Christopher Kearney

Distinguished Professor and Chair, Department of Psychology
Expertise: Clinical child psychology, School absenteeism, Anxiety disorders

Biography

Christopher A. Kearney is Distinguished Professor and chair of psychology at the ҳ| 鶹ýӳ. He is also the director of the UNLV Child School Refusal and Anxiety Disorders Clinic.

Kearney’s research interests include school refusal behavior, selective mutism, posttraumatic stress disorder in maltreated youth, perfectionism, and other anxiety-related conditions in children and adolescents as well as issues of quality of life in persons with severe handicaps. He has published several books and numerous book chapters and journal articles on these topics. Kearney also conducts workshops for school districts and mental health and other agencies regarding school refusal behavior and selective mutism.

Kearney is a fellow of the American Psychological Association (Division 12; Clinical Psychology). He has received the William Morris Award for Scholarship, the Barrick Scholar Award, the Barrick Distinguished Scholar Award, the Harry Reid Silver State Research Award, the Distinguished Teaching Award, the Alumni Association Outstanding Faculty Award, the UNLV Outstanding Graduate Faculty Award, the Academic Advisor Award-Graduate, and a Black Mountain Institute Research Fellow Award from the ҳ| 鶹ýӳ. He is a member of Phi Kappa Phi.

Kearney received his B.A. in psychology and sociology from the State University of New York at Binghamton and his M.A. and Ph.D. in psychology from the State University of New York at Albany. He completed his internship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center before moving to Las Vegas. 

Education

  • Ph.D. Psychology, State University of New York at Albany
  • MA Psychology, State University of New York at Albany
  • BA Psychology and Sociology, State University of New York at Binghamton

Related Links

Christopher Kearney In The News

WebMD
Stephanie Edenburgh’s child was developing health problems – or so she first thought. It started with her child complaining each morning of what Edenburgh described as “vague ailments,” like stomachaches and headaches. But she soon noticed that these symptoms only seemed to appear on school days.
Las Vegas Review-Journal En Español
The new school year begins Monday morning after summer-long efforts by the Clark County School District to fill classroom vacancies, combat chronic absenteeism and improve school safety.
Las Vegas Review-Journal En Español
The Clark County School District (CCSD) Class of 2024-2025 will receive a graduation cap in May, but will also see their grade point averages (GPA) capped this year. Grade point averages will also be capped at 4.95, maximizing the potential number of students in the running to be valedictorian. The first class affected by this change was the Class of 2024, which graduated earlier this year.
Las Vegas Review Journal
The new school year kicks off Monday morning after a summerlong effort by the Clark County School District to fill classroom vacancies, battle chronic absenteeism and improve school safety.

Articles Featuring Christopher Kearney

Undergrad researcher Benjamin Sabir helps H. Jeremy Cho examine an atmospheric water harvesting device. (Jeff Scheid/UNLV)
Campus News | October 1, 2024

A monthly roundup of the top news stories featuring UNLV staff and students.

Josh Hawkins, UNLV
Campus News | July 3, 2024

News highlights featuring UNLV students and staff who made (refreshing) waves in the headlines.

Scarlet and Gray, “REB's Glitter Squad”, Lester Cruz and Isabel Ferguson, take pictures and hype up students and families during the October 2022 homecoming football game.
Campus News | November 8, 2022

A collection of news stories highlighting UNLV students and faculty who made headlines locally, regionally, and internationally.

Dancers with the U.N.L.V. Ewalu Club
Campus News | October 4, 2022

A collection of news stories highlighting research wins, expert insights, and academic achievement.