Ashley Mason, PhD

Core Research Faculty, UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine
Integrative Clinical Psychologist, UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine
Director, Biology and Experience of Eating Laboratory
Director, UCSF Osher Center Sleep Group
Co-Director, UCSF Center for Obesity Assessment, Study, and Treatment
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry

Clinical Specialties at the Osher Center

Insomnia

Research Interests

Non-pharmacologic treatments for depression
Non-pharmacologic treatment for insomnia
Food-craving experiences, stress-induced, and reward-based eating
Adherence to dietary recommendations, particularly carbohydrate-restricted diets, in type 2 diabetes
Learn about Dr. Mason’s Sleep, Eating, and Affect Lab

Experience and Current Work

Dr. Ashley Mason’s primary research interests focus on sleep, eating, and affect. Her National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute-funded K23 research focuses on the role of the endogenous opioid system in overeating behavior. Her MZHF-funded research focuses on non-pharmacologic approaches to the treatment of insomnia and depression.

Her National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health-funded research uses ecological momentary assessment methodologies to assess food-craving experiences and uses ecological momentary intervention components to de-couple the experience of craving from the action of indulging cravings.

She is also interested in investigating the psychosocial factors that shape metabolic risk among individuals who are caregivers for a loved one. These individuals are at increased risk for physical and psychological health problems and are a growing sector of the U.S. population.

Her doctoral work focused on (1) predictors and correlates of psychological adjustment and physical health following divorce; and (2) interpersonal perceptions of psychological distress in the contexts of post-divorce recovery and social evaluative threat.

Education and Training

National Center for Contemplative and Integrative Health Training in Research in Integrative Medicine (TRIM) Postdoctoral Fellowship, UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine
Clinical Internship, Behavioral Medicine Veterans Administration, Palo Alto Medical Health Care System
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, License Number 26991
PhD, Clinical Psychology, University of Arizona
MA, Clinical Psychology, University of Arizona
BA, Psychology and Sociology (double-major), Northwestern University