, workforce development, education, and strategic partnerships. I am also a faculty member in Human Development and Family Science in UGA's College of Family and Consumer Sciences, where I mentor students and advance research on behavioral health, implementation science, and evidence-informed policy. My work focuses on translating research into practice to improve behavioral health systems, expand the workforce, and enhance outcomes for individuals with mental health conditions, developmental disabilities, and justice involvement.
Publications
Selected recent publications:
Cooper, Z., Mowbray, O., Aparna, M. & Franklin, C. (2026). Assessing the mediating impact of solution-focused constructs on depression, anxiety, and well-being: A longitudinal mediation analysis of the solution-focused randomized trial. Annals of Behavioral Medicine (In press).
Lee, J., Gibbs, J.J. & Mowbray, O. (2026). Bridging the digital divide: The mediating role of social engagement in technology use and mental health. Journal of Aging and Health (In Press).
Kim, I., Lee, J., Mowbray, O. & Brodzinsky, Z. (2026). The association between traumatic experiences and anxiety among adoptees with autism spectrum disorder. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities. (In press).
Graves, B. D., Mowbray, O., Aletraris, L., Shannon, S., Atkin-Plunk, C. A., & Pettus, C. (2026). Predictors of problem-focused coping strategies among criminal justice-involved adults with co-occurring disorders. Justice, Opportunities, and Rehabilitation (In Press).
Lee, M., Byers, T., Mowbray, O. & Powell, A. (2026). Tailoring communication to engage diverse student groups in higher education sustainability-related programs. Frontiers in Education (In press).
Kim, S., Kim, I., Lee, G., Oh, H. & Mowbray, O. (2026). Social determinants and the role of school-based mental health services in adolescents’ depressive symptoms and happiness. Health and Social Work (In press).
Fatehi, M., Mowbray, O. (2026). Medications for opioid use disorder treatment, treatment length, and treatment completion among emerging adults: The moderating role of age and sex. Substance Use & Misuse (In press).