MUSC Health National Crime Victims Center at Institute of Psychiatry

Dr. Emily Tilstra-Ferrell, PhD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Research Assistant Professor at the National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center (NCVTRC) at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Her research and clinical interests focus on improving treatment options and access to evidence-based treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and co-occurring conditions, particularly disordered eating behaviors and substance use. Dr. Tilstra-Ferrell enjoys working with children, adolescents, adults, and families impacted by traumatic events across the lifespan. Although she enjoys working with all trauma-exposed people, she is especially passionate about treating survivors of interpersonal violence and abuse, particularly violence perpetrated against girls and women (e.g., sexual abuse, sexual assault, intimate partner violence). Dr. Tilstra-Ferrell completed her predoctoral internship in clinical psychology at the MUSC Charleston Consortium in 2021 with a specialization in traumatic stress. She earned her PhD from Bowling Green State University in 2022 with dual concentration in Clinical-Health and Clinical-Community psychology. Most recently she served as the Chief Postdoctoral Fellow on the National Institute of Mental Health-funded fellowship in Basic and Translational Research Training in Traumatic Stress Across the Lifespan at the MUSC NCVTRC.

Dr. Rachel Siciliano, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist who specializes in child and adolescent mental health, with a focus on treating trauma-related concerns across the lifespan. She has special training in helping children, teens, and families who are dealing with stress, trauma-related mental health concerns (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder), anxiety, or depression. Dr. Siciliano provides care that is based on strong research and works closely with each patient to meet their unique needs. Dr. Siciliano earned her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience from Colgate University. She completed a research fellowship at the Duke-UNC Brain Imaging and Analysis Center before receiving her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Vanderbilt University. She completed her internship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and then a postdoctoral fellowship in traumatic stress at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). She is trained in many trauma-focused treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT, cognitive processing therapy (CPT), and prolonged exposure therapy. Dr. Siciliano also conducts research to better understand why some young people respond differently to therapy. Her goal is to make treatments more effective by matching the right type of care to the right person. Dr. Siciliano has published over 30 research papers and presented her work at national and international conferences. She has received awards for her leadership and research in youth mental health, and she serves as a mentor to early-career professionals. Dr. Siciliano is committed to helping children and teens heal, build resilience, and thrive. She welcomes new patients and looks forward to partnering with families to support mental health and well-being.