Expertise
Dr. Bethany R. Russell’s research agenda centers on advancing mental health interventions for children and adolescents, with a focus on pediatric mental health, play therapy, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology in mental health practices. Her work addresses critical gaps in understanding and supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of young populations through evidence-based and innovative approaches.
In pediatric mental health, Dr. Russell investigates strategies to enhance mental health outcomes in pediatric settings. Her research emphasizes integrated behavioral health in pediatric hospitals, as evidenced by her publication, Integration of Adlerian Play Therapy in Pediatric Hospitals (2019), which explores the application of play therapy to address emotional needs in medical environments. Additionally, her work on Evaluating the Need for Play Therapy Services in Pediatric Hospitals (2019) highlights the importance of tailored mental health interventions for children facing chronic illness or hospitalization, aiming to mitigate grief and emotional distress.
In the domain of play therapy, Dr. Russell’s scholarship focuses on its efficacy and application across diverse contexts. Her dissertation, Highly Sensitive Child Scale for Preschool Age Children (HSCS-P): Development and Initial Validation of a New Instrument (2011), laid the foundation for her expertise in sensory processing sensitivity, which informs her play therapy research. Publications such as The Efficacy of Child Parent Relationship Therapy Among Child-Welfare Involved Families: A Pilot Study (2024) and Understanding Evidence-Based Treatment Criterion Through the Evaluation of Play Therapy Approaches (2024) demonstrate her commitment to validating play therapy as an effective intervention for addressing trauma, family dynamics, and developmental needs. Her presentations, including Considering Sensory Processing Sensitivity Within the Play Therapy Process (2021), further underscore her focus on tailoring play therapy to children with unique sensory and emotional profiles.
Dr. Russell’s exploration of artificial intelligence and technology in mental health reflects her forward-thinking approach to counseling practice. Her 2025 presentation, Digital Transformation of Counseling Practice: Leveraging AI and Automation, highlights her interest in utilizing AI to enhance therapeutic processes. Additionally, her 2025 research credits from Google Cloud Research & Education and Perplexity AI support her ongoing work in leveraging technology to advance play therapy research and mental health interventions. This focus aligns with her broader research interest in exploring how AI can optimize clinical practices and improve access to mental health care for children and adolescents.
Through her extensive clinical experience, including roles as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Play Therapist, and her academic contributions at Florida Gulf Coast University, Dr. Russell bridges research and practice to advance pediatric mental health, refine play therapy methodologies, and integrate cutting-edge technologies like AI to transform mental health care delivery.