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Anna Abella, PhD

Assistant Research Professor
University of South Florida

Dr. Abella is an applied anthropologist and Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Child & Family Studies in the College of Behavioral Community Sciences at USF. Dr. Abella has conducted numerous studies involving mental health services, child welfare systems, and early childhood education programs, investigating both family/consumer and professional experiences in implementing interventions or systems change initiatives.
Dr. Abella is currently Principal Investigator of an evaluation of a statewide initiative to improve pediatric primary care providers’ ability and capacity to identify and treat children with behavioral health care needs throughout Florida. She is also working on an evaluation of school-based mental health and trauma informed services in schools, a qualitative study to understand multiple involuntary mental health examinations (Baker Act exams) among minors, and a mixed-methods evaluation of a guaranteed income program for young adults transitioning out of foster care. She has led several studies that examine collaborative initiatives between law enforcement and mental health, as well as studies to evaluate the implementation of child welfare interventions.

Dr. Abella teaches and advises for the MS in Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health program and the PhD program in Behavioral and Community Sciences. She also serves as an adjunct instructor for the MSW program. Dr. Abella has practical experience working with youth and adults in schools, community centers, and group homes to promote social and emotional learning and positive youth development.
Dr. Abella is a member of the Society for Applied Anthropology and the American Evaluation Association and currently serves as Chair of the American Evaluation Association’s Behavioral Health Topical Interest Group.

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