Assistant Professor Tracy Herring, PhD, has been awarded the Early Career Practice Award from the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 22, Rehabilitation Psychology, for her outstanding contributions to the field of rehabilitation psychology. Dr. Herring is a rehabilitation psychologist, and her research interests include non-pharmacological management of symptoms and optimizing coping and adjustment.
The award will be presented at the APA Conference at 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025, at the Sheraton Denver, I.M. Pei Tower, Mezzanine Level.
“I was overwhelmed with gratitude and truly honored to be recognized for my contributions to the rehabilitation psychology field. This award is a direct reflection of the extraordinary faculty and peer mentorship I have received as a postdoctoral fellow and early career faculty member at UW in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine,” says Dr. Herring.
For her colleagues, Dr. Herring exemplifies the values of the field through her outstanding clinical work, commitment to underserved populations, excellence in teaching and supervision, and meaningful contributions to interdisciplinary research.
“Dr. Herring demonstrates a rare combination of technical skill, cultural sensitivity, and deep empathy. She tailors interventions to meet the needs of individuals from a range of backgrounds and abilities, appreciating her thoughtful and collaborative care,” says Dawn M. Ehde, Ph.D., neuropsychologist and professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine.
Dr. Herring is a clinical supervisor for both psychology residents and the post-COVID clinical fellow. She is also involved in teaching activities, including providing lectures and workshops on various topics, including sleep, fatigue, and behavior change.“When working with patients, I take a curious and open approach. I’m eager to learn from my patients – they can teach us so much. I prioritize collaboration and creativity in identifying individualized treatment plans and interventions that will best serve each patient,” adds Dr. Herring.
Dr. Herring is sought after by media outlets for her clinical expertise. She was most recently featured in Health Central for her expertise on MS self-care.
“In rehabilitation psychology, we often see patients who are potentially navigating one of the most difficult and stressful life events, such as being diagnosed with a progressive medical condition or sustaining a traumatic injury. I’m always deeply grateful when patients put their trust in me and allow me to be part of their story,” says Dr. Herring.
Whether she is working one-on-one with patients, leading a workshop, mentoring a trainee, or co-authoring a manuscript, Dr. Herring models what it means to be an exceptional rehabilitation psychologist.
“Dr. Herring’s publication record exceeds the productivity and impact expected of someone whose time is primarily devoted to clinical service. She has published 17 peer-reviewed articles and numerous other publications,” says Dr. Edhe.
Dr. Herring’s research is focused on finding treatments that help patients manage their health and improve how well they function in daily life.
“I hope my research highlights the importance of complementing medical treatments with behavioral interventions. My colleagues and I are in the early stages of investigating a concept that stems directly from what I have learned from my patients,” says Dr. Herring. “My goal is that our research will inform clinical practice by identifying interventions that best help patients manage their medical condition and maximize function,” she adds.