A Higher Education

Matiko Austin, PhD

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Psychology
  • Assistant Professor of Psychology
  • Co-Chair, Department of Psychology

Education

  • PhD, Clinical Psychology, Walden University
  • MA, Psychology, Texas Southern University
  • BS, Biblical Counseling, College of Biblical Studies
  • BA, Psychology, Fisk University

Courses Taught

  • General Psychology
  • History and Theoretical Systems in Psychology
  • Psychology of Religion
  • Psychology of Death and Dying
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Child Psychopathology
  • Ethical and Professional Issues in Psychology and Counseling
  • Cultural Psychology
  • Methods of Group Processing
  • Principals of Human Development
  • Research Techniques and Procedures
  • Senior Capstone
  • Theories of Counseling
  • Thesis Defense

Teaching Focus

Dr. Austin’s diverse background enables her to teach both undergraduate and graduate courses in residential and online settings. At the undergraduate level, she focuses on introducing students to the vast field of psychology and its various specialty areas through a Christian worldview. With graduate students, she emphasizes the practical application of psychological theories and the integration of Christian counseling.

Research Interests and Publications

Dr. Austin’s research interest includes gender differences of caretaker burden and stress in terminal disease patients, specifically Alzheimer’s Disease, clinical personalities, clinical treatment, and anxiety and depression in African Americans.

  • Reitzel, L. R., Olivares-Reed, D., Bivins, M. I., Venkataraman, D., Cofta-Woerpel, L., Li, Y., Irvin Vidrine, J., & Wetter, D. W. Explaining the educational gradient in smoking cessation. (2006, July). Poster presented at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, 2nd Annual Day of Prevention Science. Houston, TX.

Awards and Honors

  • Outstanding First-Year Faculty Member, 2022
  • Meharry Medical College Continuing Education Award, 1991
  • Who’s Who among Students in American Universities and Colleges, 1992
  • Roland Branch Scholarship Recipient, 1988

Previous Academic/Professional Positions

  • Adjunct Professor, Houston Christian University
  • Adjunct Professor, University of Houston-Downtown
  • Adjunct Professor, Texas Southern University

Additional Information

Dr. Austin brings over 26 years of clinical experience and more than 15 years in higher education and course development. She has authored parent training and anger management curricula, as well as treatment manuals utilized in private practice settings for clients of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Additionally, she has developed research treatment manuals, created a four-year biblical counseling training program, and contributed to course development teams in psychology at Houston Christian University.
Dr. Austin is a sought-after speaker and workshop presenter, particularly on topics related to depression and anxiety in African American women. Most recently, she served as a Mental Wellness Consultant for the Brazoria County Head Start program. She has also consulted for The University of Texas Health Science Center’s Department of Family Practice and Community Medicine, contributing to multiple research projects involving the training and supervision of research clinicians. Her extensive clinical and research experience has played a significant role in advancing mental health treatment.
Beyond her professional contributions, Dr. Austin is an active member of The Way of Life Church, serving as the Counseling Ministry Leader. She is also a dedicated member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. In her free time, she enjoys traveling domestically and internationally, creating essential oil blends, and shopping. She cherishes spending time with her family and is happily married to Marcus Austin. Together, they have two children, Madison and Maverick.