Lisa Sontag-Padilla

Senior Behavioral and Social Scientist

Pittsburgh Office

Education

Ph.D. in developmental psychology, University of Florida; B.S. in psychology, Tulane University

Media Resources

This researcher is available for interviews.

To arrange an interview, contact the RAND Office of Media Relations at (310) 451-6913, or email media@rand.org.

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Overview

Lisa Sontag-Padilla is a senior behavioral and social scientist at the RAND Corporation. She has over 15 years of research experience focusing on youth mental health and well-being, as well as expertise in college mental health, social emotional well-being, parent-child relationships, research design, strategic planning, and program evaluation. Her work examines the role of social determinants of health at the individual, interpersonal, and system levels. Sontag-Padilla's work spans evaluations of large federally funded public health and mental health programs; and evaluations of locally funded programs targeted at high-risk youth and families. Her research has appeared in top-tier, peer-reviewed journals and has been presented at nationally and internationally recognized peer-reviewed conferences. She completed her post-doctoral training in primary care research at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Sontag-Padilla earned her Ph.D. in developmental psychology and a graduate certificate in social science methodology and statistics from the University of Florida.

Research Focus

Recent Projects

Scaling Active Minds in PA
Interventions to improve reproductive health among adolescents
Evaluation of California Mental Health Prevention and Early Intervention Initiatives
Evaluation of New York City Community School Initiative
Evaluation of Healthy Futures

Selected Publications

Graber, J. A., & Sontag, L. M. "Internalizing problems during adolescence," in R. M. Lerner & L. Steinberg, Handbook of Adolescent Psychology, 3rd Ed: Volume 1 Individual Bases of Adolescent Development, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2009

Sontag, L. M., Clemans, K. H., Graber, J. A., & Lyndon, S. T., "Traditional and cyber aggressors and victims: A comparison of psychosocial characteristics," Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 40, 2011

Sontag, L. M. & Graber, J. A., "Coping with perceived peer stress: Gender specific and common pathways to symptoms of psychopathology," Developmental Psychology, 46, 2010

Sontag, L. M., Graber, J. A., Brooks-Gunn, J., & Warren, M. P., "Coping with social stress: Implications for psychopathology in young adolescent girls," Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 36, 2008

Sontag, L. M., Dorn, L, D., Tissot, A., Susman, E. J., Beers, S., & Rose, S., "Executive functioning, cortisol reactivity, and symptoms of psychopathology in girls with premature adrenarche," Development and Psychopathology (forthcoming)

Sontag, L. M., Graber, J. A., & Clemans, K. H., "The role of peer stress and pubertal timing on symptoms of psychopathology in early adolescence," Journal of Youth and Adolescence

Sontag-Padilla, Lisa; Woodbridge, Michelle W.; Mendelsohn, Joshua.; D'Amico, Elizabeth J.; Osilla, Karen Chan.; Jaycox, Lisa.; Eberhart, Nicole K.; Burnam, M. Audrey; Stein, Bradley D., "Factors affecting mental health service utilization among California public college and university students," Psychiatric Services, 67(8), 2016

Sontag-Padilla, L., Dunbar, M. S., Ye, F., Kase, C. A., Fein, R., et al., "Strengthening College Students' Mental Health Knowledge, Awareness, and Helping Behaviors: the Impact of Active Minds, a Peer Mental Health Organization," Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 57, 2018

Commentary

Mental Health Treatment

College Students Need Mental Health Support
Rising mental health problems in the United States have long made health advocates and providers worried about the need for additional support for struggling college students. The pandemic has only exacerbated this concern.
Oct 12, 2020
The RAND Blog

