The West Virginia Psychological Association (WVPA) has recognized Dr. Casey Jo Cottrill of Barbour Community Health Association (BCHA) as the 2026 recipient of the Early Career Citizen Psychologist Award. Cottrill was formally recognized at the WVPA annual conference on September 19, 2026, where psychologists, educators and mental health professionals from across the state gather to advance clinical practice, share emerging research and strengthen professional collaboration.
The award honors individuals whose work reflects WVPA’s mission to improve access to quality mental health care, promote education about psychology, and support the development of psychologists and future psychologists. Cottrill was selected for her contributions to rural school-based behavioral health, her leadership in integrated care and her dedication to strengthening systems that support children, families and interdisciplinary teams.
Cottrill’s work demonstrates a sustained commitment to improving behavioral health access in school-based settings, particularly in rural communities where resources are limited and needs are significant. Over the course of her career, she has provided training and education to school staff and students on numerous mental health topics. Among her many efforts, she created and chaired a school-based health center quality improvement and quality assurance subcommittee to increase the use of data in setting and achieving program goals. She also identified barriers that limited access to walk-in behavioral health services and led the redesign of school-based consent forms to more accurately reflect available services. To then further improve access, she researched and implemented a virtual platform that streamlined the consent process for families, making it even easier for patients to receive the care they need.
“It was an honor to be nominated, and I’m humbled and grateful to have been chosen,” says Cottrill. “Rural school-based health is uniquely challenging, but is also a source for meaningful, values-driven work. I’m especially proud that this award provides an opportunity to shine a light on the impact of school-based health and the difference it can make for our communities.”
“Cottrill’s leadership and dedication have strengthened behavioral health access for children and families across Barbour County,” says Ric Ruf, CEO for BCHA. “Her work in school-based health and integrated primary care reflects core values she embodies: compassion, innovation and a commitment to meeting people where they are. We are proud to see her recognized by the WVPA and grateful for the impact she makes every day in our clinics, our schools and our community.”
In addition to her clinical and administrative work, Cottrill is an active member of the Barbour County Bright Futures Coalition and serves as a practicum site supervisor for third-year Marshall University students, supporting the next generation of psychologists through mentorship and applied training.
