Hilary DeShong, Ph.D.

Dr. Hilary L. DeShong is an Associate Professor and licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychology at West Virginia University. She is the new Director of Clinical Training (DCT) of the clinical psychology doctoral program. Dr. DeShong is licensed in Mississippi and West Virginia. Prior to coming to WVU, Dr. DeShong was a tenured associate professor and the Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Psychology at Mississippi State University. She graduated from Oklahoma State University with a doctorate in clinical psychology in 2017 and completed her APA-accredited predoctoral internship at the Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System. She earned a master’s degree in psychology at Villanova University 2011 and a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology at West Virginia University in 2009. As a first-generation college student, Dr. DeShong values providing mentorship and student training with both graduate and undergraduate students.

Dr. DeShong's research focuses on personality traits and personality pathology in relation to overall well-being and general functioning, with the overall goal of improving the lives of individuals with maladaptive personality traits. This research includes studies focused on the conceptualization and measurement of personality pathology, mediating and moderating variables that influence the relationship between personality and well-being, and the connection between the biological, cognitive, and affective components of emotion regulation. She also conducts research related to personality change, as well as how personality can inform treatment planning.

Courses