Katherine Hyde Hensley, PsyD, LCMHC

Dr. Katherine Hyde Hensley, an NCMatters 2025 Maternal Mental Health Fellow, recently obtained her Doctorate in Psychology Behavioral Health with an interdisciplinary specialization in Reproductive Social Justice. Her educational journey includes a bachelor's degree in Public Health and a master's in Clinical Mental Health from Walden University.

Katherine's research primarily focused on the resilience of Bereavement midwifery. Her dissertation delved into analyzing trauma-informed care and organizational strategies for infant loss and bereavement care. In the 2024-2025 academic year, she demonstrated her leadership as a Foundation for Health Leadership and Innovation fellow, building collaborative partnerships across North Carolina. Katherine is certified by the International Partnership for Perinatal Excellence and is dedicated to elevating the standards of care for families and babies through innovation, education, and leadership in perinatal health. As an Ambassador to the Healthy Birthday and the March of Dimes, Katherine took the initiative in sorting legislation actions and the passage of the National Stillbirth Prevention Act.

Katherine also actively contributes as an NC Postpartum Support International Association board member, leading stakeholder engagement efforts to enhance perinatal mental healthcare access in rural areas within the state. She is conducting research investigating access birthing access to certified perinatal mental health therapists and providers in maternity deserts.
Before pursuing her PsyD, Katherine earned her master's degree and gained clinical experience working with the Burrell Child Crisis Center. She also worked at the bedside as a certified birth, postpartum, and palliative doula. Her unique background, which includes extensive clinical experience, offers a distinct perspective on bridging the gap between research, clinical practice, and the lived experience of birthing people.