Publications

Research Brief
How Community Colleges Can Support Student Mental Health Needs
This report is a descriptive study of eight community colleges at the forefront of implementing multilevel approaches to support student mental health, as well as key facilitators for and barriers to their success.
Apr 5, 2023
Report
Supporting the Mental Health Needs of Community College Students
This report is a descriptive study of eight community colleges at the forefront of implementing multilevel approaches to support student mental health and key facilitators for and barriers to their success.
Apr 5, 2023
Research Brief
Setting Goals for Success: An Assessment of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program's Post-Residential Action Plan Process
Cadets in the National Guard Youth Challenge (ChalleNGe) Program use a goal-setting process called the Post-Residential Action Plan (P-RAP) to navigate career and life choices. The authors analyzed the P-RAP process across multiple ChalleNGe sites.
Aug 10, 2022
Report
Goal-Setting to Support Cadet Success: Insights and Recommendations for the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program
The National Guard Youth Challenge Program uses the Post-Residential Action Plan to assist at-risk youth with identifying and achieving life goals. The authors examined various approaches to fostering adolescents' goal-setting success.
Dec 20, 2021
Report
Illustrating the Promise of Community Schools: An Assessment of the Impact of the New York City Community Schools Initiative
This report presents the impact of the New York Community Schools Initiative (NYC-CS) through the 2017--2018 school year by assessing the effects along seven outcome domains based on student- and school-level characteristics.
Jan 28, 2020
Research Brief
What Is the Impact of the New York City Community Schools Initiative?
In this brief, authors present the impact of the New York Community Schools Initiative (NYC-CS) through the 2017–2018 school year by assessing the effects along seven outcome domains based on student- and school-level characteristics.
Jan 28, 2020
Journal Article
Strengthening College Students' Mental Health Knowledge, Awareness, and Helping Behaviors: The Impact of Active Minds, a Peer Mental Health Organization
Activities through college student peer organizations like Active Minds can improve attitudes toward and perceived knowledge of mental health issues and increase helping behaviors.
Jul 1, 2018
Report
2015 Department of Defense Health Related Behaviors Survey (HRBS)
In this report, RAND researchers review survey methods, sample demographics, key findings, and policy implications from the 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey of active-duty service members.
Jun 21, 2018
Research Brief
2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Sexual Behavior and Health Among U.S. Active-Duty Service Members
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This brief reviews results for sexual behavior and health.
Jun 21, 2018
Research Brief
2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Among U.S. Active-Duty Service Members
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This brief reviews results for health promotion and disease prevention.
Jun 21, 2018
Research Brief
2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Mental and Emotional Health Among U.S. Active-Duty Service Members
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This brief reviews results for mental and emotional health.
Jun 21, 2018
Research Brief
2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Summary Findings and Policy Implications
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This brief summarizes results for broad topics of the survey, such as substance use and mental health.
Jun 21, 2018
Research Brief
2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Sexual Orientation, Transgender Identity, and Health Among U.S. Active-Duty Service Members
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This brief reviews results for sexual orientation, transgender identity, and related health.
Jun 21, 2018
Research Brief
2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Substance Use Among U.S. Active-Duty Service Members
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This brief reviews results for substance use, particularly use of alcohol, tobacco, and medication.
Jun 21, 2018
Research Brief
2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey: Physical Health and Functional Limitations Among U.S. Active-Duty Service Members
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This brief reviews results for physical health and functional limitations.
Jun 21, 2018
Research Brief
2015 Health Releated Behaviors Survey: Deployment Experiences and Health Among U.S. Active-Duty Service Members
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This brief reviews results for recent deployment experiences and health.
Jun 21, 2018
Infographic
Are They Living Healthy? How Well Are Soldiers Taking Care of Themselves
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This infographic reports key findings across the Army.
Jun 21, 2018
Infographic
Are They Living Healthy? How Well Are Coast Guardsmen Taking Care of Themselves
