Elizabeth J. Santa Ana PhD

Dr. Santa Ana's research focus is the investigation of innovative methods for delivering evidence-based interventions in ways that are practical, feasible, and provide greater accessibility for patients with addictive disorders, particularly among dually diagnosed patients. Dr. Santa Ana has conducted studies regarding the impact of Group Motivational Interviewing and the effect of tele-mental health 'In-Home-Messaging-Devices' (IHMDs) and telehealth videoconferencing in reducing substance use and increasing treatment engagement among dually diagnosed Veterans. She has received funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), VA Clinical Science Research and Development (CSR&D), American Cancer Society (Hollings Cancer Center), and South Carolina Translational Research (SCTR) Center. Most recently, she was awarded with a Health Science Research and Development (HSR&D) Merit for her investigation of Group Motivational Enhancement therapy (G-MET) for homeless Veterans with addictive disorders. She regularly mentors MUSC psychology interns, has served as a national training consultant on VA national training initiatives, and in her role as Evidence-Based Training Program Coordinator in the VISN 7 Homeless Program, Dr. Santa Ana serves on several VA national and regional committees in the development of telehealth treatment products for homeless Veterans.