Dr. Terri Erbacher is a clinical assistant professor in the School Psychology Program at PCOM. A New England native, Dr. Erbacher moved to New York to pursue her BA from Hofstra University before relocating to Philadelphia, where she received both her MEd and PhD degrees from Temple University.
Dr. Erbacher is a certified school psychologist and licensed psychologist, and has worked as a full-time school psychologist for the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) since 2000. She has taught previously at both Temple and Widener Universities and is happy to have joined the PCOM faculty. Dr. Erbacher's specific population and program expertise include nonpublic elementary and secondary schools, autistic support, learning support, early intervention, and supervision of school psychology interns. Dr. Erbacher is also extensively trained in crisis management and intervention and serves as part of multiple crisis teams.
Dr. Erbacher currently serves as a member of the Executive Board of the Delaware County Suicide Prevention Task Force, where she also serves on the Steering Committee and holds the position of co-chair of the Education and Scientific Advisory Committee. Suicide prevention is a particular area of research interest for Dr. Erbacher, and she has given multiple in-service presentations, seminars and keynote speeches on this topic, reaching out to teachers, school administration, parents and the community, as well as those who have lost loved ones to suicide.
As health psychology (mind-body relationships) is also an important facet of Dr. Erbacher's practice both professionally and personally, it is integral for her to maintain balance. She therefore also enjoys and finds time for many outdoor activities including kayaking, backpacking, running, and traveling extensively. Other current areas of research interest and practice include issues of diversity, autism, adolescent group therapy, as well as grief and community outreach to the newly bereaved.
Selected Publications & Presentations:
Erbacher, T.A. (2007). You are a Life Saver: Suicide Prevention & Awareness for School Staff. Teacher In-service presented to Archbishop Prendergast and Monsignor Bonner High Schools, Delaware County, PA.
Erbacher, T.A. (2006). Understanding and intervening with suicidal behaviors. In-service training presented to Delaware County psychologists, counselors and social workers, Delaware County, PA.
Erbacher, T.A. & Hyman, I.A. (2005). Corporal Punishment. In S.W. Lee (Ed.), Encyclopedia of School Psychology (pp. 120-122). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Erbacher, T. & Yavil, M. (2006). What is the difference between accommodating and modifying a curriculum: That is the question! Teacher In-service presented at the Delaware County Intermediate Unit and at Holy Cross School, Delaware County, PA.
Fakinos, M., Halkias, D., Serafidou, J., Eisenstein, J., Erbacher, T., & Hyman, I. (2001). Corporal punishment as means of discipline: Experiences and attitudes of Greece in 2000. Paper presented at the 2001 Alexandroupolis Conference, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
Erbacher, T.A. (2000). Cross cultural perspectives on corporal punishment: Methodological issues. Paper presented at the 2000 Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association (APA), Washington D.C.