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This infographic reports key findings across the Coast Guard.
Jun 21, 2018
Infographic
Are They Living Healthy? How Well Are Sailors Taking Care of Themselves
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This infographic reports key findings across the Navy.
Jun 21, 2018
Infographic
Are They Living Healthy? How Well Are Marines Taking Care of Themselves
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This infographic reports key findings across the Marine Corps.
Jun 21, 2018
Infographic
Are They Living Healthy? How Well Are Service Members Taking Care of Themselves
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This infographic reports key findings across the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard.
Jun 21, 2018
Infographic
Are They Living Healthy? How Well Are Airmen Taking Care of Themselves
The 2015 Health Related Behaviors Survey sought information on the health, health-related behaviors, and well-being of active-duty service members. This infographic reports key findings across the Air Force.
Jun 21, 2018
Journal Article
Unmet Mental Health Treatment Need and Attitudes Toward Online Mental Health Services Among Community College Students
Community college students reported being open to using online mental health services, but utilization was low.
Apr 24, 2018
Report
California Community College Faculty and Staff Help Address Student Mental Health Issues
This report determines the preliminary impact of CalMHSA's prevention and early intervention activities on the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of California community college faculty and staff regarding supporting students' mental health needs.
Jan 3, 2018
Report
Developing Community Schools at Scale: Implementation of the New York City Community Schools Initiative
This report takes stock of the implementation of the New York Community Schools Initiative as of the 2016-2017 school year by analyzing data from the first two full years of program implementation.
Oct 11, 2017
Report
Student Access to Mental Health Information on California College Campuses
Two surveys of California public college students provide insight into the preliminary impact of the California Mental Health Services Authority's activities on college students' receipt of information about mental health issues and support services.
Jun 29, 2017
Journal Article
Mental Health Service Utilization Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Questioning or Queer College Students
College students are at high risk for mental health problems, yet many do not receive treatment even when services are available. Treatment needs may be even higher among sexual minority students, but little is known about how these students differ from heterosexual peers in terms of mental health needs and service utilization.
Jun 2, 2017
Journal Article
Simplified Novel Application (SNApp) Framework: A Guide to Developing and Implementing Second-Generation Mobile Applications for Behavioral Health Research
The Simplified Novel Application (SNApp) framework can help behavioral health science researchers develop apps that can collect health behavior data from multiple sources in real time.
Dec 1, 2016
Report
Parenting Programs in Shelby County, Tennessee: A Brief Review of the Research Literature
This report presents an overview of outcomes associated with rigorously evaluated parenting programs currently operating in Shelby County, Tennessee.
May 16, 2016
Journal Article
Factors Affecting Mental Health Service Utilization Among California Public College and University Students
Significant need for mental health services exists among college students in California, especially where services are not offered on campus.
Apr 21, 2016
Research Brief
Campus Climate Matters: Changing the Mental Health Climate on College Campuses Improves Student Outcomes and Benefits Society
Reports results of a survey to assess the impact of state investments in mental health programs at California public colleges and the return on investment in terms of student use of treatment, graduation rates, and lifetime earnings.
Apr 1, 2016
Report
Evaluation of CalMHSA Student Mental Health Online Resources
Analysis of visitors to CalMHSA-funded student mental health websites shows that visitors at educational institutions comprised the largest audience segment and promotional campaigns likely increased traffic.
Mar 14, 2016
Report
The Urban Child Institute CANDLE Study: Methodological Overview and Baseline Sample Description
This report describes the study design and summary data from the first year of data collection for the Urban Child Institute Conditions Affecting Neurocognitive Development and Learning in Early Childhood Study.
Dec 21, 2015
Report
Payoffs for California College Students and Taxpayers from Investing in Student Mental Health
Reports results of a survey to assess the impact of CalMHSA's investments in mental health programs at California public colleges and estimates the return on investment in terms of student use of treatment, graduation rates, and lifetime earnings.
Dec 10, 2015
Research Brief
California's Statewide Mental Health Prevention and Early Intervention Initiatives Show Promising Early Results, But Sustained Investment Is Needed
