The Department of Psychology at George Mason University is proud to celebrate Dr. Amanda L. Sanchez as the 2026 recipient of the Abidin Early Career Award, presented by the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (SCCAP).
Dr. Sanchez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology whose research aims to address inequities in youth mental health care. Her work focuses on the development and implementation of person-centered, culturally responsive, evidence-based practices that improve access to quality mental health services for diverse youth and families.
The SCCAP Awards Program recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of clinical child and adolescent psychology across career stages. According to SCCAP leadership, this year’s award competition was “one of the most competitive in recent memory,” reflecting the depth, diversity, and impact of work being conducted throughout the field.
The Abidin Early Career Award recognizes an early career psychologist who has established a program of empirical research with a major impact on the field’s understanding of psychopathology, prevention, assessment, treatment, or public policy related to child and adolescent development and mental health. Dr. Sanchez’s research and commitment to advancing equitable mental health care exemplify these values and reflect the mission of the Department of Psychology to support scholarship that creates meaningful community impact.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Amanda L. Sanchez on this well-deserved recognition and achievement!