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Jessica Ruth Lunsford-Avery

Associate Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Psychiatry, Child & Family Mental Health & Community Psychiatry
2608 Erwin Road Suite 300, Durham, NC 27705
2400 Pratt Street, 7th Floor, Durham, NC 27705

Overview


I am a clinical psychologist who specializes in empirically supported evaluation and treatment of psychiatric and behavioral disorders across the lifespan. I offer a range of psychological interventions including parent behavior management training and academic skills training for youth and families impacted by ADHD and developmental disorders, as well as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) for adults with a range of psychiatric conditions, including ADHD, mood disorders and anxiety.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences · 2023 - Present Psychiatry, Child & Family Mental Health & Community Psychiatry, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences

In the News


Published September 21, 2018
It’s Not Just for Kids -- Even Adults Appear to Benefit from a Regular Bedtime

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Recent Publications


Circadian rhythm dysfunction and clinical heterogeneity in pediatric ADHD: A critical need for innovation in assessment and treatment.

Journal Article JCPP Adv · March 2025 Despite success of pharmacologic and psychosocial treatments, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently results in significant personal impairment and socioeconomic burden. A challenge for the development of effective treatments targeting ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite

Topical review: sleep regulation as a novel target for treating preschool-aged children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms.

Journal Article J Pediatr Psychol · March 1, 2025 OBJECTIVE: Elevated attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in preschoolers are a risk factor for poorer psychiatric health, cognitive deficits, and social and academic impairment across the lifespan. The first-line treatment for these pre ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Advancing Identification of Circadian Delay in ADHD Youth: Associations with Clinical Heterogeneity and Cognition

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2029

Preschool Attention and Sleep Support (PASS): A Telehealth Intervention for Children at Risk for ADHD

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Mental Health · 2023 - 2026

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Education, Training & Certifications


University of Colorado, Boulder · 2014 Ph.D.