Dr. Shannon Hughes teaches, writes, and conducts research about the medicalization of human distress and the role of psychotropic drugs in managing our mental and emotional lives. She teaches courses in advanced research methods and psychopharmacology, which are designed to guide helping professionals in thinking critically about drug use in the current mental health system, minimize harms in the helping relationship, and advance Social Work leadership in transforming mental health systems. Dr. Hughes is a co-facilitator of a Hearing Voices Group in Northern Colorado and is actively involved in supporting peer movements in her state, with a particular interest in the development of peer respite and psychosocial alternatives to hospitalization for persons experiencing acute distress or extreme states. Dr. Hughes also leads study abroad and service trips to Maharashtra, India where students have the opportunity to learn about Social Work in an international context and engage with Indian communities, non-profit organizations, grassroots activists, and social work students all working towards social justice in various fields of practice.

Dr. Shannon Hughes research interest includes: Critical perspectives in mental health and psychopharmacology; psychosocial and peer-run alternatives for persons in acute mental/emotional distress; subjective treatment experiences; training helping professionals to improve prescribing practices; advancing the role of social work in psychopharmacology