OMA Member Spotlight: Rebecca Marshall, M.D., Championing Mental Health for Oregon's Youth

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness month, we are honored to highlight OMA member Rebecca Marshall, M.D., for all the remarkable work she has done for mental health in our Oregon communities.

Dr. Marshall is a distinguished child and adolescent psychiatrist, primarily dedicated to supporting youth and families in crisis.  Her clinical expertise is evident in her work within the Emergency Department and the pediatric ward at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Marshall’s commitment to children’s mental health extends beyond clinical practice into impactful research and systems improvement initiatives.  In collaboration with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and community behavioral health partners, she leads efforts to track and analyze behavioral health programs across the state.  This work is instrumental in identifying effective practices and highlighting areas needing improvement, thereby enhancing the overall system of care for children and families. 

In her dual role as clinician and researcher, Dr. Marshall leverages her insights to advocate for systemic changes.  Her leadership and dedication have been previously recognized during her tenure as President of the Oregon Council on Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (OCCAP) and as recipient of numerous accolades, including Oregon Child Psychiatrist of the Year in 2022, and multiple Portland Top Doctors awards.  Additionally, she has contributed valuable knowledge into multiple professional and community publications including a recent article published in the Oregon Capital Chronicle, “Oregon needs to approach children’s behavioral health with sense of urgency”.

Currently, Dr. Marshall serves as Associate Professor of Psychiatry in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU).  A graduate of OHSU’s combined MD/MPH program, she strives to integrate individual patient care with a broader community and systems perspective.

Dr. Marshall also serves as director of OHSU’s Data, Evaluation, and Technical Assistance (DAETA) Team for Children’s Mental Health, a role that underscores her commitment to utilizing data-driven approaches to improve mental health services.  Additionally, she leads an outpatient ketamine program clinic for youth, facilitating treatment for youth with severe major depressive disorder and suicidality, reflecting her deep commitment to innovative treatments for the most vulnerable populations.

Her passion for youth suicide prevention is evidenced by her involvement with the Oregon Alliance to Prevent Suicide. She has shared her expertise at prominent forums, including serving as a discussant at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) annual meeting on the topic of pediatric mental health boarding crises.Dr. Marshall’s dedication to education is equally notable.  She plays a crucial role in training the next generation of healthcare providers, including child psychiatry fellows, medical students, adult psychiatry and pediatric residents, and pediatric emergency medicine fellows.  As an attending physician for the OHSU Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Consultation/Liaison Service and its outpatient program, she is a vital mentor and educator.

Dr. Marshall’s multifaceted career exemplifies a profound commitment to advancing the field of child and adolescent psychiatry, advocating for systemic improvements, and fostering the development of future medical professionals dedicated to mental health.