Shannon Hughes, Ph.D.

Dr. Shannon Hughes teaches, writes, and conducts research about the medicalization of human distress and the role of psychotropic drugs in managing our mental and emotional lives. As an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Colorado State University, Shannon teaches courses in advanced research methods and psychopharmacology, which are designed to guide helping professionals in thinking critically about drug use in the current mental health system, minimize harms in the helping relationship, and advance psychosocial alternatives to drug treatment. Shannon is also a co-facilitator of a Hearing Voices Group in Northern Colorado and is actively involved in supporting peer movements in her state, with a particular interest in the development of peer respite and psychosocial alternatives to hospitalization for persons experiencing acute distress or extreme states.