Hi, I’m Kira Weidner.
I’m a clinical psychologist whose work spans clinical practice, clinical program development, research methodology, AI product management, and digital product strategy. I focus on translating evidence-based psychology and mental health regulation into safer tech products people actually use.
I’m a member APA Labs Expert Network, contributing subject-matter expertise to programs supporting evidence-based digital mental and behavioral health innovation.
My consulting work includes clinical product management and AI safety advising for mental health and wellness products through Weidner Consulting Services LLC.
I founded The Center for Affirming Families, a non-profit LGBTQ+ affirming family mental health practice serving youth & young adults, as well as helping individuals and families with perinatal and parenting support needs.
Past roles include teaching graduate psychology courses on research methodology, cognition & emotion, and clinical theory & practice at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Research publication, presentations, and professional writing span trauma, violence, and sexual offending behavior; research design, emotion, health psychology, legal & ethical considerations in adolescent mental health treatment, and building safer AI products for mental health and wellness.
Research & Writing
Publications & Academic Work
Pflugradt, D.M., Allen, B.P., & Weidner, K.E. (2018). An evaluation of pornography use by incarcerated female offenders using the Bradford Sexual History Inventory. Sexual Abuse in Australia and New Zealand: An Interdisciplinary Journal.
Weidner, K. E. (2017). Stress and violence. In S. Wadhwa, (Ed.), Stress in the Modern World. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO.
Weidner, K. E. (2012). Recognizing emotional faces: Is there an association between age, gender, and attractiveness? (Doctoral dissertation).
Weidner, K. E. (2008). Experiences with the coming out process: A review of the literature. (Unpublished thesis). Chapman University, Orange, CA.
Nothing support learning better than writing and research. I’ve held multiple roles as a researcher, writer, and content creator. Communicating technical nuance through simple, engaging content to reach different audiences. I’ve written and presented work to clinical peers, non-profit stakeholders, public-health and population-health researchers, the general public, people seeking therapy, and psychology students.
Professional Presentations
Weidner, K. E., Ethical and clinical issues in adolescent therapy. Continuing education workshop, Best Therapies. Chicago IL, November 5, 2021.
Weidner, K. E., Ethical and clinical issues with treatment of adolescents and their families: HIPAA and mandated reporting. Continuing education workshop, Lifeworks Psychotherapy Group. Chicago IL, April 29, 2021.
Weidner, K. E., Stockwell, F., & Leland, W. Serving trans and gender nonconforming youth: Community-based approaches to restorative justice and harm-reduction. Presentation at Cultural Impact Conference, Chicago, IL, March 17, 2017.
Weidner, K. E. Recognizing emotional faces: The role of gender, age, and attractiveness. Paper presented to staff at Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center. Chicago, IL, May 14, 2015.
Weidner, K. E., Pflugradt, D., & Allen, B. Female sexual offenders: A research update. Paper presentation at the regional conference for the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers. Minneapolis, MN, April 24, 2014.
Weidner, K. E., & Pflugradt, D.Female sexual offenders: Assessment, intervention, referral. Research presentation to Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Division of Community Corrections. Racine, WI, June 21, 2013.
Weidner, K. E. Attractiveness and emotional expressions: Is there an association with age and gender? Poster presented at the Midwestern Psychological Association Annual Convention. Chicago, IL, May 4, 2012.
Weidner, K. E. Trauma and crisis: Understanding trauma response and intervening during crisis. Guest
Weidner, K. E. Lecturer in undergraduate Introduction to Crisis Counseling course in Psychology Department at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Chicago, IL, October 2011-April 2012
Weidner, K. E. The role of a peer-facilitated student dialogue group in increasing awareness of gender identity. Poster presented at the Multifaceted Themes of Diversity Conference, Chicago, IL, March 27, 2010.
Brougham, R. R., John, R. S., Ruby, C., Kish, A., Montenegro, N., Weidner, K., Thorndyke, E., & Reilly, J. Future time perspective, smoking behavior, and young adults. Poster presented at the Association for Psychological Science’s Annual Convention, Chicago, IL, May 23, 2008.
Weidner, K. E. Milestone experiences and the coming out process: A literature review. Paper presented to the Chapman University Psychology Department, Orange, CA, May 8, 2008.
Brougham, R. R., Ruby, C., Weidner, K. & Walsh, D. A. Value elicitations and retirement. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, San Francisco, CA, November 18, 2007.
Brougham, R. R., Thorndyke, E. C., Reilly, J. R., Kish, A., Montenegro, N. M., Ruby, C. P., Weidner, K. E., & Hewett, J. Health behaviors and risk perception. Poster presented at the Southern California Conference on Undergraduate Research, California State University, Los Angeles, CA, November 17, 2007.
Brougham, R. R., John, R., Hewett, J., Ruby, C., Reilly, J., Hershey, J., Weidner, K., Thorndyke, E., Kish, A. & Montenegra, N. Lifestyle choices: The difference between you and me. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Psychological Science, Washington D. C., May 24-27, 2007.
Brougham, R. R., Ruby, C. P., Thorndyke, E. C. & Weidner, K. E. Gender and health attitudes. Poster presented at the annual University of California, Los Angeles Psychology Undergraduate Research Conference, Los Angeles, CA, May 11, 2007.
Brougham, R. R., Hewett, J. A., Ruby, C. P., Reilly, J. R., Montenegro, N. M. & Weidner, K. E. Health behaviors and risk perception. Poster presented at Chapman University, Orange, CA, April 27, 2007.
Industry & Public Work
Resource Lead with the AI Mental Health Collective.