About

Meet Dr. Bauer

Dr. Bauer is a licensed clinical psychologist with a passion for helping individuals navigate the emotional complexities of chronic illness and unexpected health issues. With over a decade of experience in diverse healthcare settings—including academic medical centers, cancer centers, Veterans' healthcare systems, and a hospice and palliative care service—Dr. Bauer brings a wealth of expertise to support clients facing health-related challenges.

Her approach is rooted in evidence-based therapies tailored to each individual's needs. Dr. Bauer is trained in a variety of effective therapeutic methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy (MCP), Mindfulness, Biofeedback, and Clinical Hypnosis. This diverse skill set allows her to offer personalized care aimed at improving both mental and physical well-being.

Education and Training Background:

B.A.: Skidmore College (Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa)
M.A.: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Ph.D.: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Internship: West Los Angeles VA Medical Center
Postdoctoral Fellowship: Clinical Health Psychology, VA Connecticut Healthcare System and Yale University

Dr. Bauer's dedication to her field is evident in her extensive experience, including over two dozen peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and invited talks. She stays current with the latest treatments to provide her clients with effective, evidence-based care. Additionally, Dr. Bauer is passionate about training the next generation of health psychologists, serving as a supervisor for interns and postdoctoral fellows.

If you're looking for a therapist who combines extensive training, genuine empathy, and an evidence-based approach to mental healthcare, Dr. Bauer is here to help you navigate the challenges of chronic illness and unexpected health changes. Reach out today to take the first step toward emotional and psychological well-being.

Selected Publications:

Zuo, J. X., Ruskin, A., & Bauer, M. R. (2023). Who Gets to Determine Whether Home Is “Unsafe” at the End of Life?. Federal Practitioner, 40(11). doi:10.12788/fp.0434

Gruen, J., Gandhi, P., Gillespie-Heyman, S., Shamas, T., Adelman, S., Ruskin, A., Bauer, M. R., & Merchant, N. (2022) Hospitalizations for heart failure: Increased palliative care referrals—a Veterans Affairs hospital initiative. BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care. Epub ahead of print: doi:10.1136/spcare-2022-004118

Ruskin, A., Falker, C. G., Edens, E. L., & Bauer, M. R. (2021). An Interdisciplinary Approach to Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer and Comorbid Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Within a VA Healthcare System. The Federal Practitioner, 38(3), S66-S71. doi: 10.12788/fp.0160

Bauer, M. R., Shamas, T., Gillespie-Heyman, S., & Ruskin, A. (2021). Feasibility of Implementing a Standard Operating Protocol for Safe Opioid Prescribing in Outpatient Palliative Care: A Quality Improvement Project. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 62(2). doi 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.02.006

Bauer, M. R., Bright E. E., MacDonald, J., Cleary, E. H., Hines, O. J., Stanton, A. L. (2018). Quality of life in patients with pancreatic cancer and their caregivers: A systematic review. Pancreas, 47(4), 368-375. doi: 10.1097/MPA.0000000000001025

Bauer, M. R., Wiley, J. F., Weihs, K. L., & Stanton, A. L. (2017). Stuck in the spin cycle: Avoidance and intrusions following breast cancer diagnosis. British Journal of Health Psychology. 22(3), 609-626. doi: 10.1111/bjhp.1225

Harris, L. N., Bauer, M. R., Wiley, J. F., Hammen, C., Krull, J.K., Crespi, C. M., Weihs, K. L., Stanton, A. L. (2017). Chronic and episodic stress predict physical symptom bother following breast cancer diagnosis. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 4(60), 875-885. doi: 10.1007/s10865-017-9855-x

Bauer, M. R., Harris, L. N., Wiley, J. F., Crespi, C. M., Krull, J. L.,Weihs, K. L., & Stanton, A. L. (2016). Dispositional and situational avoidance and approach as predictors of physical symptoms following breast cancer diagnosis. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 50(3), 370-384.

Moreno, P. I., Bauer, M. R., Yanez, B. R., Jorge, A., Stanton, A. L. (2016). Dispositional emotional expressivity, cancer-specific coping, and distress in socioeconomically-disadvantaged Latinas. Health Psychology, 35(6), 584-593.

Other Writing

Bauer, M. R. (2020). Going back to basics: Health psychology core competencies as a “How To” guide for supporting the COVID-19 response. The Health Psychologist.

Selected Speaking Engagements and Talks

Grinberg, A.S. & Bauer, M.R. (September 2023). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Headache. Invited Talk at VA Integrated Care Conference.

Bauer, M. R. & Grinberg, A.S. (June 2024). Heading off Headache: Biofeedback Training For Veterans with Headache. Invited talk at VA Biofeedback Community of Practice Call.

Ruskin, A., Bauer, M.R., & Shamas, T. (October 2023). Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment of Older Oncology Patients. Invited talk at VISN 1 VA Scan Echo for Cancer Care Management.

Ruskin, A., & Bauer, M. R. (January 2023). Ethical Issues in Cancer and Palliative Care. Invited talk at VISN 1 VA Scan Echo for Cancer Care Management.

Ruskin, A., Bauer, M. R., & Romanelli, L. (October 2022). To Eat or Not To Eat: Dysphagia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients. Invited talk at VISN 1 VA Scan Echo for Cancer Care Management.

Bauer, M. R. & Ruskin, A. (March 2022). Complexities of and Paths Forward for Treating Cancer and Active Substance Use. Invited talk at VISN 1 VA Scan Echo for Cancer Care Management.

Ruskin, A. & Bauer, M. R. (March 2021). Nonmedical Opioid Use in Cancer Patients. Invited talk at VISN 1 VA Scan Echo for Cancer Care Management.

Bauer, M.R., Edens, E. L., Falker, C.G., Mcnamara, C. (January 2021). The Complexities of Providing Medical Care to the Substance-Abusing Patient. Panelist, Schwartz Rounds, VA Connecticut Healthcare System.

Bauer, M.R. & Ruskin, A. (2020, July) Implementing a standardized safe opioid prescribing protocol for palliative care veterans in outpatient oncology. Invited talk at VISN 1 VA Scan Echo for Cancer Care Management.

Practice Philosophy

At Healthwell Psychological Services, therapy is grounded in evidence-based interventions—approaches that scientific research has shown to be effective. Dr. Bauer tailors these interventions to your specific concerns, helping you develop the skills needed to reduce distress and improve well-being.

Therapy is time-limited, meaning that sessions typically occur on a regular basis (e.g., weekly or biweekly) for the first few months, then gradually become less frequent or shift to an as-needed basis over time.

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