NaYeon (NY) Yang

Psychology
Counseling Psychology
Assistant Professor

Office: Terrill Hall-383

nayeon.yang@unt.edu

Headshot of NY Yang
 
Education
University of Maryland - College Park, Maryland (2024)
 
Internship
University of Maryland Counseling Center (2023-2024)
 
Background & Research Interests
Dr. Yang's research spans three interconnected areas: (1) grief, loss, and trauma; (2) multiculturalism and social justice; and (3) the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in counseling psychology.
 
In the area of grief, loss, and trauma, Dr. Yang investigates the psychological processes through which individuals navigate bereavement and traumatic experiences, with particular attention to factors including meaning-making, continuing bonds, and social support. A central focus of her work is the role of intersecting identities and culture in shaping grief experiences, with an emphasis on multicultural and cross-cultural frameworks and the well-being of minoritized populations. Her current projects include a systematic review of grief and loss research centering race and ethnicity, as well as work on collective trauma.
 
In the area of multiculturalism and social justice, Dr. Yang's current work focuses on the implications of recent sociopolitical and policy changes for counseling psychology students, faculty, and the communities they serve.
 
In the area of AI in counseling psychology, Dr. Yang's current work addresses both theoretical and applied questions. On the theoretical side, she explores how bereaved individuals use AI to maintain connections with the deceased, extending both attachment theory and the continuing bonds model. Dr. Yang is also investigating perceptions and attitudes toward the use of AI as emotional and mental health support. On the applied side, she is working with external collaborators to develop AI-powered tools to enhance clinical supervision training.
 
Dr. Yang serves on the Editorial Board of The Counseling Psychologist, Journal of Prevention and Health Promotion, and Journal of College Student Mental Health.
 
Current Grant Funding
  • UNT Global Venture Fund: Collaborative Research/Creative Scholarly Projects Abroad.
  • Individual Mentoring Grant, Faculty Success Program (Office of the Provost), University of North Texas.