Christy Thrash, PsyD

Sr. Instructor, Family Medicine

Faculty Photo
Graduate Schools
  • MSW, University of Pennsylvania (2000)
  • PsyD, University of the Rockies (2008)
Undergraduate School
  • BA, University of California System (CA) (1993)
Internship
  • University of Colorado (2009)
Department
Family Medicine

Professional Titles

  • Primary Care Clinical Psychologist

Recognitions

  • Behavioral Health Mission Alignment Award, CU SOM Dept of Family Medicine (2023)
    Award presented to me in July 2023 by Dr. Shandra Brown-Levy and Dr. Lauren Tolle to recognize my work increasing behavioral health integration and helping them to establish a doctoral internship training program at CU Medicine Louisville, formerly known as CU Medicine Depot Hill.

Publications

  • Dyer, J., Kaklauskas, F., Dow, M., Saxon, E., Chan, A., Yang, M. & Hoffman, L. (2019). Existential psychology dialogues in China: Beginning the conversation. In L. Hoffman, F. Kaklauskas & M. Yang (Eds.), East-West Dialogues on Existential-Integrative Therapy, 2nd Edition. Colorado Springs, CO: University Professors Press.
  • Dyer, J., Kaklauskas, F., Dow, M., Saxon, E., Chan, A., Yang, M. & Hoffman, L. (2009). Existential psychology dialogues in China: Beginning the conversation. In L. Hoffman, F. Kaklauskas & M. Yang (Eds.), East-West Dialogues on Existential-Integrative Therapy. Colorado Springs, CO: University of the Rockies Press.
  • Thede, L. & Dyer, J. (2008). “Iatrogenic Effects of Psychotropic Medication on Neonates Following Exposure.” Poster presentation at the Missouri Psychological Association Convention in Lake Ozark, MO. Third place winner.
  • Dissertation: “Prevalence and Assessment of Undiagnosed Depression Among Elderly Medical Rehabilitation Inpatients in Skilled Nursing Facilities.” Successfully defended on 04/20/08.

Professional Memberships

  • American Psychological Association (APA), member
  • Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS), member

Practice Locations

CU Medicine Family Medicine - Louisville
361 Centennial Parkway
Suite 120
Louisville, CO 80027
303-465-2323

Hospital Affiliation
  • University of Colorado Hospital

Specialty Information

Specialties
  • Psychology (2009, 2026)
  • Primary Care Psychology (2022, 2026)
  • Licensed Psychologist, License (2009)
  • Empowered Relief Certified Instructor from Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, Certificate (2023)
Conditions & Treatments
  • Mental Health and Behavior
  • Mental Health and Behavior - Anxiety / Worry / Panic Attacks
  • Mental Health and Behavior - Weight management
  • Mental Health and Behavior - Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • Mental Health and Behavior - Insomnia
  • Mental Health and Behavior - Grief and loss
  • Mental Health and Behavior - Depression
  • Mental Health and Behavior - Chronic pain
  • Mental Health and Behavior - Change in cognitive functioning
  • Mental Health and Behavior - Compliance with diabetes/cardiovascular disease lifestyle changes
  • Mental Health and Behavior - Substance misuse
  • Mental Health and Behavior - Aging concerns
Clinical Interests
I am passionate about integrated primary care and embracing a multi-disciplinary team approach to patient wellness. My primary goal before retirement is to introduce as many graduate students to this model of care as I possibly can, and encourage them to pursue a career as primary care psychologists, or in a closely related health psychology specialty.

Care Philosophy
My role as an integrated care psychologist is to work in partnership with patients of all ages as a member of their primary care medical team to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. I believe wellness is not a quick fix, but rather a way of living that is built on our day to day choices and behaviors. I believe in providing evidenced based treatment that addresses peoples' difficulties in real time, with practical interventions that offer noticeable relief and are compatible with their medical providers' treatment plan. My approach is a great fit for individuals who want support to manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, or OCD; improve sleep; handle chronic pain; cope with grief and loss; deal with changes related to aging or caregiver stress; and increase healthy habits to achieve desired weight goals, reduce alcohol / cannabis / nicotine use, and maintain lifestyle changes to improve management of diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cardiovascular disease.

Personal Interests
I lived in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and northern California before settling in the Mountain West. I studied Mandarin Chinese, French, and Spanish but I am far from fluent. I love learning about history and culture. I enjoy hiking, gardening, traveling, and downhill skiing in my free time.

Volunteer Activities
Parent Volunteer for Girl Scouts. Fred's Team fundraiser for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Public Speaking
Yes
ADHD in Adults and Adolescents Emotional Wellness Mood Disorders Personality Disorders Suicide Prevention

School of Medicine

CU Anschutz

Fitzsimons Building

13001 East 17th Place

Campus Box C290

Aurora, CO 80045


303.724.5375