Nathan Gehlert, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology & Global Engagement Specialist, Fulbright University Vietnam
Licensed Professional Counselor
Understanding people. Changing systems.
My work focuses on how psychological science can improve people's lives, not only through individual care, but by helping organizations and institutions better understand the people they serve. I work across education, healthcare, and business to strengthen programs, develop professionals, and improve how systems respond to human needs.
Whether I'm working with organizational leaders, training mental health professionals, or teaching the next generation of practitioners, my goal is to bridge research and practice. I help people and institutions identify what's working, understand what's falling short, and translate psychological insights into meaningful, lasting change.
Working across boundaries.
Much of my work begins with understanding where schools, healthcare providers, or other institutions aren't meeting people's needs. I work with educators, mental health professionals, and organizational leaders to identify what's getting in the way and find practical ways to improve how their programs and services operate.
In Vietnam, this often means adapting psychological approaches developed in Western contexts rather than assuming they'll work equally well everywhere. I draw on local perspectives and cultural knowledge to help develop approaches that make sense for the people and communities they're intended to serve.
Teaching & Scholarship
At Fulbright University Vietnam, I teach psychology and scientific inquiry, connecting ideas with questions students encounter in their communities. Through experiential learning, research, and mentorship, I encourage students to examine evidence, consider different perspectives, and question familiar explanations. I’m interested in how psychological knowledge develops across cultures and how it can inform practice.
Practice, Training & Consultation
As a clinician and co-founder of the Vietnam Institute of Psychology, my work includes psychotherapy, clinical supervision, professional training, and consultation with schools and organizations. I help assess needs, identify gaps in support, and develop recommendations grounded in evidence and context. Building professional capacity and strengthening preventive approaches are central interests.
Leadership & Global Engagement
My leadership experience includes developing academic programs, clinical services, and professional training opportunities. As Global Engagement Specialist at Fulbright University Vietnam, I help develop international partnerships supporting research, exchanges, and experiential learning. Across these roles, I bring people together around shared priorities and help translate ideas into plans, programs, and opportunities for collaboration.
Perspectives
Ideas, experiences, and reflections from my work in psychology, education, and beyond.
What could we build together?
I welcome conversations with people who care about the communities and institutions they serve and are willing to ask difficult questions about how things could work better.
You might be exploring a research collaboration, developing a program, considering an international partnership, or planning an event. If our interests connect, I’d be glad to hear what you’re thinking.