Stephanie Diez, PhD, LCSW

Dr. Stephanie Diez is an Associate Professor and the Program Director of the Masters of Social Work graduate program at PennWest University. Dr. Diez has dedicated her work to helping improve the lives of youth, families, adults and communities. She is the author of a plethora of presentations, scientific research studies, and book chapters on the topics of gaming disorder and associated behavioral addictions. In 2013, Dr. Diez founded Reboot & Recover, a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding solutions for a balanced living in a technology driven world. Through Reboot & Recover, Dr. Diez has established educational programs, prevention curriculums, treatment approaches, and research on gaming disorder, gambling disorder and other technology-based behaviors that have been utilized by organizations worldwide.

Dr. Diez has presented nationally and internationally to aid prevention workers, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and medical professionals working with those experiencing psychosocial concerns or harms due to their gaming, gambling, and/or technology use behavior.

Dr. Diez earned her Ph.D. from Florida International University in Miami, Florida, USA where she was awarded a student scholar in Health Disparities Research Fellowship with CRUSADA (the Center for Research on US Latino/as Drug Abuse and Addictions) funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Diez utilizes her research, clinical and teaching expertise to serve as a consultant and board member with several international and national boards. Dr. Diez has helped to lead the development of the world’s first International Gaming Disorder Certification for helping professionals.

Dr. Diez is also the co-lead for the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) Gaming Disorder Taskforce. Dr. Diez has won a number of awards and grants for research and prevention that centers on finding solutions to a balanced living in a technology driven world. She continues her clinical practice as a licensed practitioner and splits her time between direct clinical practice, research, prevention work, teaching, and service to the community. To learn more about Dr. Diez's research, view her ResearchGate Profile and/or GoogleScholar Profile.