Summarizes findings from an evaluation of a set of California initiatives to help reduce mental health stigma and discrimination, prevent suicide, and improve student mental health.
Sep 16, 2015
Report
Building Better Boyhood Programs: Evaluation of Programs Funded by the African American Men and Boys Task Force Initiative
This report evaluates the implementation of programs funded by The Heinz Endowment's African American Men and Boys Task Force initiative in Allegheny County, Pa.
Aug 19, 2015
Report
Student Mental Health in California's K–12 Schools: School Principal Reports of Common Problems and Activities to Address Them
Reports results of a survey of K-12 principals to take inventory of student mental health and wellness needs and the types of programs schools are most often implementing to help students in California's public schools.
Jul 2, 2015
Tool
Off To A Good Start: Social and Emotional Development of Memphis' Children
Drawing on national, state, and local data, the Urban Child Institute partnered with RAND to explore the social and emotional well-being of children in Memphis and Shelby County, Tenn.
Jan 15, 2015
Report
CalMHSA Student Mental Health Campus-Wide Survey: 2013 Summary Report
Report provides the results of a California survey of colleges and universities on mental health experiences and attitudes, perceptions of campus mental health services, and perceptions of overall campus climate toward mental health and well-being.
Jun 3, 2014
Journal Article
Costs and Benefits of Treating Maternal Depression
Untreated maternal depression has serious consequences for the mother's long-term health and for her child's development and functioning.
May 1, 2014
Research Brief
What Has the Student Mental Health Initiative Done So Far? Year 1 Findings
This fact sheet summarizes the first-year evaluation of California's Student Mental Health Initiative.
Mar 6, 2014
Report
Evaluating the California Mental Health Services Authority's Student Mental Health Initiative: Year 1 Findings
Summarizes first-year findings of an ongoing evaluation of a California program aimed at developing statewide capacities and implementing interventions to improve student mental health.
Feb 11, 2014
Report
Maternal Depression: Implications for Systems Serving Mother and Child
RAND examined evidence on the impact of maternal depression as it relates to the public sector systems that serve mothers and children; specifically, public assistance, physical health, early intervention, education, and child welfare.
Aug 12, 2013
Research Brief
Improving Cross-System Care for Parental Depression and Early Childhood Developmental Delays
The Helping Families Raise Healthy Children initiative addressed depression among parents of children with early childhood developmental delays, aligning the early intervention and behavioral health systems with a focus on relationship-based care.
Mar 19, 2013
Report
Transforming Systems for Parental Depression and Early Childhood Developmental Delays: Findings and Lessons Learned from the Helping Families Raise Healthy Children Initiative
The Helping Families Raise Healthy Children initiative addressed depression among parents of children with early childhood developmental delays, aligning the early intervention and behavioral health systems with a focus on relationship-based care.
Mar 19, 2013
Report
Interventions to Improve Student Mental Health: A Literature Review to Guide Evaluation of California's Mental Health Prevention and Early Intervention Initiative
The authors review data on the prevalence of youth mental health disorders and schools' use of student mental health (SMH) programs and describe schools' role in addressing SMH concerns and outline a conceptual model for guiding program evaluation.
Dec 27, 2012
Tool
A Toolkit for Implementing Parental Depression Screening, Referral, and Treatment Across Systems
Early childhood developmental delays often co-occur with caregiver depression. This kit provides strategies for adding depression screening to early intervention systems and implementing relationship-based care focusing on parent-child relationships.
Dec 20, 2012
Report
Financial Sustainability for Nonprofit Organizations: A Review of the Literature
Surveys the literature on financial sustainability for nonprofit organizations, with an emphasis on urban and lower-resourced organizations, and discusses key themes and findings that may inform such organizations' operations and decisionmaking.
Nov 30, 2012
Journal Article
Enhancing Cross-System Collaboration for Caregivers at Risk for Depression
In the United States, many health care systems function independently from one another. Increasing coordination across systems has the potential to vastly improve services and patient outcomes, yet implementing these changes can be challenging, requiring increased communication, interaction, and coordination across systems that typically function independently.
Aug 1, 2012
Journal Article
Executive Functioning, Cortisol Reactivity, and Symptoms of Psychopathology in Girls with Premature Adrenarche
The study examined the interaction between early maturational timing (measured by premature adrenarche [PA]) and executive functioning and cortisol reactivity on symptoms of psychopathology.
Feb 1, 2012