Directory Profile

Daniel Cavanaugh CV (DOCX)

Daniel L. Cavanaugh, PhD, LCSW is a clinical social worker with practice experience in community mental health, schools, prevention programming, and adventure therapy settings. Daniel grew up in Flint, Michigan, and moved to the Northwest to study psychology at Portland State University. He then returned to Michigan where he completed his MSW and PhD at Michigan State University. Daniel’s research interests are related to mental illness prevention, outdoor and adventure therapies, LGBTQ+ equity, and community-based mental health services. Daniel is co-host of the Adventure Therapy Collective Podcast (https://open.spotify.com/show/5K8QhQ8dVTrkmn2CLD1pWM?si=5863f59cfd364827). He also works with therapeutic adventure organizations in the Northwest that include The Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation, See You at the Summit, and Peak Recovery.

Daniel also currently conducts research with the Outdoor Therapy Centre at Charles Sturt University in Australia.

Education

• B.S. Psychology, Portland State University
• M.S.W. Michigan State University
• PhD. Social Work, Michigan State University

Research Interests

• Prevention, adventure therapy, ecotherapy, community mental health, school social work, LGBTQ+ equity, mental health literacy, risk and resilience

Methodological Strengths

• Qualitative methodologies
• Mixed-methods design

Memberships

• Association for Experiential Education: Therapeutic Adventure Professionals Group
• The Council on Social Work Education

Updated 12/11/23