Dr. Joshua Swift

Professor, Department of Psychology

Dr. Joshua K. Swift joined the faculty at Idaho State University in 2015. He earned his doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Oklahoma State University and his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Brigham Young University. Prior to coming to Idaho State, he was a tenured faculty member at the University of Alaska Anchorage. At Idaho State University, he currently serves as the Chair for the Department of Psychology.

Dr. Swift enjoys teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels, including courses on professional ethics, self-care and well-being, psychopathology, and clinical skills. He is also an active researcher, with nearly 100 peer-reviewed publications and two books. One of the aspects he likes most about research is mentoring students in his lab, where they investigate mechanisms for improving the efficacy of psychotherapy for those who experience mental health concerns. Improving psychotherapy effectiveness is a driving passion behind Dr. Swift’s career, showing up in the teaching, research, and professional service that he engages in. Throughout his career, Dr. Swift has held several leadership service roles in professional organizations related to this passion, including his current positions as the President of the Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy and the Executive Officer for the North American Chapter of the Society for Psychotherapy Research.