Stephanie Dorais, PhD, LMHC is a behavioral science researcher and licensed mental health counselor with a background spanning data analytics, mental health, and behavioral economics. She began her career in quantitative research after earning a B.S. in Statistics and Operations Research from NYU’s Stern School of Business and later pursued behavioral science research after obtaining a doctorate in counseling from William & Mary.
Dr. Dorais’s research explores how psychological traits—such as mindfulness, hope, and emotion regulation—shape health-related behavior, mental health, economic decision-making, and long-term well-being. Her interdisciplinary work integrates behavioral economics and counseling psychology to better understand how people make choices under stress, uncertainty, and risk. She uses longitudinal, experimental, and time-series methods to study cognitive heuristics and behavioral interventions.
With over 20 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Dorais also teaches behavioral economics, applied statistics, and research design. Her applied work translates psychological insight into data-driven strategies for improving health and financial outcomes.
Selected Publications
Dorais, S. (2024). Time series analysis in preventive intervention research: A step-by-step guide. Journal of Counseling & Development. https:/doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12508
Gutierrez, D., Dorais, S., & Niles, J. (2025). Spiritual competency training in mental health and multicultural orientation and contemplative awareness: An evaluation of two training approaches with psychotherapists. Psychotherapy. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000578
Dorais, S., & Gutierrez, D. (2021). The effectiveness of a centering meditation on college stress and mindfulness: A randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.720824