Barbara Stanley, Ph.D. (b. 1953). An American psychologist renowned for pioneering contributions to suicide prevention, research ethics, and treatments for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). [Luce Index™ score: 85]
As Professor of Medical Psychology at Columbia University and Director of the Suicide Prevention, Implementation & Evaluation Program at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, she bridges clinical practice, research, and policy. Stanley founded the Applied Research Ethics National Association (ARENA), chaired the American Psychological Association’s human protections committee, and advises the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) on ethical frameworks for suicide intervention trials. Her 65+ publications and leadership in federal grants underscore her impact on reducing suicidal behavior.
Research and Clinical Contributions
Stanley’s research focuses on evidence-based interventions for high-risk populations, including those with BPD and chronic suicidality. She co-developed protocols for Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) adaptations and safety planning, emphasizing continuity of care after emergency department visits—a gap highlighted in U.S. suicide prevention strategies. Her work informed the SAFETY Treatment, a family-centered intervention for suicidal youth tested via NIMH’s “incubator model” to enhance community implementation 5. Stanley also investigates neurobiological predictors of treatment response; recent fMRI studies link prefrontal cortex engagement during emotion regulation to SSRI or DBT efficacy in BPD, advancing personalized care.
Leadership in Research Ethics
As ARENA’s inaugural president and board member of Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R), Stanley shaped national standards for human subject protections. She consulted for the NIH Office of Protection from Research Risks and institutional review boards, addressing ethical complexities in studies involving suicidal individuals. Her guidelines balance scientific rigor with participant safety, ensuring vulnerable populations access trials without exploitation.
Current Grants and Impact
Stanley leads two major grants:
- An NIMH-funded psychosocial medication trial for actively suicidal patients, integrating cognitive-behavioral and pharmacological approaches.
- Projects advancing implementation science to translate evidence-based suicide prevention into community health systems.
Her work emphasizes scalable models, such as telehealth tools for underrepresented populations, aligning with NIMH’s public health mission.