Ann Polcari, Ph.D., PMHCNS-BC
Title: Director, Psychiatric Graduate Program; Associate Clinical Professor
School/Center: School of Nursing
Office Location: 106E Robinson Hall
Phone: 617-373-7571
Email:
Education: Ph.D., Boston College; M.S.N. Boston College; B.S.N., University of Massachusetts - Lowell
Certifications: Adult Psychiatric- Mental Health Nursing Certified Specialist, Child and Adolescent Psychiatric- Mental Health Nursing Certified Specialist
Specialization: Psychiatric Mental Health
Clinical Affiliation: McLean Hospital
Patient Populations: Children, Adolescents, Adults
Research Interests: Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Enduring Effects of Childhood Trauma on Adults, Protective Factors, Depression and Wellbeing in Young Adults
Selected Accomplishments:
Dr. Polcari lead the research team on a study showing the psychosocial outcomes of abuse, especially the wellbeing outcomes related to emotionally abusive versus emotionally nurturing parenting. Dr. Polcari has been a key member of a research team at McLean Hospital showing individuals with childhood maltreatment, compared with non-maltreated individuals, show overall brain differences and different brain network architecture. Further, childhood maltreatment in the form of emotionally abusive experiences, sexual abuse, harsh corporal punishment, and witnessing of domestic violence exert distinct measurable effects on brain development.