Sara Francis, PhD

Sara Francis, PhD

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Pediatric Psychology
Delivery Address
2141 Blakemore Ave
Room / Suite
150E
Nashville
Tennessee
37212
Phone

M.S.
Clinical Psychology - Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
Ph.D.
Clinical Psychology - Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
Postdoctoral Fellowship
Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD) at Vanderbilt Kennedy Center

Clinical Interests

Behavioral and mental health in primary and specialty medical care settings; children with acute and chronic medical issues; cystic fibrosis; functional and chronic gastrointestinal disorders; children with autism spectrum disorder; autism evaluation

Research Information

Dr. Francis is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in psychosocial interventions for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges, chronic health conditions, and neurodevelopmental differences. Her research includes quality improvement (QI) initiatives to improve access to mental healthcare for youth with chronic illnesses. Previous initiatives include assessing barriers to local mental health services for pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and surveying CF caregivers’ interest in mental health service expansions through the Pediatric CF Center at VUMC. Data help guide program development for youth and families served by the CF Center. Dr. Francis plans for similar QI assessment and program development across other medical specialty clinics at VUMC.