Alice Qianhui Gao 高千惠
I am dedicated to advancing accessible, evidence-based mental health support through interdisciplinary research and innovative technologies.
I earned my Ph.D. in Applied Psychology from the joint program between East China Normal University and NYU Shanghai, under the supervision of Professor Pekka Santtila. My research focuses on developing and evaluating psychological interventions, particularly online self-help tools grounded in evolutionary theory, with the goal of supporting diverse populations in real-world settings.
Trained as a marriage and family therapist at Syracuse University, I have provided over 500 hours of face-to-face counseling and received 170 hours of clinical supervision. These clinical experiences continue to inform my work on designing scalable, practical, and theory-driven mental health solutions.
Currently, I am expanding my research to explore the potential of generative AI in enhancing the personalization and delivery of psychological interventions.
Research Interests:
1. Integrating generative AI technologies into the design, personalization, and delivery of psychological interventions, with the goal of enhancing accessibility, engagement, and scalability.
2. Developing and evaluating theory-based interventions to improve mental health through cognitive and behavioral change, drawing on frameworks such as evolutionary psychology.
Email: alicegao1994@gmail.com
CV 2025: Click to Download
Education
East China Normal University-NYU Shanghai – Shanghai, China
PhD, Applied Psychology (Sep 2020 - Dec 2024)
Thesis: Decreasing Negative Effects of Evolved Psychological Mechanisms: Evolutionary Perception Adjustment Interventions (EPAI)
Syracuse University – Syracuse, NY
Master of Arts, Marriage and Family Therapy (Aug 2017 - Aug 2019)
Provided 500+ hours of psychotherapy for locals; received 176 hours supervision
Syracuse University – Syracuse, NY
Certificate Advanced Study, Child Therapy (Jan 2018 - Aug 2019)
Completed additional courses and trainings related to Child therapy, such child-centered game therapy
Dalian Medical University – Dalian, China
Bachelor of Science, Applied Psychology (Sep 2013 - July 2017)
Publications
Manuscripts Published
[1] Gao, Q., Antfolk, J., & Santtila, P. (2023). An experimental study using a sexual strategies explanation to reduce homophobia toward gay men among lay people and healthcare professionals in China. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1143584 Download
[2] Gao, Q., Antfolk, J., & Santtila, P. (2023). An Experiment Using a Sexual Strategies Explanation to Alleviate Internalized Homophobia Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in China. Evol Psychol, 21(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/14747049231179151 Download
[3] Gangamma, R., Tor, S., Whitt, V., Hollie, B., Gao, Q., Stephens, A., Hutchings, R., & Stone Fish, L. (2020). Perceived Discrimination as a Mediator of ACEs and Psychological Distress. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 49(3), 282-298. https://doi.org/10.1080/01926187.2020.1813656 Download
[4] Zheng, Y., Li, Q., Zhang, Y., Li, Q., Shen, H., Gao, Q., & Zhou, S. (2017). Reward processing in gain versus loss context: An ERP study. Psychophysiology, 54(7), 1040–1053. https://doi.org/10.1111/psyp.12855 Download
[5] Cui, Y., Gao, Q., Liu, X., Zhou, S., & Jin, Y. (2016). Olfactory Impairments in Major Depressive Disorderfindings and perspectives. Medicine & Philosophy, 37, 60–67.https://doi.org/10.12014/j.issn.1002-0772.2016.08b.21 Download
Manuscripts In Preparation or Under Review
[6] Gao, Q., Wen, G., & Santtila, P. (manuscript in preparation). Discriminative Parental Investment in Chinese Stepfamilies Based on Reports from Stepparents and Stepchildren.
[7] Gao, Q., Wen, G., & Santtila, P. (manuscript in preparation). An Experimental Study Using Inclusive Fitness Theory to Improve Relationships in Stepfamilies.
Mental Health Practice
Therapy Delivery
Shenzhen University 一 Shenzhen, China
Mental Health Counselor (Part-Time), Student Counseling Center (Oct 2019 一 Dec 2019)
• Provided psychotherapy, crisis intervention (e.g., safety planning, referrals), and risk assessments for students.
• Delivered psychoeducational sessions on mental health awareness and adaptive coping.
St Joseph’s Hospital Northeast Medical Center & Child and Adolescence Outpatient — Syracuse, NY
Intern Therapist, Behavioral Health (June 2018 一 June 2019)
• Delivered intake and psychotherapy (individual, group, family) to diverse clients; collaborated on care plans with clients and medical staff.
• Liaised with external systems (e.g., CPS, schools) to ensure coordinated support.
Syracuse University Couple and Family Therapy Center 一 Syracuse, NY
Student Therapist (January 2018 一 January 2019)
• Provided intake, individual, couple, and family therapy under supervision; developed safety and treatment plans; coordinated care with schools and child protection services.
• Delivered psychoeducation to university students through the Couple Enrichment Program.
• Co-led Trans Support Day as part of the clinic’s gender-affirming care initiative.
Dalian No.7 People’s Hospital (Psychiatric Hospital) 一 Dalian, China
Intern Therapist, Inpatient and Outpatient (April 2017 一 May 2017)
• Assisted in organizing group therapy, EEG/ECG monitoring, and relaxation sessions under clinical supervision.
• Supported psychiatrists in medication planning, safety documentation, and multidisciplinary case discussions.
• Facilitated communication across departments and supported cross-hospital collaboration for co-diagnosis and joint care.
Dalian Sanatorium for Aircraftmen 一 Dalian, China
Intern Therapist, Psychology Department (March 2017 一 April 2017)
• Trained in administering psychological assessments and using tools such as EEG, relaxation systems, and standardized questionnaires.
• Practiced therapeutic methods including sandplay and relaxation techniques under supervision.
Volunteer Experience 一 Dalian, China
Volunteer Tutor For Children with Autism (April 2014)
• Provided one-on-one tutoring in mathematics and Chinese to children with autism.
• Facilitated play-based activities to support the development of social and communication skills.
Training Delivery Based on Counseling Expertise
Topic: Interacting with the Participants (Sep 2022)
Sex Research Shanghai Lab (Sep 2022)
Topic: Recognizing and Responding to Mental Health Issues Among University Students
Shenzhen University (Oct 2019)
Academic Service
Ad hoc reviewer
Journal of Homosexuality(Aug 2023)
Professional Memberships
Association of American Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
American Psychological Association (APA)