Betsy A. Dedrick, Ph.D.
Bio
Dr. Betsy A. Dedrick serves as an Assistant Professor and Director of Research and Program Development in the Department of Counseling Ministries within Regent University’s College of Health & Behavioral Sciences. She teaches in the Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Studies program and works with both doctoral and master’s students in research methods, leadership, disaster and trauma, psychological first aid, and dissertation development. Her academic service includes curriculum development, course development, faculty development, and dissertation and student mentoring and support. She also supervises teaching assistants, graduate assistants, and field-experience students.
Dr. Dedrick earned her Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Studies with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Regent University in August 2026, where she received the Outstanding Student Award. Her dissertation, “Steal My Heart: Unlocking Love Behind the Badge Program,” developed a program designed to support law-enforcement couples navigating the relational effects of occupational stress and trauma.
Alongside her academic work, Dr. Dedrick maintains an active counseling practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She works with individuals, couples, and families presenting with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and life-transition concerns. Her approach is holistic and relational, integrating Christian faith with evidence-informed clinical care. She is especially interested in making research practical, accessible, and meaningful for counselors, students, families, and the communities they serve.
Before entering counseling and higher education, Dr. Dedrick built an extensive career in finance, business analysis, and organizational leadership. As a Finance Manager with T-Mobile, she managed a $1 billion revenue stream and approximately $500 million in operating expenses, partnered with senior executives, and translated complex financial data into strategic decision-making. This background continues to shape her systems-oriented approach to research, program development, leadership, and education.
Outside of work, Dr. Dedrick enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, and time with her family. Her faith remains central to her personal and professional life, with Psalm 23 serving as a guiding passage.
Credentials
Education
Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Studies — Marriage and Family Therapy, Regent University, 2026
M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy, John Brown University, 2020
M.S. in Community Mental Health, John Brown University, 2020
MBA, University of Phoenix, 2004
BBA, Business Administration — Economics, University of Central Arkansas, 1996
Licenses and Certifications
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Arkansas, P241101, 2020-Present
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Arkansas, M241101, 2020-Present
National Certified Counselor (NCC), National Board for Certified Counselors, 2025-Present
EMDR-Trained, 2022; Arkansas Board-approved specialties in EMDR and telehealth
Memberships and Affiliations
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), Member, 2018-Present; State Representative, AAMFT TEAM Family, 2026-Present
American Counseling Association (ACA), Member, 2020-Present
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), National Certified Counselor, 2025-Present
Honors and Awards
Outstanding Student Award, Regent University, 2026
Circle of Achievement Award Nominee, T-Mobile, 2017
Research Interests
Marriage and Family Systems
First-Responder and Law-Enforcement Mental Health
Couples and Family Support
Trauma and PTSD
Compassion Fatigue
Trauma-informed Care
Counselor Education
Integration of Christian Faith with Psychological Science