Corina Barker

I recently joined the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) as a full-time Clinical Title Series Instructor in Spring 2026. Prior to this appointment, I served as a part-time instructor with the College beginning in 2021, teaching across the MSW curriculum, including courses such as Social Welfare Policy, Psychopathology, Advanced Psychopathology, and Evidence-Based Practice.

My professional background spans a wide range of clinical settings, including inpatient medical and psychiatric care, community mental health, emergency departments, and primary care. Most recently, I served as the Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at the Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center. In this role, I led the implementation of comprehensive suicide prevention strategies, coordinated enhanced care for veterans at high risk, and served as a facility-wide subject matter expert. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have provided individual and group psychotherapy utilizing evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused approaches.

I earned my Doctorate of Social Work from the University of Kentucky, where my capstone examined the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, chronic stress, and adolescent mental health. I also hold a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California with concentrations in Mental Health and Military Social Work, and a Bachelor of Social Work from Brigham Young University–Hawaii.

I am passionate about the field of social work as well as the opportunity to help shape the next generation of clinicians while advancing suicide prevention and mental health support for communities across Kentucky. Beyond my professional endeavors, I am a proud working mother of four young children. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, spending quality time with my family, and cheering on Kentucky sports.