Mark Beitel, Ph.D., Neighbor

Dr. Beitel is a licensed clinical psychologist who provides guidance for WDS students and staff, as well as conducts psychotherapy and psychological testing. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the Psychology Honors Program at the University of Michigan, a master’s degree from the New School for Social Research, and a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Fordham University. He received clinical training at Bellevue Hospital Center, New York University Medical Center, and St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital. Dr. Beitel received college-specific training in the counseling centers of Fordham University and Northern Arizona University. Post-doctoral work took place at Yale University School of Medicine.

Dr. Beitel began his career at Yale as a full-time member of the Psychiatry faculty and now serves part-time as an Assistant Clinical Professor. In this capacity, he teaches courses at the undergraduate and graduate level, conducts psychotherapy research, and provides supervision to trainees ranging from college interns to medical residents. He is affiliated with the Ethnicity, Race, and Migration program at Yale College. Dr. Beitel has also served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medical Psychology (in Psychiatry) in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University.

He has authored or coauthored more than 30 scientific articles on personality, psychotherapy, substance use, chronic pain, integrative medicine, and culture. His current research interests include 1) the role of personality variables in health, illness, and treatment, 2) complementary and/or alternative mental health interventions, such as acupuncture, mindfulness, and physical activity, specifically yoga, and 3) the theory and practice of behavioral health interventions with Native Americans. WDS students are encouraged to participate in Dr. Beitel’s research activities and/or to develop their own programs of research.

Dr. Beitel’s Message:

I love teaching and learning and have dedicated my professional career to helping people thrive academically. I know firsthand the freedom that education can bring. Once obtained, it is something that cannot be taken away. At its most basic level, education is a fundamental human right. It is education that preserves our democracy. Given my beliefs, I expect a lot from the students with whom I work. I want students to be engaged, inspired, to love learning. I want them to be transformed by the educational experience such that life is improved exponentially. For some students, this might mean being able to count change or to read a recipe. For others, it could mean attending the college of their choice. No matter where the student has been historically, or is currently, my job is to help the exceptionally talented staff at WDS open doors academically.